A San Francisco-based company, Hornblower Yachts, is working with Solar Sailor of Sydney, Australia, to construct two 600-passenger trimarans for Alcatraz (at a cost of between $6 million and $8 million apiece) that will run on as much on sun and … [Continue Reading]
Optimal Green: Daylighting
October 10, 2006 by Leave a Comment
Most modern buildings don't take full advantage of daylight. Here, in the Plaza at PPL Center, a dramatic eight-story central glass atrium brings natural light deep into the core of the building, while extensive perimeter glazing provides abundant … [Continue Reading]
Modern Rainwater Tank: The LUMI
October 6, 2006 by 4 Comments
Unfortunately, most rainwater tanks and cisterns are unsightly blocks of concrete or plastic. The LUMI Rainwater Tank, however, was designed by Katrina Logan to be visually appealing. It's made of sculptural satin acrylic and can be made in a range … [Continue Reading]
Daylighting and Shading: Green Building In Hong Kong
September 29, 2006 by 1 Comment
Here's an example of daylighting at the Hong Kong Science Park. Notice that the light is filtered through translucent skylights and clerestories in a central atrium, thus reducing glare and overheating. The top of the building has shades, see them … [Continue Reading]
Solar Water Heating: Book Review
September 22, 2006 by 3 Comments
Solar Water Heating is the first book I've seen that focuses solely on solar water heating. It's a technique that's been practiced since ancient times, but until now there's been strangely few resources on the topic for a North American audience. The … [Continue Reading]
Good Green Kitchens
September 11, 2006 by 1 Comment
This new book by Jennifer Roberts is a detailed and well-photographed guide to remodeling your kitchen using green techniques. Roberts examines green kitchen building materials in depth, and brief surveys water and energy efficiency in the kitchen. … [Continue Reading]
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
September 3, 2006 by 152 Comments
Note: This post has been expanded and updated for 2009! Tankless water heaters only heat water when it is needed. About 8% to 30% of the energy consumed by a standard water heater goes to keeping the water hot while it's not being used. New … [Continue Reading]
Olive Oil Lamps
September 2, 2006 by 1 Comment
Lehman's is now offering these newly upgraded olive oil lamps with stands. Olive oil is a renewable, non-petroleum fuel which burns without fumes or odor. You can also burn any vegetable oil, or liquid fat or grease in these lamps. The makers of the … [Continue Reading]
Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Sippy Cups
August 25, 2006 by 3 Comments
Klean Kanteen has just introduced this non-toxic Sippy Cup for toddlers. It is made with stainless steel, and it does not have epoxy coating in the inside. It's coupled with a non-leaching #5 polypropylene adaptor and #5 polypropylene sippy spout. … [Continue Reading]
Efficient: Solar Concentrators
August 18, 2006 by Leave a Comment
A field of solar concentrators by Energy Innovations. … [Continue Reading]
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