Obama Administration Will Remove Barriers to Home Energy Retrofits

Submitted by ecofactory on Tue, 2009-10-20 22:31
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Obama Administration Will Remove Barriers to Home Energy Retrofits

WASHINGTON, DC, October 20, 2009 (ENS) - The emergence of a home retrofit market that would increase energy efficiency and cut home energy bills has been hampered by lack of access to reliable information, financing and skilled workers, finds a new report released today by Vice President Joe Biden.

Knoend Brings IDEA Award-Winning Furniture to West Coast Green

Submitted by Nate Kharrl on Fri, 2009-10-09 10:49
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Knoend Brings IDEA Award-Winning Furniture to West Coast Green

Knoend, the design studio of award-winning designer Ivy Chuang, displayed the newest ideas in eco-friendly furniture at West Coast Green's innovation pipeline.
Knoend's lite2go, which utilizes the packaging in the final product.

When Ivy Chuang founded her design studio, Knoend, in 2006, the world knew very little about this world-traveling computer science undergrad turned designer. Today, Ivy's studio has received awards from home and houseware design conventions around the world for her focus on blending sustainability with crafty ideas and the clever reuse of what Americans typically think of as "waste." Featured on West Coast Green's innovation pipeline, Knoend proved that high design and reclaimed materials can go hand-in-hand.

Sustainable Spaces Advocates Home Performance at West Coast Green

Submitted by Nate Kharrl on Thu, 2009-10-08 11:00
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Sustainable Spaces Advocates Home Performance at West Coast Green

Sustainable Spaces showed West Coast Green attendees the importance of energy efficiency when taking action against climate change.
Daniel Bell, Home Performance Specialist for Sustainable Spaces

Sustainable Spaces, founded by green thought leader Matt Golden, brought the high-tech tools of home performance to the floor of West Coast Green. Using equipment like a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera, the crew at Sustainable Spaces explained some of the energy savings and health benefits to be had from performing these specialty renovations. One of the most talked about renovations involves sealing leaky air ducts, which Sustainable Spaces claims leaks about 30% of the air pushed through it.

EPA Recognizes Portland Furniture Builders, The Joinery, for Outstanding Eco-Commitment

Submitted by Nate Kharrl on Wed, 2009-09-16 17:28
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EPA Recognizes Portland Furniture Builders, The Joinery, for Outstanding Eco-Commitment

The Environmental Protection Energy named The Joinery as a Green Power partner for their dedication to fighting climate change.
Portland Mayor Sam Adams get a tour of The Joinery

The Joinery, a hardwood furniture manufacturer out of Portland, OR, recently received recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency for their dedication to fighting climate change by using renewable energy. Green Power partners, businesses using renewable energy to cover their electricity needs, are recognized by the EPA as leaders in the nation's voluntary green business sector. The Joinery has been purchasing green power since 1996 when wind-power renewable energy certificates became available for purchase.

Dovetail Partners Examines Selection of Green Flooring Materials

Submitted by Nate Kharrl on Wed, 2009-09-16 11:41
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Press Release:

Dovetail Partners Examines Selection of Green Flooring Materials

(Mpls, MN) — A new report from Dovetail Partners, a Minneapolis-based non-profit, examines available life cycle assessment (LCA) data for alternative flooring products. The findings provide a useful guide for selecting green flooring materials.

Dwell Development's South Alaska Street Residence

Submitted by Nate Kharrl on Wed, 2009-09-16 11:35
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Press Release:

Dwell Development's South Alaska Street Residence

September 15, 2009. Seattle, Washington — Dwell Development is one of a select group of Seattle Design/Build firms that have risen to the top during a very challenging period in the local and national real estate markets. In a short period of time they have established a strong brand identity and have set a high bar for residential infill development with their skillful blend of design, location, environmentally friendly building practices and community involvement.

EU Phases out Incandescent Lightbulbs

Submitted by Nate Kharrl on Wed, 2009-09-09 10:28
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EU Phases out Incandescent Lightbulbs

The EU phase-out of incandescent bulbs began last week amid protest. Will America follow suit?
Broken incandescent bulb on a shadowy table.

130 years after Edison tested the first commercially viable lightbulb, EU legislators are finally closing the book on this life-changing, but what some see as an antiquated technology. Restrictions on the sale of incandescent bulbs began last week with the phase-out of 100W incandescent bulbs. These efforts are being hailed as a method of saving energy and combating global warming, yet consumers are still flocking to stores to stock up on the old-style bulbs for aesthetic or personal reasons.

Chairman Ray Anderson on Sustainability: "Someday, People like me will end up in Jail"

Submitted by Nate Kharrl on Wed, 2009-09-02 16:17
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Chairman Ray Anderson on Sustainability: "Someday, People like me will end up in Jail"

Green TV

Ray Anderson is the founder and chairman of Interface Inc, the largest manufacturer of commercial carpet and modular residential carpet. 15 years ago, Anderson was faced by new and frightening questions from their customers concerning the environmental impact of his products.

Illinois Enacts Energy Efficiency Standards for New Homes

Submitted by ecofactory on Tue, 2009-09-01 11:35
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Illinois Enacts Energy Efficiency Standards for New Homes

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, September 1, 2009 (ENS) - With the summer drawing to a close, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed new legislation into law Friday creating statewide minimum energy efficiency standards for new homes. The new standards are intended to save Illinois families money on energy costs, reduce energy waste and cut carbon emissions.

Designers Accord: Powerful Approach to Accelerating Sustainability

Designers Accord: Powerful Approach to Accelerating Sustainability

Submitted by Debbie Deland on Thu, 2009-08-27 09:38
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Powerful Approach to Accelerating Sustainability

‘The Designers Accord’ is a creative approach to accelerating sustainability and a role model for other job disciplines or industries. So what is ‘The Designers Accord’? It asks designers worldwide (new product developers, architects, interior designers) to commit to 5 sustainability principles for themselves and their businesses. It is about addressing sustainability on every project with every client. Designing sustainability into a new building, a new product/service, etc. is the best way to achieve sustainable results.