Grand Rapids has quietly focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy over the past decade, and has won acclaim as one of the U.S.’s greenest cities.
Green Home & Building
Which Is Greener, New Construction or Retrofitting?
According to a recent report, retrofitting an existing building beats the pants off of new green construction, in terms of eco-benefits, in nearly all cases.
Charlotte, N.C., Sets Its Sites On Sustainability
Envision Charlotte is a unique public-private partnership with Duke Energy at the helm that aims to help Charlotte become a global model for sustainability.
The Postgreen Take On The Urban Garage
Green developments in dense urban areas with nearby public transportation options and essential amenities don’t typically come with garages, but this one does.
In Copenhagen, A Neighborhood Keeps Pace With Climate Change
Plans for Copenhagen’s Saint Kjeld’s neighborhood aim to keep pace with Denmark’s changing climate by slowing storm water run off, creating more green spaces.
New Walmart Store Brings Big Green Roof To Portland
The new Walmart store that recently broke ground in North Portland will include a host of eco-features, the largest of which is a 40,600-square-foot Ecoroof.
In Utah, Affordable Green Homes Teach Green Build Skills
In Moab, Community Rebuilds uses straw bale construction and an army of interns to build green homes for low-income residents while teaching green build skills.
Retrofitting Vs. New (Green) Construction: Which Is Greener?
When is a green school (maybe) not a green school? When an existing building must be torn down to make way for a new, net zero elementary facility in Cambridge.
In Dubai, The Emirates’ First Green Government Building
The new headquarters of the UAE’s Dubai Energy and Water Authority is on the rise in Dubai, and is being built to the highest green standards in the land.
SoCal Affordable Housing Complex Keeps Its Cool With Bamboo
An affordable housing complex in Santa Monica makes use of a bamboo grove to retain storm water and create a cool microclimate, avoiding the need for AC.
In Brazil, A Sustainable City Sector Under Development
The northwest sector of Brasília mandates the use of solar power, solar thermal and natural gas — and picks up residential recycling via vacuum tubes.
Farmed Fish Float (Almost) Free In Clever Geodesic Domes
The Aquapod is a floating mesh sphere (inspired by the geodesic dome) for the open ocean that offers a greener, more humane alternative to near-shore farming.
The Netherlands’ “Inspiration House” Models Cradle-To-Cradle
Designed, in part, by the visionary behind cradle-to-cradle design, the Bosch Siemens Hausgeräte “Inspiration House” offers a showcase for zero-waste building.
London 2012: Green Building Wins (And Fails)
This summer’s Olympics have been called the greenest yet — but the lion’s share of its emissions were generated by the (green) buildings of the Olympic Park.