What happens when open source, meets sustainability and tackle on housing? Apparently, a small starter house with state-of-the-art eco features for less than $25,000 and built in five days using materials available at your local hardware store or made from the raw resources of your land.
Green
There is still ongoing confusion as to how Chicagoans recycle, and what items can or can’t be thrown into the blue bins.
This flexible material turns any surface into a solar panel
The Illinois Commerce Commission has just approved a $67 million rate decrease, $17 million more than the $50 million decrease ComEd proposed. Because of the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA) or smart grid law, a 2011 statue that guarantees utilities a return each, has allow ComEd to secure more than […]
While solar is comprised of a diverse suite of technologies, there are three main types: photovoltaics (PV), solar heating & cooling (SHC), and concentrating solar power (CSP). Homeowners and businesses interested in going solar are primarily interested in the first two technologies, while utilities and large-scale energy project developers primarily […]
Someone passed this along to me, and will be attempting to test this out soon. I’m leaving the details here, in case anyone else is interested. You will be using candles – so will want to be home if attempting, and as always, practice safe measures and procedures. Wanting to […]
On Tuesday, the Illinois legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) did not vote on proposed regulations for horizontal hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” in Illinois, making the next opportunity for a vote Nov. 6. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) had collected more than 30,000 comments from the public […]
Green roofs have long been promoted as an easy and effective strategy for beautifying the building and increasing investment opportunity, especially in areas where outdoor space is limited. Condo associations have even started to implement green roofs and planter boxes for residents. There are additional benefits to green roofs as […]
(source: Proud Green Home) Driven by strong year-over-year growth in the utility and residential markets, the United States installed 1,330 megawatts of solar photovoltaics (PV) in the first quarter of 2014. According to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industry Association’s (SEIA) Q1 2014 U.S. Solar Market Insight Report, the U.S. […]
Though it may not fully feel like it, spring is upon us! April showers, is the time many homeowners start to prep their lawns and gardens for the coming summer. But there are a few things some homeowners can do to not only make their lawns green, but themselves. Typically, […]
The American Council For An Energy-Efficient Economy released its score card that ranks cities. Chicago has come in at the top ten, ranking 9th overall as one of the greenest cities in the country. Boston topped the list primarily because of its community-wide efforts and programs, scoring 76.75 out of […]
The Chicago City Council has passed a controversial ordinance requiring landlords to show how much energy their buildings use. The new law requires the owners of around 3,500 commercial, residential and local government buildings in Chicago to track energy consumption and report the findings to the city, according to a […]
Air conditioning used to be a luxury — but as Doris Kim Sung points out in this talk from TEDxUSC, modernized society has become thoroughly air-conditioning reliant. This is largely a problem of materials, says Sung, a professor at the USC School of Architecture. Many new buildings — especially skyscrapers […]
For the past few years, I have been explaining deconstruction to clients, and lately it seems to be growing in interest and curiosity. Deconstruction is the process of salvaging materials from a home. Both raw and finished materials could be salvaged and reused in a new home, or even donated […]
For clients traveling, or for those out of state interested in learning about solid state lighting. I did see the Solid State lighting display during Greenbuild and it is worth checking out if in the area and have the time! Solid-state lighting (SSL) refers to a type of lighting that […]
Home owners may be able to take advantage of several tax credits for energy efficiency home improvements from this year. But time is running out, the tax credits are set to expire Dec. 31, and Congress has yet to renew them for 2012. “Making efficiency improvements this year will lower […]
The National Building Museum Lecture Series sponsored by the U.S Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy The National Building Museum is a registered provider of continuing education credit for the AIA, ASLA, AICP, and U.S. Green Building Council. National Building Museum (directions below) Wednesday, June 29, 2011 12:30 […]
Air sealing is a new program and People’s Gas wants to test it out through a small pilot program. The timeline is fast approaching so take action soon if interested. From CNT, a division of Center for Neighborhood Technology. CNT Energy is partnering with the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program […]
I am happy to introduce LaManda Joy, author of the edible gardening blog TheYarden.com and founder of The Peterson Garden Project (which by the way we are raffling off two open bar tickets to their next event) which is a revival Victory Garden in Chicago’s 40th ward. She wants everyone […]
World population and demand are increasing, but supply isn’t. Perhaps more than ever, water efficiency and conservation have become vital. Take time to make small repairs and learn how you can lower energy costs while helping to conserve freshwater supplies. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
The third worst snowstorm in Chicago’s history has reinforced the importance of heating / heat-loss, building envelope and preventative measures.
With sustainable and energy efficiency becoming a popular trend in homes, many are looking to capitalize off this billion dollar industry, but not always truthfully. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
The Center for Neighborhood Technology has been around since 1978 helping to promote urban sustainability. They were most recently noted in the closing remarks at this week’s Greenbuild 2010 expo by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. I had the opportunity to attend Greenbuild this year, which was held in Chicago at […]
I attended the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo today at McCormick Place West. There were an astounding number of vendors and attendees and imagine tomorrow will be no different.
Simple and cost-effective Green projects for your home. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
With changing technologies, public awareness and continual research being developed, it is important to further learn and understand the impact these technologies can have not only on the market, but how we live. As of today, I am proud to announce that I have completed all the necessary coursework and […]
Many homeowner and builders are planning and developing new green design projects in their developments and existing homes. This first part in a series explores the planning of green developments. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
With many facing economic constraints, many owners are pondering how to keep energy costs low and affordable before putting on multiple layers and a coat indoors. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
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