Green Builders Blog

curiousniks asked:


i am doing a thesis and looking for green and renewable energy methods that can be installed in the design of my building/development.

it is a residential(condo) with commercial(community mall) development in a tropical climate.

the condo’s target market are middle-income families so the cheaper the cost of the green/renewable energy and its installation into the building, the better

the renewable power need not cover the whole electricity consumption, just a significant percentage to cut drastically on electricity bills

if you also have some sites that are about cheaper/clean/renewable/sustainable energy, or buildings that used cheap renewable electricity, let me know

thanks!! =)

Theresa

northamericanfarmer asked:


I’m doing a school project and we need ways to be green. I have to power a retirement community in Florida. I have 15 large condos, 3 beach houses, 3 restaurnats, a pool, gym, hot tub, sauna, grocery store, gas station, and several offices. They don’t have to power everything but I would like to be as green as possible. Also maybe other suggestions on good ways to go green.

Wilton

Oggy Boggy asked:


I think they should make new building codes that incorporate all these ideas into new building codes

solar panels
wind generators
passive ventilation
rainwater collection
super glass
geothermal heating pumps
solar heating
eaves
compact florescent bulbs

There are building codes that require all buildings to have bathrooms and fire exits. You can no longer have an outhouse and just one door. If buildings have to abide by those standards, then there is no reason why they shouldn’t abide by these in my book. What do you think?

Jose

miladybc asked:


I changed my light bulbs to those new swirly lower wattage ones and covered the attic floor with an insulation made from recyclable materials . What are you doing?
So far 2 days and such great ideas! We, too, are using our cloth bags with handles for shopping instead of getting paper or plastic ones from the store. We also use our bikes or walk to short trips to local shops instead of the car. Keep those thermostats down/up (according to season). More ideas, please!

Linwood

Mr. Quimper asked:


Are there large scale plans for the cities of the future. Green cities possibly? Futuristic skyscrapers?

Luciano

sequim2005 asked:


I have seen homes built completely round and are so unique. They are kit homes and shipped from the manufacturer, I would like to know about the experience with them and if it was all worth it. Would you do things differently and were there any serious drawbacks to the process. What is the shipping cost to the site. This type of home is Green and withstands all types of storms, etc, due to the contruction of being in the round design.

Reggie

khaozkitten asked:


This all started when I decided I wanted to build a green house, I’ve realised that my hometown could use more eco-friendly influence. I’ve seen ideas for subdivisions to develope the town going around alot latley because, due to finding oil around here, the town has suddenly boomed. Now more then ever, I think it would be good to have a green community…a subdivision of LEED certified sustainable houses, a community greenspace, and anything else I can think of for a strong eco-friendly community. I dont want or need it to be one of those places where you cant drive a gas car or eat meat…I’m happy to take this one little step at a time. Where would I get started? I know i need to draw up plans and present it to the town, but how do I do that in a convincing and proffesional manner? I dont have much money, influence, or traditional education, so I cant imagine that helps. Help please!

Sol

Phatmaus asked:


Where can I find individuals or groups who are building rammed earth / straw bale / cal-earth / recycled material buildings (residential or community) and are looking for volunteers to help? Or web resources where I can find listings of projects that need labor.

Carmelo

H4YL13 asked:


I’m entering the Siemens “We Can Change the World Challenge” along with 2 of my classmates. I live in a co-op so it shouldn’t be too hard to get people in my building involved, but I still need ideas on how we’re going to help the environment. Our topic is “going green” (I know it’s not very specific, but it’s what our professor assigned us.) Ideas like fliers and stickers are what we’re looking for as well as some ways to get the whole school involved. Thanks in advance! The fliers will be printed on my homemade paper (made out of recycled paper towels)

Jed

Q asked:


I recycle each week now and use the new canvas shopping bags. I have stupid questions like is it better to use paper plates as often as possible to save trees or better to use dish washing liquid that I am not sure can harm the environment. Do you have any tips or websites? I am new to this and want to get my 4 year old son involved now so it becomes routine for him. Thanks for any help!

Ty