Chuck Ross » Sustainable design

It’s a Small, Small World: Microgrids

Administrator — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:04:32 +0000

Bringing power to the people could be more than just a 1960’s era goal for social change if promoters of localized electricity distribution systems—called “microgrids”—have their way. Seen as one approach for safely incorporating on-site renewable resources into the larger utility grid, microgrids are gaining new attention among both researchers and marketers. This article ran in the February 2010 issue of Electrical Contractor magazine.
It’s a Small, Small World: Microgrids

Financing the Future

Administrator — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:13:57 +0000

Renewable-energy technology is advancing at a rapid clip. What’s not widely known is that financing options for those who wish to own/operate solar, wind and other energy-generating equipment are evolving just as quickly. Making sense of your financial choices takes some homework, though, and likely more than a few phone calls, including at least one to your accountant.

This article is one of a continuing series in the Electrical Design Library published by the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Financing the Future

One Word: Plastics

Administrator — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:50:11 +0000

The presence of wooden electric utility poles is, by now, such a familiar part of the U.S. landscape that many of us barely notice them anymore. For electric utilities, however, those faithful powerline supports can pose numerous problems, so some companies are looking more seriously at a modern-day alternative. Like Benjamin Braddock in the film “The Graduate,” utilities are being urged to consider plastics in their pole-purchasing plans. This article was originally published in the May 2009 issue of Electrical Contractor magazine.
One Word: Plastics

Passive Solar Design: A Cool Idea for Hot Savings

Administrator — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:07:30 +0000

Solar panels are getting a lot of attention lately as a way to turn the energy of the sun into electricity we can use in our homes. With another solar technology, passive solar design, builders also can create homes that require significantly less energy to heat and cool. This article was published originally in April 2009 on the LowesForPros.com website.
Passive Solar Design: A Cool Idea for Hot Savings

Courting Green Design

Administrator — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:05:25 +0000

Government agencies at all levels have made more efficient and environmentally friendly construction the law of the lad for courthouses. Meeting these demands requires a careful balancing of both green-building goals and facility-specific requirements. This article was published originally in the April issue of Architectural Products magazine.

Courting Green Design

Your Solar Energy Options

Administrator — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:02:54 +0000

Even if you’ve never previously thought about solar (PV or thermal) as an option for your building, it’s a good time to investigate your solar-power options.

This article is one of a continuing series in the Electrical Design Library published by the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Your Solar Energy Options

Sustaining Your Business With Sustainable Design

Administrator — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:12:03 +0000

There’s no doubt that green building is in the black, even as the overall housing market hemorrhages red ink. The value of green-building construction climbed from $10 billion in 2005 to between $36 billion and $49 billion in 2008, according to a recent McGraw-Hill Construction report. Builders in the field agree with this assessment, but say both builders and homeowners need more education on what “green” really means. This article was published originally on the LowesForPros.com website.
Sustaining Your Business With Sustainable Design

Green Building Design Is in the Details

Administrator — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 14:09:35 +0000

Environmentally sensitive and energy efficient construction is a hot topic among potential homebuyers today. In fact, a recent McGraw-Hill Construction report predicts the green-building market could triple by 2013. According to the report, the burgeoning green market could reach a potential value of $96 billion to $140 billion, indicating a possible bright spot in today’s otherwise dismal housing sector. Becoming successful in this field begins with not only educating yourself, but your buyers as well. This story was published originally in March 2009 on the LowesForPros.com website.
Green Building Design Is in the Details

Now You See Dirt – Now You Don’t

Administrator — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:36:07 +0000

Buildings that clean themselves – the idea sounds like something out of science fiction movie or a 1950s version of the future. But, in this case, fiction is becoming reality, thanks to the nano-scale technology being incorporated into concrete mixtures and window surfaces. This story was published originally in the March 2009 issue of Architectural Products magazine.
Now You See Dirt – Now You Don’t

Begin Boosting Efficiency With an Energy Audit

Administrator — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 14:42:08 +0000

Energy-efficient upgrades offer all of us the opportunity to cut both energy related emissions and energy bills, without the fuss of installing and learning to operate a new technology. An energy audit is an important first step to understanding which of these upgrades will pack the biggest energy-savings punch. This article originally was posted on the LowesForPros website in March 2009.
Begin Boosting Efficiency With an Energy Audit