Dear friends,
We know that the economic climate in 2011 has continued to be challenging, so we're all the more grateful and flattered that so many of you continue to rely on our tools and resources for insight, guidance, and community.
For some fun around the holidays, GreenSpec is holding a virtual "open house"--giving you a sneak peek at some cool new products we're reviewing, and our first impressions. We'd like to hear what you think, so please read our first impressions below and then take the quick survey. Happy holidays! Update: Thank you for your feedback. We have closed the survey and are using it to inform our ongoing research agenda.
We're making our GreenSpec list and checking it twice. Crossing ozone depletion off of it feels mighty nice!
By Jennifer Atlee
With the holiday season upon us (yet no snow on the ground here in Vermont since the freak October storm that knocked out power across the Northeast) and the Durban climate deal still largely symbolic, I thought some environmental good cheer was in order.
Grid-tied solar could have a siginificant role in the smart grid--if we can get the lithium ion battery technology right.
People living off the grid using photovoltaics (PV) or other renewable energy to generate power typically depend on maintaining banks of lead-acid batteries and carefully managing the amount of energy they store and use as well as maintaining those batteries for long-term durability.
Climate scientists tell us that we can expect more of these sorts of problems in the years and decades ahead.
Most of the area I biked through last spring was parched, including this ranch in New Mexico.
Back by popular demand, BuildingGreen presents a FREE 1-Hour Webcast on Thursday, December 15, 2011 1 p.m. EST
After presenting this webcast this week to a full house, Alex Wilson is bringing it back next week with an encore performance!
To help professionals make the best design and material choices for their specific projects (and budgets), BuildingGreen recently developed and released the Guide to Insulation Products and Practices.
Drying your hands requires far more water than washing them, according to a surprising new manufacturer study.
Choosing light bulbs can be a baffling ordeal. An award-winning app uses EPA data to make it simple again.
How many apps does it take to change a light bulb?
Do you really know the difference between FSC and SFI? Has the federal government ended all our greenwashing woes? Find out below!
We invite you to test your knowledge with this quiz that we came up with covering key questions around when our building products are green, and when they're being greenwashed.
When Smells Signal Building Science Problems
A victim of a hepatitis E infection she picked up unknowingly in Brazil, Genevive Bjorn's liver rebelled against her one night in Hawaii. Her body almost shut down on her, but with help from the hospital, a battery of tests, her watchful boyfriend at her side, and a diet of nothing but rice porridge, she squeaked through.
BuildingGreen presents a FREE 1-Hour Webcast on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 2 p.m. EST
To help professionals make the best design and material choices for their specific projects (and budgets), BuildingGreen recently developed and released the Guide to Insulation Products and Practices.
Letting short-term payback analyses drive economic decisions about high-performance buildings is crazy.
