Green Products Go Virtual on Google SketchUp

Computer-aided design (CAD) is old hat, but now the Internet is offering manufacturers new opportunities to market to designers using CAD. Google’s 3D Warehouse allows manufacturers to create three-dimensional models of their products for use in its SketchUp design tool; many of these products are green. Whirlpool, for example, offers a group of its Energy Star appliances, Sloan offers models of its waterless urinals, and Google has gathered a collection of generic green building components such as photovoltaic systems and wind turbines. Architects are also uploading designs for green buildings: Michelle Kaufman Designs has uploaded models of its green prefabricated houses, and a model for a green dormitory at Stanford University allows users to explore early design ideas from the project. More information is available at sketchup.google.com.