Tag Archives: LEED/green design

Wind Power: It’s in the air!

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wind power turbinesWind Power.  It’s been defined as green, clean, sustainable, and even affordable.  In an effort to be more “green,” save or even generate money, and reduce waste, several companies are turning to the wind turbine.

In Indiana, Purdue University and its commercial partner Performance Services have planned and designed a  $200 million wind farm scheduled to begin generating electric power by late 2012.  Earlier this week, the University gave approval to proceed with the project, which will involve obtaining regulatory approval.  If the project is approved, the team hopes to generate 100 megawatts, which could power up to 25,000 homes.

In Canada, Greengate Power Corp. just this week  has received provincial approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission to build Canada’s largest wind farm in southern Alberta.  The project  is expected to be Canada’s largest operating wind energy project with a total generating capacity of 300 megawatts when it is completed.

Also this week, in a town outside of Boston, the local Conservation Commission has approved a wind turbine project, despite objections from the local golf club.

Closer to home, Iberdrola Renewables earlier this year filed an application with the North Carolina Utilities Commission to build what would be the state’s first commercial wind farm in Pasquotank and Perquimans counties.  If approved, the project would occupy approximately 20,000 acres of private land near Elizabeth City, and could potentially provide electricity for 55,000 to 70,000 North Carolina homes.  Construction of the structure, if approved, is slated to begin by the end of this year and could create about 400 jobs.

Share your thoughts:

What is your opinion of wind turbines? Do they make sense?  Is the return on investment worth the additional upfront costs? Do you just plain think they are ugly and not want them in your backyard, or do you see them as modern art and things of beauty?  Drop me a comment!

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Photo:  FreeFoto.com

LEED Multi-Family Tour (Tue Tip)

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Want to peek into what is scheduled to become the first LEED certified multi-family housing complex in Wake County?  The Triangle USGBC (US Green Building Council) will be hosting a “Walk-n-Talk” at  Highland Terrace in Cary, which is part of DHIC, Inc., the Triangle area’s oldest and largest non-profit housing organization.

The issues presented will include:

  • installing optimum mechanical systems;
  • specific plumbing and water conservation feature;
  • building features that insure healthy indoor air quality for residents;
  • the interface between LEED certification and the current Fire Code; and
  • other challenges related to following LEED Homes guidelines in a multi-story, corridor building with interior apartment entrances.

NC Triangle Logo

Details of the Event:

When:  March 10th, 2011    4-6pm

Where:  Highland Terrace, Cary, North Carolina

Fees:  Free (members)/$10 (nonmembers); Pre-registration is required.

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A tale of 2 green roofs

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green roof

Chicago City Hall’s Green Roof

Two commercial “green” roofs have been in the news this week.   One involves a collapse; one involves energy savings.

Green Roof Collapse

The green roof at the Aquascape, Inc. warehouse in Illinois collapsed over the weekend, likely due to melting snow and ice.   A 50 foot wide section of th 256,000-square-foot roof (allegedly the largest sloping green roof in North America) collapsed on Sunday, although no injuries were reported.  A team of structural engineers from the building’s design firm is investigating the cause.  As noted in a company press release, St. Charles, IL, where Aquascape Inc’s head office is located, had been recently hit with a major snow storm where 20.6 inches of snow had fallen in less than 24 hours, followed by above freezing temperatures causing a quick thaw.  An ice damn at the base is suspected to have backed the water up over the parking structure causing its collapse.

Solar Roof goes “live”

While Aquascape’s engineers are investigating their roof collapse, there is some good green roof news closer to home.  Raleigh-based marble company David Allen Company has recently “flipped the switch” on a photovoltaic solar energy facility that  it claims is one of the largest rooftop photovoltaic systems in the Triangle, with  700 solar modules covering 23,000 square feet of the rooftop of the company’s warehouse.  The company hopes to offset at least 35% of its current electrical costs, and sell energy to Progress Energy as well, according to Triangle Business Journal.

Legal Implications related to Roof Design?

Both of these roofs bring up legal issues.  Was the Aquascape green roof designed appropriately to accommodate loads in a winter climate?

With so many roof collapses this winter (including, of course,  the Minneapolis metrodome) , is there, or should there be, a duty on the building’s owner/maintenance crew to proactively remove snow accumulations?

For new solar roofs, such as at David Allen Company, who assumes the risk if the expected cost savings are not realized?

Based on the sheer number of roof collapses this winter, and the number of green projects growing steadily, there is sure to be some litigation addressing at least some of these issues in the near future.  Stay tuned.

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Photo Courtsey Wikipedia/Creative Commons license 

Green Home Show & Tell (Tue Tip)

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"Green Triangles" This Saturday, February 5th,   the Triangle USGBC will be having a green home “show and tell”.  Come by the Austin home (2825 Barmettler Street, Raleigh) from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.  The home is still under construction, so you can see the wall cavity and all the green systems prior to drywall, including: ICF foundation, advanced framing techniques, high efficiency windows, efficient plumbing design, and spray foam insulation.

The event is free and open to the public.

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Photo: “duo pine trees”  (c) Christmas Stock Images via Creative Commons License.

HealthyBuilt Homes Program- is it for you? (Tue Tip)

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NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program

Are you a North Carolina builder or designer interested in energy-efficient homes?  Want a “marketing edge” with your clients, to demonstrate why you are the professional they should use for the construction of their new home? 

If so, then check out the NC HealthyBuilt Homes Program website, which features checklists, requirements, and links to other  information on tax incentives for building healthier, greener homes.  In the builder section of the website, they even include a downloadable brochure for your customers, to help you stand out from the crowd.

Questions? Comments?  Part of the HealthyBuilt program?  Share your thoughts in the comments section.