Single-cup coffee makers gaining ground.
despite some consumers expressing dismay over the environmental impact, single-cup coffee makers gaining ground. via globe and mail [RK]
Green pedestrian crossing. China.
click > enlarge
The more you walk, the greener the trees will be. Well, that’s the message the creators are intending to make. Almost 4 million people stepped in a green environmentally friendly washable and quick dry paint, then walked across a massive canvas measuring 12.6 x 7 meters that was stretched at at pedestrian crossing in 15 different cities in China. Credits go to Jody Xuibg from DDB China in cooperation with the China Environmental Protection Foundation. 40% of carbon monoxide emissions come from cars. According to China’s Ministry of Commerce; the country is now the world’s largest car market with over 500 million vehicles on the road. 132 trees were created. After the campaign, the above print was exhibited at the Shanghai Zheng Da Art Museum.
[ ddb china ]
Vectrix vx-1 li e-scooter re-energized
click > enlarge
[ designapplause updated post ] It came to our attention that an 2009 electric concept vehicle thought to have been literally unplugged in 2010 has won “European e-Scooter of the Year” Award for the VX-1 Li/Li+ at Belgium’s Circuit Zolder’s “CleanWeek 2020” Event this past May 2012. [ CleanWeek 2020 ] Current images of the scooter above and below:
USA distributor [ details ] [ pierspeed ]
[ The content below from a DesignApplause 16 July 2009 post ]
The Tesla of the electric scooter world is on life support. Almost everyone laid off.
above photo: flickr
above photo: flickr
The company has not made any money but they have invested heavily in the product. It would be nice to see this product plugged back in.
via treehugger
How things work: data drives zipcars.
data tells zipcars where to place their cars and which cars in which neighborhoods. via ad age [RK]
Reimagining the waterfront design ideas competition.
Civitas, a community-based organization, is calling architects, landscape architects, urban planners, students and artists to generate dramatic and original concepts for New York City’s east side waterfront park, from 60th to 125th streets, jump-starting a process that aspires to the transformation of the entire East River pedestrian experience. Submissions due 15 January 2012. Questions? info at civitasnyc dot org 212 996 0745
[ details ]
Green dot award call for entries.
Due to an enormous amount of requests deadline extended to 18 december.
The Green Dot Awards is a consumer guide to excellence in environmentally-sustainable practices. A business with a Green Dot Award is a business that can be trusted by consumers with stewardship of the environment. Recognition from the Green Dot Awards allows businesses to promote their products and services as items that are manufactured and delivered in an environmentally friendly manner.
If your product or services take into account environmental sustainability factors, you can enter to be recognized by one of the most prestigious international awards.
Submit your work in the following categories
build
— Revolutionary showcases of sustainable design and functional live/work spaces.
concept
— This category is reserved for environmental innovators with a revolutionary business proposal or plan.
service
— Any organized system of communication, employees and/or apparatus that supplies the consumer with support, resources, solutions for their eco-work and lifestyle.
product —
Everyday items with an exemplary design aesthetic that are accessible to the average consumer or business and that promote and support eco-conscious living.
media —
Films, festivals, television programs, visual arts, awareness campaigns or any other arts and culture media that bring awareness to the need for positive environmental change.
transportation
— Eco-innovations in mobility.
Good Luck! [ green dot awards ]
BMW i3 concept electric car announced.
BMW recently unveils two concept cars, the all electric i3 concept and a hybrid i8 concept. There’s no question which car I would like to have. But let’s talk about the all electric i3, designed for mass production, an urban environment, and no slouch in performance from a standstill start. an electric motor, maximum torque is developed from standstill, in contrast to an internal combustion engine where torque increases with engine rpm. This makes the BMW i3 Concept highly agile and provides impressive acceleration. The BMW i3 Concept accomplishes 0-60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in under eight seconds.
wide-opening opposing “coach” doors
The drivetrain called eDrive consists of an agile electric motor developed and built by BMW, innovative battery technology and an intelligent engine management system. The i3 Concept is nimble and a joy to drive.
The interior Life module is open and airy. The use of renewable raw materials is another defining characteristic of the interior, offering passengers a further means of “experiencing” the sustainability of the vehicle. Parts of the instrument panel and door paneling are visibly made from natural fibers. The car’s footprint is small but has four seats, wide-opening opposing “coach” doors, a boot capacity of around 200 liters and an additional functional compartment in the front. It’s also an intelligent car taking stress off of the urban driving experience.mThe BMW i3 is set for launch in 2013
[ bmw ] [ bmw i8 concept ]
Baggu pretty reuseable bags.
baggu
Baggu makes simple, high quality bags in many bright colors. They’re durable and fill many uses so you can own less stuff.
baggu | just three of many many color/size options
Let’s wager that the grocery stores, etc., will be selling fewer ugly reusable bags if you retweet this post.
big baggu
baggu leather
baggu leather
[ everything baggu ]
CMYK 2.0 folding electric bike available now.
The new CMYK 2.0 Folding Electric Bicycle is available until this Friday, October 14th, through idea.me for a contribution of $800—a great discount off of the retail price of $1,650. Get your own CMYK 2.0 here!
Brooklyness is ready to build the first batch—they just need your support to make that happen.
[ idea.me ] [ brooklyness ] [ manuel saez ]
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about phil patton
C3 prefab project. Chicago.
click on photos to enlarge
The C3 Prefab project, is a prototypical example a prefabricated sustainable residence (Chicago’s first) constructed in an urban environment.
C3 sets a high standard for energy efficiency by surpassing the current energy code by 54%, and becoming the first model for sustainable, affordable housing in Chicago. Reducing the upfront cost of housing is only part of the equation. The compounded savings by reducing energy usage gives homeowners an additional $282,000 at 10% over a 30-year period.
The C3 was designed to meet the LEED Platinum and Energy Star standards with low-tech, common sense solutions in lieu of expensive gadgetry. Many materials used were sustainably harvested as well as sourced through local vendors to encourage economic growth within the region. To date, this project has received Energy Star.
Relative to this project, the word ʻprefabʼ means that portions of the home were constructed off-site and shipped to the project location once the foundation and utilities were prepared. There are many prefab benefits. There’s a higher level of quality control within a factory setting. No “bad weather” means year-round, simultaneous construction for speedier delivery and timelines are more predictable. And an economy of labor and material Reducing labor and through the use of repetitive assembly lines and volume purchasing.
[ sustainable materials | benefits ]
• Uses 54% less energy and produces 64% less emissions then a comparable home. • Energy savings of over 70% in water heating costs due to solar thermal panels and on-demand water heating.
• Recycled content, low-maintenance exterior siding (galvalume corrugated and fiber cement board), and reclaimed barnwood siding.
• Low-VOC water based sealants and finishes; cabinetry and woodwork that contain no formaldehyde or toxic binders.
• Water-conserving plumbing fixtures and energy-efficient appliances and lighting; at least 80% of lighting is either compact fluorescent or LED.
• Recycled/sustainably harvested flooring (hickory and cork).
• Efficient floor plan with high ceilings and substantial natural light and ventilation reduce lighting and heating/cooling loads.
• Ductless, high-efficiency heating & air conditioning system provides quiet operation and controlled zoning for higher level of interior comfort.
• Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) provides continuous outdoor air circulation without energy loss.
• Natural native landscaping provides minimal maintenance and utilizes reclaimed storm water for irrigation.
• Roof is designed for future roof deck, vegetated green space, and photovoltaic (electricity producing) solar panels.
• All wood framing is FSC certified.
[ project data ]
designer: architect square root architecture + design jeffrey sommers
location: chicago usa
project size: single-family | 2039 sqft
hers rating: 46
[ resources ]
manufacturer: Hi-Tech Housing
general contractor: Helios Design + Build
energy consultant: The Sylvan Company
green rater/energy rater: Energy Diagnostics
interior furnishings: Post 27
landscape architect: KMS Gardens and Design
solar panel design & installation: Solar Service, Inc
mechanical consultant and installation: Ardmore Fresh Air
window consultant: Murphys Windows
[ materials and products ]
hvac system: Fujitsu Ductless
windows & doors: THV Compozit
kitchen & bath cabinetry: EcoUrban Collection
lighting consultant: Lightology
low-vov paint: Color Eco Paint Boutique
corrugated galvalume siding: Firestone UnaClad
cement board lap siding: James Hardie
floor & wall tile: Dal-Tile
erv: RenewAire
tankless water heater: Noritz
information/contact: architect square root architecture + design jeffrey sommers