Chicagos Green Agent

A beach in Costa Rica and this

2010-03-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

Ok I can take Arthur, my dog Twist, and my Scotch Blue label, and my pc so I can tell you all how happy I am.

I can so feel this Video!!

2010-02-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

2009-09-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

September 18, 2009, 3:30 pm

Zeta to Mass-Produce Efficient Homes
By Leora Broydo Vestel
Zeta Communities Zeta Communities, a high-efficiency modular home start-up in San Francisco, plans to open a 91,000-square-foot factory next week.
The same economic downturn that wreaked havoc on home manufacturers appears to be creating opportunities for Zeta Communities, a hopeful purveyor of ultra-efficient multifamily housing.

To date, the company has built just one 1,540-square-foot demonstration home in Oakland to support its thesis that high-efficiency can also be affordable.

The installed cost for the unit – which was factory-built and includes photovoltaics, automated energy controls and high-performance insulation – is about $165 a square foot. A comparable unit built on site would cost about $250 a square foot, according to Zeta.

Now flush with orders arising from the demonstration home, Zeta tells Green Inc. that it is poised to cut the ribbon on a 91,000-square-foot factory for building modular homes in Sacramento County.

The plant — on a former Air Force hangar that had most recently housed a conventional modular home factory — will have the capacity to churn out 400 prefabricated “green” units a year, according to Zeta representatives. The company plans to hire 200 workers — including some from the now defunct company that previously occupied the site.

The company is aiming to become the first mass producer of what is known in green building circles as “net zero energy” homes – those that generate enough renewable energy on site to equal or exceed their annual energy use.

The factory is scheduled to begin production next week.

“The reopening of the factory is symbolic of moving into the new green economy and creating new jobs,” said Naomi Porat, Zeta’s chief executive officer.

While the recession has slowed or halted many housing projects – including zero energy projects – private investors have continued to push the green building envelope.

Zeta, for example, received a $5 million infusion of venture capital financing last October.

Public agencies are also investing heavily in the zero-energy concept. The Department of Energy – which recently announced its own zero-energy initiative – is doling out $100 million for research projects that “advance zero-energy building technology.”

And state regulators at the California Public Utilities Commission are poised to approve $43 million for zero-energy projects, including the construction of pilot buildings and the development of ways to measure and verify their true costs and energy savings.

California agencies are already aiming for all new residential construction in the state to be zero-energy by 2020, with all new commercial buildings hitting the mark by 2030.

“At a government level we hope to provide funding for the private sector to ensure California has the most comprehensive zero net energy program in the world,” said Dian Grueneich, a C.P.U.C. commissioner. “Companies like Zeta are showing this is not some academic idea, but is something that can be done in the here and now with existing technologies.”

The efficiencies of building homes in a factory setting , together with an integrated design process (where the architect, structural engineer and construction manager work in parallel), contribute to reduced costs, Ms. Porat explained.

She said Zeta’s start-to-finish development process required 50 percent less time compared with the typical design-and-build process.

“It wasn’t just the credit crisis,” she said, reflecting on the financial drubbing home builders have experienced in recent years. “The old system was not sustainable or resource-efficient.”

Green Is In And I'm Getting Left Behind

2008-11-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

I have not been Able to concentrate on my blog Due to the sad state of the economy and my complete attention consumption of the 2008 Elections. "Yes WE Did". I'm Looking forward to President-Elect Obama's Environmental Policy Plans for our future. "Go Green Realty" may be a reality very very soon.

The beauty of these elegantly folded bamboo structures is far more than skin deep. Individual modules are configurable to accommodate different conditions and create a variety of spaces all without compromising their structural stability. Also, the structures are remarkably straightforward to transport in flat form and assemble on site and are simple to recycle as-needed because they are built out of easily grown organic material. With all of these sustainable and practical benefits one has to wonder if there aren't even more uses for origamic structures than just as emergency shelters.

This sweeping sustainable set of structures is another example of integrating an engaging and unique appearance with essential environmental strategies. The curved surfaces are not only visually appealing but they also serve functions - taking advantage of winds and solar orientations to protect inhabitants but also to harness the energy of these elements.

Can I really post a video to my blog?

2008-04-13T13:32:00.000-07:00

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Thanks to my nephew Yes I Can!!!

Lights Out Chicago

2008-03-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

I'm only doing this half way sorry but its still cold out so I'm keeping my heat on. Half Green is better than Zero green considering i i feel about the cold.

Earth Hour 2008: Saturday, March 29
On Saturday, March 29, turn out your lights to show your support and commitment toward taking action to combat climate change. Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and this year cities across the globe, such as Tel Aviv, Bangkok and Copenhagen, are taking action. This year the City of Chicago is partnering with World Wildlife Fund as the U.S. flagship city for Earth Hour. As an environmental leader, Mayor Richard M. Daley is committed to fighting climate change and this year he will launch the Chicago Climate Action Plan as Chicago's roadmap for action. Join City Hall, Chicago area residents, businesses and organizations in this symbolic event to show Chicago's commitment to combating climate change by flipping the switch. Enjoy the skyline as never before when skyscrapers, landmarks and shops along Michigan Avenue go dark.
DetailsWhen: Saturday, March 29Time: 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.What: Turn our your lights in support of taking actions to combat climate changeWho: All of Chicago, plus other citizens across the globeWhy: Flip your switch to show your support of climate action
For more information & a video narrated by actor Jeremy Piven: Visit http://www.earthhourus.org/

I'll Be Back Soon Still Unthawing

2008-02-18T08:59:00.000-08:00

I'll Be Back Soon Still Unthawing, I kind of felt a bit defeated with the Real Estate Market kicking my Butt. But I now know its not only kicking my but. The economy is kicking lots of butt. Stay tuned.

Latex on canvas by me in Dec of 2002 (Frozen Faces) A reflection of what I felt having spent Christmas in Chicago.

Second Hand Furniture is Green Furniture

2007-10-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.arthurswirgonltd.com

Tree+House=Green

2007-09-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

Photo credit:Mitchell Joachim, Terreform

http://www.news.com/2300-11395_3-6210710-1.html?tag=ne.gall.pg

A Friend of mine in Palm Springs is going to get a kick out of this. He has a Tepee in his back yard and an under ground sweat lodge. I call it Wayne's World. This would fit right in there.

Gone Green

2007-08-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

Eric Striffler (photos)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2007/08/02/project-greenhouse-ecol_n_58873.html

My fantasy home but only in Miami.

Save SUM Water

2007-05-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO RAIN BARREL PROGRAM 2007Conserve water and help your plants thrive with the Chicago Rain BarrelProgram, sponsored by the Chicago Department of Environment and WaterManagement. While supplies last, you may purchase a discounted rainbarrel at CCGT in the Green Building Resource Center, 2nd floor.Purchase and pick-up hours: - Tuesdays: 4:00-7:00 PM- Thursdays: 1:00-4:00 PM- Saturdays: 11:00 AM-3:00 PMRain Barrel Purchase Requirementsâ€¦- Chicago residents only- Limit ONE barrel per household (per year)- Reservations are NOT required- Bring $40 check payable to â€œCity of Chicagoâ€ with currentChicago address- No cash accepted

Green Up your Garage

2007-05-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

CHICAGO HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS & COMPUTER RECYCLING EVENTDrop-off your household chemicals and computers for recycling andproper disposal, exchange gas lawnmowers for a $100 rebate toward a newelectric or manual mower, and recycle old gas cans for newenvironmentally friendly gas cans at this special neighborhoodcollection event.**while supplies last.DATE: 6/23/2007TIME: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PMLOCATION: United Center, 1901 W. MadisonAccepted items include: Chemicals, oil-based paints, cleaners,solvents, computers, cell phones and flourescent light bulbs. For a fulllist of acceptable materials and more information, call 311 or visitwww.bluecartschicago.org.

Chicago Rain Garden Assistance Program

2007-05-17T09:48:00.000-07:00

******************************* Rain Garden Assistance Program ******************************Help keep Chicago clean and green!

This summer Chicago residents have an opportunity to learn how tocreate a rain garden and to receive rain garden plants at significantlydiscounted prices through a pilot rain garden assistance Program,supported by the Chicago Department of Environment and Rain GardenNetwork. Rain gardens keep pollutants and excess water out of the sewer systemand attract wildlife including birds, butterflies and other beneficialinsects. By installing a rain garden in your yard you will capture someof the rainwater that falls on your property, leading to a great lookinggarden and fostering a healthier environment.

This workshop series is FREE and the rain garden plants will sell for$1 each. The number of plants will be determined according to size ofeach applicantâ€™s garden plot.

TITLE: Rain Garden Assistance Program DATES: 7/7 & 7/14/2007 (attendance at both sessions is REQUIRED) TIME: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM PRESENTERS: Sue Cubberly, Rain Garden Network; Greencorps Chicago At least one person from your site must attend Sessions 1 and 2(Maximum of 3 attendees per garden).

How To ApplyApplication Requirements:1. Complete Rain Garden Assistance Program Application2. Must be a City of Chicago resident and site location3. Proposed garden dimensions must be a minimum of 15 square feetand maximum 500 square feet4. Include site sketch and a photo of your proposed site for reviewby horticulture and design professionals.

Application Deadline: May 31, 2007Â§ Valid applications will be reviewed for consideration in the2007 pilot program.Â§ Applications received after 5:00 PM on Thursday, May 31 will notbe considered.
Â§ Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by 5:00 PMThursday, June 14, 2007.Please note: Space is limited. Application is required.

For moredetailed information and to request an application, call (312) 746-9642.Return via mail, email, or fax to:Chicago Center for Green Technology Attn: Katie Rehrauer445 N. Sacramento Blvd.Chicago, IL 60612[Fax] 312-746-9192 or [Email] greentech@cityofchicago.org

16 cities go green

2007-05-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20070516/climate-summit