Vertical Parking Lots

Urban centers may benefit greatly if more commuters started using bikes instead of cars, but the problem of where to put those bikes is a somewhat difficult one. Public bike racks take up space that is often in high demand – but this concept would solve that problem by using the spaces that normally go unused.

The concept is ingenious in its simplicity: it is a human-powered revolving rack that can hold up to 36 bikes at a time. Riders attach their bikes to an empty space on the rack, then when they are ready to leave they hop on the human power generator (a small stationary bike) to move their own bike around to the bottom position. Then they just grab it and go – simple, clean, and even healthy.

(all images via: ArchDaily)

Read More: Vertical Parking Lots: Brilliant Urban Bike Hanger System

Smartphone Apps That Will Help You Save Energy

1. iPhone Energy UFO : Visible Energy’s iPhone app works in tandem with the Visible Energy UFO Power Center (a series of four smart power strips installed at home) to provide on-the-go visual feedback of electricity consumption and cost. In addition to providing information on the power usage of each power strip, the app also shows energy costs and gives users the option to turn outlets on and off on a daily schedule. It’s cheaper than installing an entire home energy management system.

2. Control4 Mobile Navigator: This home energy app, available for the iPhone, Blackberry, and Android, allows users to control everything from security, lighting, and temperature to music and video. The app is similar to Wiser’s offering. iPad users can also download a separate Control4 app.

3. MeterRead: This handy iPhone app lets you read your electricity meter using your phone. Each time you check it, the app tell you how many kilowatt hours (kWh) of power were used since the last read. That information can then be used to predict your total energy usage over the next 30 days.

4. Wiser: Anyone who owns a Wiser Home Control energy management system would be wise to download the iPhone app, which provides a 3G or wireless connection to your system. That means everything from lighting to security, climate and even camera monitoring can be controlled from your phone. So if you, for example, forgot to turn off the lights in the living room, you can just click them off remotely using the app.

5. SunPower Monitoring System: SunPower’s innovative Solar Electric Home Energy Management System lets you monitor energy produced from SunPower-branded solar systems in real time. The iPhone app offers statistics on the lifetime energy generation of the panels as well as daily production, usage, and net energy use.

Read more: 5 Smartphone Apps That Will Help You Save Energy | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World