Inspired by the German Passivhaus approach and technical methods developed by physicist Wolfgang Feist, Bere Architects’ own director Justin Bere started building his own home back in 2002. Low CO2 concrete foundations and first floor slab were made with ground granulated blast furnace slag to replace most of the cement, provide thermal mass for stable temperatures and a natural summer cooling effect. In keeping with Bere’s passionate belief in the urgent environmental need for change, the home was designed for energy preservation.
Read more: The Muse: Bere Architects’ Paradisiacal London Home Has Four Roof Gardens, Forty Trees, Ponds and Meadows Bere Architects's Passivhaus roof gardens energy efficient The Muse – Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World
In this time where all word tink about Green Marketing, A Group of designer like Diane von Furstenberg, Tommy Hilfiger, Rogan, Loomstate, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Lutz & Patmos, Loeffler Randall, and Joseph Muteti their fairy godmothers. Brought together by Elle magazine, the fashion houses and the Nairobi tailor worked with Sheila Kennedy, the director of the Portable Light Project, to design nine solar purses that supply both light and power. All the bags are currently being auctioned off on eBay, with the proceeds earmarked to further Portable Light’s mission of using energy-harvesting textiles to deliver power to developing communities.
If you want to see more products visit: portable-light-project-elle-auction-luxe-solar-powered-designer-bags
Students contribute with their innovative ideas to resolve Environmental Challenges
Creativity, ingenuity, passion for research and science are just some elements to describe the talent and scientific skills of students from the College of The Servants of the Sacred Heart Jesus, located in Panama City. They recently launched their Expo- Science Fair in the school auditorium in September, 2010.
The Fair took place over three days at the educational community of the school where students from the earliest grades to high school seniors gathered to showcase their scientific projects. The participants, all with energy and enthusiasm, presented their innovative ideas to find solutions to many of the problems currently affecting society with great clarity and knowledge of the subject.
Arriving at this stage full of bright ideas and highlighting the role of science as a cornerstone for development was not an easy or quick task. Behind all this, there was a process in which teachers and students worked tirelessly during and after hours of classes to develop and validate their projects, as required by all scientific methods. Two people leading this process were teachers Martha Carrazana de Manso and Gretta Bernal, professor of chemistry and biology respectively, who together with their colleagues from the Department of Science made this Science Fair a reality.
Alternative energy projects using resources such as wind and water, conservation of the environment, developing water filters, cell biology and fruit wines are just some examples of projects exhibited by students during the Fair.
Ana B. Santamaría, high school senior said:
"With the completion of the project Development of Fruit Wines, presented at the expo-fair of the school, put into practice knowledge of different subjects such as chemistry and computer science. I improved my research methods which I consider extremely important and I also learned that I should always work in order, with a lot of responsibility, working with the other members of the group in harmony. The fair has left me a very positive experience and I thank my teachers and my school for this opportunity. "
The Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) is an international nonprofit organization that works in cooperation with the Organization of American States (OAS), in order to increase the programs and activities that develop leadership skills and entrepreneurship in the youth of the Americas. To learn more about the YABT and / or wishes to support its programs and activities, visit: www.yabt.net.
For more information, contact: Edgar Maestre YABT Panama, Director
Young Americas Business Trust E-mail: emaestre@myybiz.net
La empresa holandesa Van Houtum ha presentado el papel higiénico 'Satino Black', fabricado con papel reciclado y elementos naturales en vez de aditivos químicos, materiales completamente inofensivos para la naturaleza.
El papel también cuenta con algunas acreditaciones ecológicas como el certificado 'Cradle to Cradle', el 'Ecolabel' y el certificado de bosques FSC, y en su proceso industrial se han utilizado tan sólo energías renovables, evitando la electricidad de centrales convencionales, como las térmicas, de gas o nucleares.
Según el presidente de Van Houtum, Henk van Houtum, este producto contribuye a disminuir la tala de árboles destinados al papel higiénico: "Muchos usuarios no saben que la mayor parte del papel de baño se sigue realizando con árboles, que se cortan por este motivo en concreto" lo que según el presidente supone "una medida innecesaria".
Have you looked at your electric bill lately? Do you remember what you used to pay for electricity?
With energy rates increasing, more and more people are turning to energy alternatives. Your main motivation for seeking alternative energy may not be your pocket book. In fact, you may be having environmental concerns. No matter what your motivation is, you need an informed look at the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.
Solar Energy Advantages Disadvantages - Have you looked at your electric bill lately? Do you remember what you used to pay for electricity? With energy rates increasing, more and more people are turning to energy alternatives.
Your main motivation for seeking alternative energy may not be your pocket book. In fact, you may be having environmental concerns. No matter what your motivation is, you need an informed look at the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy.
Solar Energy - Advantages
1. Saves You Money – Need I convince you about the benefits of saving money? Being a Certified Public Accountant, it just comes naturally for me. The upfront cost for solar panels can be a bit costly, but after the initial investment has been recouped you will be saving a lot of money every month. In most cases, you may have no energy cost or the sun may be paying you for excess production of energy! Sounds great, but still hesitant about the initial investment? Most people are not aware of the government assistance that is available. Visit www.dsireusa.org to find about financial assistance in the state you reside in.
2. Saves The Environment – Solar energy is clean and renewable. What does this mean? This means several positive things for our planet. Since it is clean and renewable, it does not release carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide or mercury into out air. This results in a reduction of harmful green house emissions, smog, and acid rain.
3. Saves You A Headache – Once installed, a solar energy panel has minimal to no maintenance. They are not a noise bother to you or your neighbors, and Solar Panels are expandable. Panels can be added to your dwelling as your family grows and your energy consumption increases.
4. Saves you Batteries – This may sound like a silly advantage, but having your lights go out in a storm is not a fun situation to be in. With solar panels you are not dependent upon utility energy thus giving you light 24/7 no matter what your neighbors are experiencing!
