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Tower Skins Modernise Ugly Buildings, Generate Energy and Collect Rain Water – Gizmodo

February 9, 2010 in Energy, Environment, Tech | No comments

Interesting approach to turning older buildings green without total gut and rehab. I’d like to see a proof of concept production building. regardless of the initial buzz for or against, it is a good idea and shows some of the more creative concepts begin generated at the moment.

Architectural company LAVA believes ugly buildings should have a shot at happiness, with these tower skins acting like a “transparent cocoon” made from mesh textile, capable of being lit up in the evening for maximum attention. They'd supposedly generate energy with the addition of photovoltaic cells, collect rain water and improve ventilation for the buildings.

via Tower Skins Modernise Ugly Buildings, Generate Energy and Collect Rain Water – Lava tower skins – Gizmodo.

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Congress makes job creation top 2010 priority–but where are the green jobs?

January 17, 2010 in Energy, Environment, economy | No comments

We are not going to succeed if we do not break free the binds of the past. Yes, infrastructure investment for job creation is reliable (and frankly needed at this time) as history proves. However, to move forward it is time to begin cultivating the green economy. Infrastructure should focus on green/renewable energy and infrastructure to combat the effects of climate change and rehab old and failing school buildings (and other similar structures) into model green buildings, we should invest heavily in R&D for renewable energy. If we want to be world leaders, then we should stop the apathy and start leading.

If congress can’t understand this is the way forward than we are truly doomed to be stuck in a past that simply does not work in the present–as is proven by a failed economy, detoriariting cities and infrastructure, failing schools, record trade deficits and national debt.

Please, have the courage to change. If the leaders lead, the people will follow. Do the job you were hired to do and need to do, not what you perceive is comfortable or easy.

Last month, the House passed a $155 billion bill that aims to stimulate the job market through infrastructure projects and helping states pay the salaries of public employees.

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin, along with Democratic Senator Byron Dorgan, is expected to offer a jobs package in coming weeks. It is likely to include efforts to boost small business and renewable energy, aides said.

via Congress makes job creation top 2010 priority | Reuters.

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More options for better transportation and an economic boost–trains!

January 6, 2010 in Environment | 1 comment

Good read in the NYT today, A Trainspotter’s Guide to the Future of the World about public transportation and rail systems in Europe and Asia and the painful lack of rail infrastructure in the States. I truly wish we had a better train system (and that it was affordable to ride. When I was in College I used to ride the train between Philly and Harrisburg (and sometimes hop up to NYC before the prices skyrocketed). The train ride was relaxing, smooth and convenient but alas now that I am several years out of college and employed I can’t afford to ride Amtrak anymore.

The quote from the article (below) deserves attention–we are trying to create jobs, boost the economy, reduce fuel consumption and become better stewards of our environment–right? Well, it seems to me investment in a new “New Deal” to build rail infrastructure seems to be a solution in waiting to all these issues–for the citizens it’s win-win. However, to understand why the investment won’t happen we have to examine who would potentially lose–car manufacturers and the oil industry–the robber barons of the old, failed economy still hold the power…I hope if you agree you will think about pushing for this investment with your representatives, if you disagree, leave me a comment on why.

The reasons for America’s laggardliness is easily explained. To begin with, the initial investment in a rail network costs an awful lot of money, which national governments usually provide as a “public good.” That in turn means that the taxpayer pays, which is much less disagreeable when the taxpayer can observe the satisfactory results of that investment. In America, most of the country feels that it is handing over funds solely to support East Coast and West Coast commuters.

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Bob Herbert, Signs of Hope: re-inventing the economy and energy production

November 24, 2009 in Energy, Environment, Tech | No comments

Bob Herbert’s latest column in the NY Times, Signs of Hope, describes just what and how the U.S. can begin doing to regain its foothold on a sustainable future, if the political will was available. This is not just fluffy granola green–this is about creating jobs and a leadership role in the world (and yes, we can actually be better stewards of our planet and our health at the same time).

As oil defined the 20th century, new forms of energy will define the 21st. The U.S. has the opportunity, the intellectual resources and the expertise to lead the world in the development of clean energy. What we’ve lacked so far has been the courage, the will, to make it happen.

Please give it a read, it is well worth a few minutes of your time.

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