Tag Archives: water

Rain Tunnel Technology Provides Drinking Water from Air

Rain tunnel technology provides drinking water from air

New technology from Bangalore promises clean drinking water by drawing moisture from the air.  Rain Tunnel Technology, invented by Dr Rajah Vijay Kumar, Chief Scientific Officer at the De Scalene Research Organization, will soon be available for both commercial and household use. Getting water from the atmosphere is not new. It has been around for more…

Mushrooms Hold Key to Stormwater Treatment

Mycoremediation, the use of fungi to treat water and soil, could be the stormwater filter of the present and future.  A couple of projects in Portland, Oregon are putting the science to the test. According to Wikipedia, “one of the primary roles of fungi in the ecosystem is decomposition, which is performed by the mycelium….

3 Inspiring Constructions Stories of 2015

Green construction refers to a sustainable building process that is both environmentally friendly and resource responsible. Although it may sound like the most logical way to approach construction, it has rarely been the first choice. When faced with a growing population in need of housing, it has been more convenient for developers to rely on…

Net Zero Case Study: Bullitt Center — Water

Bullitt Center in Seattle

The Bullitt Center in Seattle, Washington, is one of the most self-sufficient buildings on the planet. It is net zero energy and, after the water reuse system is approved by city authorities, net zero water. Net zero means that the building uses the same amount as it creates or generates – it is self-sufficient. In…

Eco Classroom Gets Drinking Water From Green Roof

Eco classroom at Benenden School

This 230 square foot eco classroom, built in the trees at the Benenden School in Kent, United Kingdom, is in demand from students and faculty alike because of its view and its interesting construction.  Built by treehouse builders Blue Forest, the classroom is completely self-sufficient, using solar power for electricity and water harvested from its…

Ecoflo Coco Filter Provides Natural Wastewater Treatment System

Ecoflo Coco Filter

Premier Tech Aqua (PTA), a Business Unit of the Environmental Technologies Group of Premier Tech, announced earlier this month that it had achieved a breakthrough and launched its recently NSF International certified Ecoflo Coco Filter. The new Ecoflo Coco Filter is a model of sustainable development – a permanent septic installation that fully protects ecosystems…

Green Materials Report: Permeable Concrete

Permeable concrete allows water to drain through

This post is part of the Green Materials Report series.  GBE is providing information on various building materials and what makes them green.  Each post focuses on one material.  We will be looking at the ingredients in the material, how it is used, what makes it green, and any green product certifications that it has earned.  We…

7 Principles of Water Conscious Landscaping

Landscaping

If you are still working on getting your yard in shape, here are some techniques for water conscious landscaping. Xeriscaping is the art/science of landscaping with reduced need for irrigation.  It offers several benefits, besides just saving water.  It requires less maintenance, reduces the need for chemicals and fertilizers, increases property value, reduces air pollution,…

Rush University Medical Center by Perkins + Will Goes Gold

The tower at Rush University Medical Center opened in January 2012 designed by Perkins + Will. It is the largest new construction health care facility in the world to receive LEED gold certification. Its shape takes form from a butterfly but it received high sustainable remarks in tons of other areas as well including green design, construction and operation.

GUEST POST: Is softened water good for the environment?

As the process of turning hard water into soft water involves chemicals, there is naturally a concern for the environment and the possible damage this causes to the surrounding ecosystem. In any case, an artificial chemical process is the human method of controlling a set of components into a specified form for a number of practical reasons.

A Variety of Sustainable Home Options: Modular Lifestyles and Nueva Vida III

Off-grid Modular Lifestyles' Camper

Two different types of environmentally sustainable homes are being incorporated into neighborhoods or developed as their own neighborhood community across the country giving people the choice to not only be green but to be entirely sustainable in their living situation. They are Modular

AquaCity Poprad: A Water Park and Resort That is Environmentally Friendly

As temperatures climb higher and the summer sun shines brighter, many people look for a well-deserved vacation destination. Water parks are a high demand attraction and a costly one to the environment in most cases. But one water park is as entertaining as it is environmentally friendly. It is AquaCity Poprad in Poprad, Slovakia. This…

Green Building 101: Originate’s Natural Material Showroom

A locally sourced place for customers and clients to go to purchase a large variety of natural materials, consult experts and experience the ‘green’ materials first hand is Originate. This is a natural building materials’ showroom located in Tucson, Arizona. “Originate specializes in interior finishes that are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, durable, and made from natural and renewable resources.”

Florense; Brazil’s Leading Sustainable Furniture Manufacturer

A company that was established in 1953 in Flores de Cunha, Brazil, called Fábrica de Móveis Florense is a leading example in a business that thrives on sustainability. Fábrica de Móveis Florense, or more commonly known as simply Florense, is an international company. Florense is a furniture manufacturer and producer of high quality wood veneers.

Green Building 101: Future of Hydro Power Is Small

When we think of hydroelectric power, we often think of large dams blocking rivers and generating large amounts of electricity. The future of hydroelectric, however, may be the exact opposite. Think small scale generators on local rivers and streams providing power for communities. The new hydroelectric infrastructure will be less expensive, more efficient, and make less of an impact on the environment and wildlife habitat.

The Ark: Hotel Concept of the Future

A futuristic hotel that can survive natural disasters and provide a healthy environment for its inhabitants is the idea behind Alexander Remizov’s “The Ark.”

Atherton House; Sustainable Home Cooled by Man-made Pond

The Atherton House in Atherton, California is an ideal example of how to incorporate manmade elements that pre-exist on a site to benefit that site.