Ron Arena, Founder and President of Chem Scope, Inc. writes about some of the most common causes of poor indoor air quality and some preventative measures that we can take.
If you are responsible for the daily maintenance of a historic building, you’re most likely very concerned about the high cost of energy. Historic structures have normally been energy-inefficient, with the costs to heat and cool them far higher than for more recent construction. Fortunately, historic buildings can increase their energy efficiency considerably while maintaining their original character.
Soltage, Inc. is a full service renewable energy company that develops and operates solar energy stations on client structures across the USA. Soltage bears 100% of the capital cost and risk associated with turn-key construction of the PowerStations and provides the clients with stabilized and reduced cost electricity under a long-term Solar Power Sales and Services Agreement.
The Melville Charitable Trust is a national philanthropic leader in the movement to end homelessness and is known for its investments in educational, research and advocacy efforts to find and fight the causes of homelessness.
Reprinted from Auggie V's Green Blog May 13th, 2007
Just outside of Albany is a great green company that has embraced sustainability to the point that as of July 1, 2007 it will increase its purchases of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to 100,000 MWh, which will offset emissions from 100% of the purchased electricity used at its NY and Ohio operations. Mohawk Fine Papers is the largest manufacturer of premium printing and writing papers in the country.
At first glance, the Ramada Inn at Bradley Airport, Your Gateway to New England, appears to be just one of many roadside hotels on the Ella Grasso Turnpike catering to travelers who need to be near the airport. However, look closer and you’ll notice that’s the only thing this hotel has in common with its neighbors.
The included pdf is being used with permission of UTC Power
UTC Power and East Hartford High School team up for this case study of power security, energy efficiency and environmental responsibility - The PureComfort™ 240M solution.
Farms have played a key role in Connecticut’s economy dating back to the time the state was first settled in the 1600s. The land here is good for growing and our workforce has always been and remains, skilled and hard working. Prides Corner Farms and agra-business in Lebanon, CT has embraced the triple bottom line.
The private non-profit organization Foodshare is seeking Bronze level LEED certification for its new building in Bloomfield CT and Brian Woodman Jr. brings this green building's story to you.
More and more green commercial properties are becoming the norm in Connecticut. In about five-ten years, if your building isn’t green, you’re done. This article looks at a few examples of great green commercial properties that will make one or several Connecticut companies very productive and their employees very happy.
Tom and Jack of Indoor Air Services in Stamford help our readers better understand commissioning. Is there a boat involved? No. But Tom and Jack will tell you all about Retro-commissioning and Re-commissioning and what you need to know as a building owner/operator. Stay tuned, commissioning is coming to a home near you.
Mike Smalec - Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas
Mike explains to us why whether you’re planning a new building or retrofitting an existing one, distributed generation and natural gas cooling are important considerations for your green building.
If you’re not familiar with Distributed Generation (DG), the term refers to electricity generation that occurs at or near the site of consumption, as opposed to most electricity which is generated at a remote site and transported by long-distance transmission lines to the consumer. Connecticut businesses can now benefit from distributed generation.
Several recent announcements indicate that electronic component manufacturers are making stronger efforts to be better environmental stewards by producing eco-friendly products. They are also hoping to increase market share by reaching out to the growing number of buy-green consumers.
Nathan looks at the truth in eWaste and knowing that these are tough economic times, individuals and companies see this free service as a way to cut their bottom line while eliminating their universal electronic waste, but this is not always true.
Posted with permission from Nerac, Inc.
By Wendy Dickerson and Euan Morton, Nerac Analystsm
One technology that has been emerging over the past decade, involving microbial fuel cells, is quickly becoming an economically viable source of energy. By adding the right kind of bacteria to biomass, including industrial waste, we can generate electricity. Maybe not a lot of electricity right now, but that could change as the technology develops and applications diversify.
Dan Reicher, director of climate and energy initiatives for Google.org and former U.S. assistant energy secretary, spoke earlier this month at the Clean-Tech Investor Summit in Palm Springs, California about national U.S. legislation to combat climate change and how it could still be years away.
AuctorVerno, LLC and buildingctgreen.com have announced the 2007 CTGreen10, recognizing the ten best Connecticut green stories for the past year. AuctorVerno's staff has selected stories that include energy projects, education, recycle and reuse, commercial, school and residential building projects and green transportation.
This survey explores Americans’ perceptions of green practices in business – be they right or wrong - gauges their level of involvement in improving the state of the environment, and identifies which brands they think are best at being green.
Ron Pernick, Clean Edge, The Clean Tech Revolution
Ron explains why he thinks that the art of long-term thinking, "thinking like a mountain", should be a key tenet for companies, governments, investors and others striving for clean-tech success.
Bruce has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He is responsible for ARAMARK’s operations at more than 50 conference centers, corporate training centers and specialty hotels in educational environments, as well as 16 national, state parks and other resort operations across the United States.
Sales growth in the organic food market over the past 15 years has surpassed overall growth in U.S. food sales. As a percentage of overall food sales, the market share for organics has steadily increased. However, it is possible that the 15-20 percent annual increases in organic food sales cannot be sustained because supplies cannot keep up with demand.
According to a study done by The Conference Board on carbon-specific decision-making, a company’s choice to manage its carbon footprint and seek related new businesses may range from the simple to the complex, with the organization’s unique circumstances being a decisive factor. The report also finds that the influencing factors for this decision will generally embrace both external and internal drivers.
Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity is building 33 houses in Swift Village in the Northeast neighborhood section and a duplex soon to be ready for occupancy might be one of the greenest homes in Hartford County and maybe Connecticut.
The 2006 CTGreen9 is a collection of 2006 Connecticut people, places and/or things are case studies of corporations, educational initiatives, NGOs and governmental entities that are committed to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Much of the Connecticut news headlines were dominated this past year by the elections. Connecticut was watched by the nation as Senator Lieberman was challenged by Ned Lamont and two key congressional seats were at stake that could change the balance of power at the U.S. Capitol.n business stories from the year 2006.
Patrick, one of our researchers and a huge Red Sox fan explores the ins and outs of waterless urinals. Where does he start his research? His own little place of worship, historic Fenway Park.
Anne Mackenzie, Build Green Limited, Sydney, Australia and Christchurch, New Zealand
Anne, a friend of buildingctgreen.com helps us to better understand geothermal and gives site visitors an introduction to this alternative energy source. Anne also lists some very cool resources. You have to check out the groovy glow-worms.
As if the media wasn’t awash with green building and green business stories already, a new study released reveals that green business stories in the news are up this year compared to last year and we’ve only seen the beginning. According to the findings readers and advertisers want to see more green stories.
Reprinted with permission from Green Earth Cleaning
Shawn McCann placed his bet on the future six years ago, while his competitors stuck with the tried and true and scoffed at him. Today, as he opens his eleventh environmentally-friendly dry cleaning plant here, his bet is paying off big.
Reprinted with permission from sustianablebusiness.com
After a decade of touting the superior quality of Green Buildings The Tower Companies is the first company in the Washington DC region to receive a 5% discount on property insurance because the insurance industry says Tower's green buildings are less risky.
Mega-corps GE, BP and Wal-Mart have joined the chorus for sustainability by re-branding themselves as green. Charles Shaw interviews Joel Makower, a pioneering green business consultant whom the Associated Press has called “the guru of green business practices,” and who contends it’s more than just PR.
This reprint, courtesy of theslatinreport.com, is the first of three reports from the 2006 Corporate Real Estate Conference, "Gloablization, Sustainable Development and the Corporate Real Estate Mission."
In April of 2006, Hartford Are Habitat For Humanity began construction on a duplex home using green building technology. Buildingctgreen.com was able to diary the project, allowing our visitors to learn about constructing a green home from the ground up.
Many investors have strong opinions that don’t involve their views on interest rates and stock prices. They want their holdings to reflect their values by avoiding companies that profit from activities they oppose, and supporting those that behave in ways they consider appropriate or responsible. At the same time, they still want to earn a reasonable return on their portfolios.
With concern for climate change reaching an all-time high, “green” is the word on everyone’s lips these days. As environmental legislation and the number of businesses launching their own green initiatives expands, now is an excellent time for commercial real estate professionals to join the discussion. Margie Holly is Communications Manager with Brickman, a national commercial landscaping firm with more than 150 branches in 28 states.
Jared Markham and Melissa Spence, Weston Solutions and GreenGrid®
Green roofs are becoming more and more popular, especially in urban areas. Jared and Melissa report on this growth industry in green building from the 4th Annual Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Conference held in Boston, May 2006.
Erin N.Cooper is an architect and Project Manager at Amenta/Emma Architects where she leads the firm’s sustainability committee. Erin is a LEED Accredited Professional with expertise in high performance buildings and integrated design. In this article, Erin updates our visitors on current and future trends in green school construction in Connecticut.
Caroline Howe - Connecticut Green Building Council
Caroline, a student at Yale University and a student member of the CT GBC tells us how existing buildings are judged and in what categories they are rated when being held up to the LEED-EB standards.
Reprinted with permission from Warfel Schrager Architectual Lighting, LLC
We'd like to keep you up to date with the latest trends in lighting. Lighting is both a science and an art: the art uses principles that have been around since candlepower was produced by candles. The technology changes so fast email may not be quick enough to get the news out fast enough.
Enerlume Energy Management Corporation, based in Hamden, Connecticut, produces electrical energy conservation products and provides energy services. The company is led by Quinnipiac University grad David J. Murphy, President and CEO and a founder. We recently had the chance to meet David and discuss with him Enerlume's role in the emerging green economy, his thoughts regarding the current state of affairs in the energy markplace and what the future holds.
American Green Holdings (AGH) which is based in Crane, MO and with operations in Connecticut as well as California and Texas, announced earlier this month that it had launched a new on-line green auction site at BidForGreen.com. Buildingctgreen.com staff interviewed Dale Wiley, the CEO of AGH and discussed his company's green business model, the state of bio-fuels, the company's cool relationship with rock stars and his thoughts on the state of green business.
Yale University has graduated a few of the greatest thinkers and leaders in American history and today's global economy. If Bryan Garcia the new Program Director of the Center for Business and the Environment at Yale can influence the present student population, they will all play a role in the emerging and blossoming green economy. We recently caught up with Bryan and discussed the Center and its mission.
The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund announced that it was assisting Bigelow Tea , with a grant to purchase solar panels that will be installed at the company’s offices in Fairfield, CT. Buildingctgreen.com staff got a chance to catch up with Bigelow’s Vice President of Manufacturing, Dean Hearst and discuss why the family owned tea manufacturer made the investment in green energy and what are the other sustainable business practices this industry leader incorporates in it's business model.
Connecticut’s growing green economy got a boost in December 2006 when Garick Corporation, based in Cleveland Ohio made a commitment to Connecticut and its economy by purchasing New Milford Farms from Nestle Water. Garick, a leading manufacturer and distributor of natural resource products servicing the landscape, recreation, lawn, garden and construction industries, plans to attract food and organic green waste generators in the Northeast.
The U.S. economy is getting greener by the minute. The companies that produce products that feed this growing economy will only benefit in the long run. UTC Power, with headquarters in Connecticut, is one of these companies and is an industry leader in environmentally advanced technologies. Whether it is a PureComfort® solution or PureCell™ system for on-site building power or PureMotion™ power plant for transit buses, UTC Power has sustainable solutions available today and working on more for tomorrow.
F. Todd Renz, newly elected President of The Connecticut Green Building Council (CT GBC) as well as President of O,R&L Construction, spent some time with buildingctgreen.com staff and shared his vision for the council and discussed green building in Connecticut.
Within the next year, the green building community nationwide will know about Georgetown (Redding) Connecticut, if they don’t already. Green buildings will dominate the old Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill and create a strong sustainable community with a very hip town center. The project is being done by Georgetown Land Development Company (GLDC), a socially conscious real estate development firm in Georgetown. GLDC President Stephen Soler took some time to meet with us and discuss the project
U.S. Green Building Council President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, who spoke in Connecticut on April 27, 2006 at Yale, was able to give us some time so we asked and he answered. Among other things, Rick touches on LEED 3.0, gives his opinion on Connecticut as a green building state and on the lighter side, chooses one when asked 'Red Sox or Yankees'.
Collectively, Newtowners are more successful recyclers than the residents of other towns in the region, leaving 36 tons of materials for recovery and reuse in bins at the side of the road in an average week.
A roof to a house should be more than icing on a cake. EcoStar® recycled emulated slate roofing tiles provide a great complement to an environmentally friendly themed house or building.
One of our buildingctgreen.com staff writers explores windows and how to select those that are right for you. On the surface, one would think it would be easy. But like any specialty, the window industry has its own jargon that needs to be interpreted.
Tom Degnan is buildingctgreen.com’s wood guy. A licensed forester who runs a forest land management consulting business in Old Lyme, Tom’s article lets our visitors learn about what is “good” wood and how do you identify it.
World Business Council for Sustainable Development Report
Key players in real estate and construction misjudge the costs and benefits of green buildings, creating a major barrier to more energy efficiency in the building sector, a new study by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) reports. The findings are disclosed in a new report titled "Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Business Realities and Opportunities," which summarizes the first phase of the WBCSD's project.
While many people call for buildings to be more energy-efficient, and while we certainly know how to do this from building science, the practitioner level is plainly just a weak reed to lean on at this time. Jerry details his reasons for this and explains how things can be different going forward.
This is a great introduction for the building owner or manager to learn the basics of how to “green” a building. From water use to energy conservation to cleaning “green” this GreenBiz article includes some case studies and best practices
Though based in California, this site is full of great information for any location. It has information on best practices in energy efficiency and conservation that Connecticut residents and businesses can put to use. While this is the land of Yankee ingenuity and we are pretty savvy when it comes to these topics, this site does have some good information that all of us can learn from.
This site is a must for the AA personality type who has to know what they're doing when it comes to being energyefficient. We put bctg.com staff on the case and they reported back that the site was easy to use and a lot of fun. Check it out.
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