Earth buildings are structures that are made from earthen materials, such as straw or adobe. An earth building can range from a simple garden shed to a residential dwelling that is large enough to be called home by multiple people. Earth buildings are environmentally sustainable, affordable, stable, strong, comfortable, and are appropriate for a variety [...]
The often rainy, yet beautifully green Pacific Northwest has a surprisingly accommodating climate for a wide variety of plants to grow and thrive. Tropical-looking, but cold tolerant palms and banana trees have been grown here as well as plants that require chilly temperatures, such as apples, lilacs, and tulips. Despite the ability to grow such [...]
Neighborhoods are more than just groups of buildings. They are where people live, work, play, shop, socialize, and learn. There are neighborhoods called ecodistricts that have this in mind while also considering resource efficiency and environmental sustainability as well as promoting health and well-being. According to EcoDistricts (formerly the Portland Sustainability Institute), these areas are [...]
An Overview of Green Residential Buildings Sustainable homes can offer benefits to everyone involved in creating and inhabiting such dwellings. Residents of green homes can breathe cleaner air indoors as well as save money on operating costs. In the building process, recycled and reused materials can be used whenever possible, which may help to save [...]
An Overview of Green Commercial Buildings Buildings can become green, also known as sustainable, in the design, building, and renovating stages. Green buildings are resource-efficient and the overall impact to the environment is reduced. Operating expenses are lowered, plus employees and visiting clients benefit from greater air quality. Qualities of green commercial buildings include: [...]
There are various tax incentives and rebates that commercial buildings can qualify for. Certain incentives apply to new construction, renovations, or both. Below is a description of some of the benefits available to LEED-certified and energy efficient buildings in the Portland metro area. Fire Station 18 - City of Portland. LEED Gold certified. [...]
There are various tax incentives and rebates that residential buildings can qualify for. Certain incentives apply to new construction, renovations, or both. Below is a description of some of the benefits available to LEED-certified and energy efficient buildings in the Portland metro area. (An overview of LEED can be viewed here.) The Database of State [...]
LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a recognized standard for green building design and sustainability. The LEED rating system was developed by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council and is designed to promote design and construction practices that not only increases profitability, but also reduce negative environmental effects of buildings [...]
A roof garden, most often found in urban environments, refers to any garden that is located on the roof of a building. Roof gardens and other gardens atop structures have been in existence for centuries, such as in the medieval city of Fustat, now part of old Cairo, in Egypt. According to a study by [...]
