If you’ve started to look into building green, you have no doubt come across the name LEED. The LEED certification name is referenced by manufacturers, builders, retailers, and consumers alike in promotional, editorial, and casual conversations. But what is LEED certification? Who issues it and what are the criteria used when considering what is a LEED certified building? ...
Earthships are sustainable homes designed to interface with their environment. Traditionally, they are built in a circular or U shaped layout and constructed using recycled tires packed with dirt, which weigh about 350 pound each when packed properly. The idea of Earthship housing was created by Mike Reynolds, founder of Earthship Biotecture, in the 1970’s as a response to his desire to live off the grid and help the environment. For this to be possible he felt that his house had to do three things, first he had to provide a sustainable existence while using recycled building materials indigenous to the planet, secondly, he would have to generate his own utilities, and the last thing was to make sure the average person could duplicate his design without having prior construction knowledge…
On May 4, 2007 at 9:46pm, the town of Greensburg Kansas was devastated by an EF5 tornado (about 205mph.) The twister was almost 2 miles wide and travelled nearly 22 miles before dissipating. The next day the town of 1400 found 11 people dead and countless more injured; 90% of their town was leveled and the majority of business’ laid in ruins. So what does a town do when it’s been destroyed? Greensburg Kansas chose to become the first city in the U.S. to build green, with an eventual goal of becoming a sustainable community.