PSU Project Aims To Mimic Skin Responsiveness For Designing Energy-Efficient Buildings
One day, man-made buildings will mimic the human body in the relationship with the exterior. Penn State University researchers are about to study and implement a model that uses the sensitivity and flexibility of human cells to build "skins" that will give buildings the possibility to self-adapt to the exterior, to regulate their energy use according to changes in the environment.
Yahoo's New Energy-Efficient Data Center Opened
A few days ago, Yahoo has officially opened a new energy-efficient data center which has been designed after a chicken coop (this way the air will circulate more easily). Thanks to its design, the building will save the company millions in data center costs.
Abu Dhabi To Build Two Green Towers Inspired By Nature and Islamic Architecture
A "design generated from a mathematically pre-rationalized form that derives from Islamic design principles" is about to be brought to life by Aedas, the world's fifth largest architecture company. The Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters will be built in collaboration with engineering firm Arup, and the deadline is 2012.
Aesthetically Pleasing Solar Powered Slates Offered by UK Company
Today's practical solar panels are also aesthetically unpleasant, because they are usually bulky and usually ruin a home's looks (unless you really want it to look geeky). Heritage Solar Slate, a UK-based company, proposes solar cells that are identical to classic roofing slates, fully weather proof and aesthetically pleasing.
Rice Husks Making Cement Become Less Of a Polluter
Cement is made by heating limestone with clay at high temperatures, and is responsible for 5 percent of the global carbon dioxide emissions, with a ton of CO2 released for every ton of cement produced. To reduce that figure, a team of researchers from the University of Dundee in UK, developed an environmentally-friendly cement made of waste organic materials, such as rice husks.
Affresol Homes Built From Recycled Plastic: 12% Cheaper, 60 Years Lifespan
It's a known fact that plastics, although they make up hellish environments if disposed randomly (read: "thrown away"), can be good friends if they are to be recycled and used in long-term construction works. Affresol, a Wales-based company, is about to launch a new range of homes and modular portable buildings, made from recycled plastics.
Biomass Plant to Generate 49KW of Green Electricity to 50,000 Homes
The project led by Bio Energy Investments will be constructed on the banks of River Tees in Teesside. It will generate enough energy to power up to 50,000 homes and will save 140,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually through the use of carbon neutral woodchip.
Scrap Tires and Concrete Transformed Into Ecological Building Blocks
Concrete is one of the best materials the world has ever seen - you can see it everywhere. The problem is that when you want to dispose it, you suddenly have a problem - a big one. The same story goes with scrap tires - once used, they can hardly be dispensed of, or, in the best of cases - recycled.
Taipei's Financial Center Corp to Become World's Tallest Green Building
The tallest building between 2004-2007 Taipei's Financial Center Corp (TFC) is now also looking to become the world's tallest green building. The 101 floors structure will get its new looks in the next 18-month with a $1,9 million investment. TFC will primarily get new heating, cooling and ventilation system upgrades.
America's First High School Powered Entirely by Renewable Energy
The greenest high school ever built will conserve energy by using 36 wind turbines and solar panels in conjunction with a green roof and systems that maximize the use of ventilation and natural light.
