Sustainable Design Update

Star Wars Inspired (and Sustainable) Design

Many regular readers of SDU know that on Friday I sometimes take leave of my senses and post something only remotely linked to Sustainable Design and Technology.

I am just enough of a Geek to admit I love Star Wars, and to find a post remotely linked to Star Wars is pretty cool.

Here is the story:

While at the University of Texas, Arlington, Jason Mellard, AIA, LEED AP, designed a Star Wars inspired aquatic research. Citing such diverse inspirations as the Star Wars films, Santiago Calatrava, and offshore oil platforms, Mellard’s also suggests biomimicry as a conceptual source.

The project was developed in a studio that studied in depth the film Star Wars. (Where was this class when I was an Architecture student?)

Mellard’s design is conceived as a temporary live/work environment for scientists studying marine and bird life offshore. A strong central stalk anchors the structure, providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and circulation services.

Colleen @ Tikal – Recognize the site?

More at the AIA website

Via: Inhabitat

Aleutia Computer – 8 Watts of Linux Power

(This is a reposting with minor editing from the Aleutia Website)

Aleutia Works in places other computers don’t.

• During peak performance, the Aluetia E1 consumes just 8W of power, 4% of what a typical (200W) desktop uses. Runs off a car battery or a cheap solar panel.
• Keep Working During Power Cuts! A UPS that will keep a standard desktop running for 15 minutes will power an E1 for 6.5 hours!
• Everything is stored on a CF card, which can be instantly removed to ensure security of your information.
• Efficient web browser for slow Internet connections. (should be blazing fast w/ broadband)
• Discounted 5-Pack for rural schools available, with low-power displays, solar panel, and battery.

Every application you need and as fast as XP

Puppy Linux is pre-installed. Completely Stable and Fast!

• Practically identical interface to Windows, no learning curve required!
• Office-compatible – create/modify/save Excel and Word files, or even PDFs.
• Spreadsheet program opens in 3 seconds.

Works Off-the-Grid, Available with LCD, Solar Panel

For aid workers, meteorologists, field engineers, and people on the move.

• Ultra-portable version: E1 with 8″ Display, foldable solar panel, and lightweight battery.
• Fits in laptop bag, takes 5 minutes to set up.
• Display and E1 run for 3.5 hours on a charge. Can recharge by car.

Or buy a kit with roof-mounted solar panel and 9kgs battery for less!

• Ideal for healthcare clinics, remote offices, or just individuals without power.
• 30 minute set up.
• Will power E1 and display for 13 hours on a charge.

Linux seems to be so efficient, requiring smaller hard drives and ram.

LED Christmas Lights

We made the change to LED Christmas lights last year. We are replacing the old strings as they malfunction, which is surprisingly often. The LEDs should only use a tiny fraction of the energy of incandescent lights, and they are much cooler.  For all you safety freaks, LEDs are less likely to burn your house down.

Not all LEDs are created equal so pay attention to the total rated wattage. While I don’t have any longevity studies, LEDs should last a lot longer than the typical hardware store lights, which seem to last only a year or two.

While talking about LEDs, why not give LEDs for Christmas? I recently purchased a BoGo light, solar, rechargeable, reasonably priced and better yet, for each BoGo light purchased, a family that lives without electricity will get a BoGo too!

The BoGo Light

This is a nice design with a built in solar charger and a hook on one end so you can hang it up in your house for general illumination. The BoGo puts out more light than a kerosene lamp.

Check out the BoGo Light Here

Cheers,

John Barrie

Haitian Boy Scouts Swap Incandescent Bulbs for CFLs

The Cuban government is helping Haiti reduce power consumption through a gift of 2-3 million compact fluorescent bulbs.

To aid distribution the Haitian government has enlisted the help of the Boy Scouts to go door to door to exchange incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents. (There ought to be a merit badge for this)

The replacement project has lead to a decrease in electricity rationing and reduced stress on the electrical grid. The residents of Cap Haitian that have access to electricity are now enjoying a few additional hours every evening. Cities in the south of the country have reported similar positive changes.

Via: AIDG Blog

(Photo Source: SOIL,  one of AIDG’s partners  in Haiti)

BMW Welt – Solar and So Much More

It’s hard not to be a bit snarky reviewing this new homage to consumption.

BMW Welt is a $275 million dollar German Uber Dealership. If a typical BMW dealership can be considered a church then BMW Welt is Saint Peter’s Cathedral, according to one BMW exec. Other BMW personnel have been heard comparing their new showroom to the Acropolis, a Museum and other well liked objects. The building’s steel and glass façade reminds me of a physics textbook sketch showing the curvature of space-time. From some views it looks a bit like the TWA terminal at Kennedy Airport.

The 16,500 m2 (177,500 ft2) expanse of roof has an impressive roof-integrated photovoltaic system made up of 3,660 solar modules with a total capacity of 824kW (peak).

The facility includes the premium lounge where soon to be new car owners can await delivery, a public gallery, a conference suite and children’s center. The Space Time Cone will act as a media pavillion for exhibitions and events accommodating up to 450 people. BMW anticipates over 800,000 visitors per year.

(Have a happy Thanksgiving)

Clinton Presidential Library

In 2004 the Clinton Presidential Library received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification from the US Green Building Council as a newly constructed green building. Recent upgrades designed to make the building greener have improved the building’s performance such that it has now received the LEED Platinum rating for existing buildings.

From CSR Wire:

The Clinton Library received Silver Certification under the USGBC’s LEED-NC program in 2004. The goal of the LEED-EB initiative is to make the Clinton Library even greener by applying continuous improvement to building operations. Major reasons for embarking on this initiative include a sense of responsibility to “do the right thing” for the environment and a desire to provide a demonstration project that will educate and inform the public about green building.