About one month ago the University at Buffalo chose Walter Hood to design a 1.1-megawatt solar array that will be located at the entrance of North Campus on Flint Road. The 5,000 photovoltaic panels will produce energy for 735 student apartments on campus. This may seem insignificant when you realize that there are over 7000 students living on campus, but it is important to start somewhere.
The design concept for the photovoltaic panels is a “Solar Strand.” Public paths will be intertwined with the panels to provide an educational and social experience within the solar array. To find out more visit The UB News Center.
Tags: Buffalo, Energy, Solar Power
With the economy in distress, we find ourselves tightening our budgets. Whether we reduce ourdaily cost of living by bringing lunch instead of dinning out, or saving on our utility bills by being more conscious of how much energy we use, finding more sustainable ways to live, has become a necessity to many. We are always looking for ways to cut costs and make our dollar stretch a bit further. As a result, more people are going green.
The people in this article take the idea of going green to another level. The majority of their home, that they built themselves, was constructed using discarded materials, and required little to no construction experience. In the end, not only did they build a home for their family that was within their budget of $10,000, but the result was also a very low impact house.
The 2010 SUNY Buffalo Masters of Architecture Students, including Eamonn.
On May 7th 2010 I graduated with my Masters in Architecture from the University at Buffalo with a focus on Sustainable Urban and Natural Environments, and as one phase of my architectural career ends and another begins, it is hard not to think about what the future might hold for both architectural education and the profession.
Today, it is exciting to be in the midst of a sustainable architecture movement and while organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and their LEED rating system have provided a level of quantification and awareness for sustainable buildings, my hope is that someday the need for segregated sustainable ratings systems and research groups will no longer be needed, that sustainable design will simply become defined as good design. Regardless as to ones opinions on global warming it cannot be denied the benefits of natural light and ventilation on ones experience in a space, it cannot be denied the positive environmental aspects in the use of recycled, natural, and rapidly renewable materials, and it cannot be denied the positive economic impacts of an efficient building, equipment, and appliances. Today these techniques, strategies and products are called “sustainable” or “green” and while this may be true, they are also necessary pieces in any good design.
So, as I begin this new phase of my architecture career and think about my future, I am glad to have been apart of the Sustainable Urban and Natural Environments research group and am glad to be starting my career in a time where sustainability is such and important topic. My hope for the future though is that sustainability will cease too be segregated, but integrated into education and practice, to be known not as sustainable architecture but good architecture.
We are fast approaching Mother’s Day and many of us are still in search of that perfect gift. Why not kill two birds with one stone by showing her how much you love her and Mother Earth? (First by not killing two birds). Planting trees and flowers, cleaning up local parks and schools and making homemade gifts are just a few creative green ideas that would make both your mother and mother earth happy. For more green Mother’s Day gifts visit The Green Blog.
Photo courtesy of WonderClipArts.com
As the weeks go on, and the temperature struggles to stay above freezing, the browns are turning to green, and bright colors are popping up left and right. The rebirth of nature’s plant life is among us once again. Such a beautiful time to walk around and see tulips, and daffodils, as well as green buds starting on trees lining the streets. This sight brings joy to passer-bys except for when there is a Jim’s Steak Out wrapper blowing in the wind or other well-known Elmwood strip food stops and cafes packages littered around.
Come down to Elmwood Village this Saturday April 24th to volunteer your spring cleaning skills at the “Elmwood Village Street Wide Cleanup!” from 10:00am to 2:00pm. The snow has melted and has left last Fall’s non-decomposed items around the streets and landscaped areas. Just a few hours can really make a difference. For more information check out The Elmwood Village Association
Tags: Buffalo, Community, Environmental, Living, Volunteering
Structural insulated panels, known as SIP’s, are prefabricated structural panels consisting of a rigid foam core, typically expanded polystyrene (EPS), faced with structural skins (typically OSB). These panels are promoted for their thermal efficiency, an air tight envelope, and savings in labor costs resulting from faster erection compared to typical stick framing construction.
These were positive attributes in Kideney Architect’s selection of SIP’s panel construction for the recently completed addition to the University at Buffalo’s north campus Child Care Center. SIP’s panels were employed for exterior bearing walls and roof panels. Exterior walls were then clad with a combination of fiber cement siding and corrugated metal panels with standing seam roofing installed on the roof panels. The selection of the SIP’s roof panels in lieu of prefabricated roof trusses contributed to the open feel of the building providing an increased volume of space in the building.
You can find more information on structural insulated panels by visiting the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) web page.
University at Buffalo Child Care Center designed by Kideney Architects
Photo courtesy of greenenergymarketing.com
With Earth Day rapidly approaching, the environmentally-conscious feel even more inclined to take action. Earth Day, which will be celebrated on Thursday, April 22, will serve as a pivotal turning point for those committed to a life of sustainability. This national holiday will also serve as a day to reach out to friends, family, and even strangers, by leading by example, and explaining the benefits of sustainable living. Be sure to check local newspapers, blogs, or websites to find ways that you can become an even more crucial part of Earth Day. Don’t wait until next Thursday to begin. Start now!
Click here for a listing of upcoming Earth Friendly events in Buffalo.
The Earth Awards are a global search for creative solutions to ecological and social challenges. They are broken into six categories: Built Environment, Product, Future, Systems, Fashion and Social Justice. The Awards are committed to transforming the winners into market-ready solutions. For more information visit www.theearthawards.org
Tags: Energy, Environmental, Sustainable Living, Technology
This week, April 5-11, is the second annual National Cell Phone Recycling Week. The EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling program is encouraging Americans to turn in those old cell phones for re-use and recycling in cooperation with retailers, service providers, and cell phone manufacturers.
According to the EPA, the energy saved by recycling one cell phone is enough to power a laptop for 44 hour. Currently only about 10 percent of cell phones are recycled.
The Plug-In To eCycling program began in 2003 and has since recycled more than 360 million pounds of electronics, including televisions, computers and cell phones.
Check out the following website for more information on how easy and convenient it is to recycle your cell phone, computer or television.
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/plugin/cellphone/index.htm#where
Tags: Sustainable Living, Technology
Most businesses steer away from using solar panels on their buildings because it is not aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Piksol created a solar cell that creates an interesting facade through shadows. This new product closes the gap between beauty and energy efficiency, thereby giving us every reason to become more sustainable in the world. Check out the video to learn more about Piksol’s solar cell.
For more information, check out their website: DrZach & Suchy : Piksol
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