Deadline: Jan 29, 2010 - Next Generation Design Contest!!!

I just became aware of this a few days ago, hence me posting a few minutes before ringing in the New Year. To start the year off right, "...provide one small(but brilliant and elegant) fix—leading to an incremental (or dramatic) change in sustainability."

Ready...set...go!

Green terraced office

Check out these beautiful green terraced offices.

Also, for you insatiable permies, a few more uncommon resources.

Green Jobs Guidebook and green jobs in Singapore!

I've talked to a few folks recently who wanted more information on all the jobs available in the green field, here's a great online resourceto help.
And if you're looking for some work or green opportunities in the future, try Singapore.

Living Bridges

Growing stronger with age, what better way to make a bridge than with tree roots?



Could a living floor be too far in the future...or does it already exist?

And lest we forget....

Top 10 architecture books of 2009

Can you believe we are into the second half of December? I hope everyone is enjoying all of the "best of 2009" lists. Here's another one, the top 10 architecture books of 2009 . And there should be more good lists floating about, as it's the end of the "zeros" or "aughts" or "naughts" or "singles" or whatever that decade that we have just lived through (but has yet to be universally named) was called. Anyone got a good name for this decade coming up?

Next generation green roofs may be...

...intentionally designed as resting spots for migratory birds. More folks are starting to think like us, me gusta.

12 kinds of bananas...and a partridge in a pear tree

Exotica Rare Fruit Nursery is on the verge of closing and what a shame that would be. Look at the amazing varieties they have available! Seriously, 100 varieties of pomegranates???

Exotica Rare Fruit Nursery is at 2508-B East Vista Way, a half-mile south of Gopher Canyon Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Call 760-724-9093.

50 Best Inventions for 2009

A hydroponic farming system developed by some smart folks at Valcent goes beyond just growing food upward, it goes outward too. Smart cookies.

Slow food movement goes city wide with the "Cittaslow"

Who's up for a roadtrip? A small town in British Columbia, Canada is the first Slow food city . Does anyone know if Sonoma went Slow later in November?
While we're taking our time, here's a little somethin' about slow money.

Sustainable soccer stadium/sports hall/shopping center in Slovenia

It's rare that a story comes along with such alliterative potential, to the rescue is this sustainable soccer stadium .

For up-to-date pictures, check out the architect's website .

Toronto's first urban garden?

For those of you in Toronto interested in the urban gardening movement, check out Foodcycles city farm at Parc Downsview Park. They had a launch party in October. From the press release:

"FoodCycles is a productive city farm and food learning centre based in the Greater Toronto Area. They raise worms, produce nutritious, vibrant soil compost, and grow vegetables, fruit and eventually fish and honey outdoors, indoors and upwards. FoodCycles' will create a just and ecological city food system that inspires all people to come together to grow, learn about, and celebrate food and earth in Toronto. FoodCycles is supported by the City of Toronto's Live Green Community Program, Parc Downsview Park, Wayne Roberts of Now Magazine, Heifer International Canada (Ontario), Evergreen, Home Depot, FoodShare, the STOP Community Food Centre, the Toronto Food Policy Council and Enterprising Non-profits Toronto."

For more information contact:

Sunny Lam
Co-Director, FoodCycles
t: 416 845 0818 --- http://foodcycles.org --- Twitter: @foodcycles --- Email: foodcycles@gmail.com
Facebook Fan Page: http://bit.ly/13ToL1

A few things

cnn.com reports on the future of green jobs. If you're looking for a beat on a few training companies, this is a good start.

Santiago chile has installed a few living walls in their subway system. What a great idea. The plants absorb the fumes and other nasty airborne gases and particles, cut down on the sound pollution and look great. The comments about why Toronto wouldn't do the same are, well, you judge for yourself.

Meanwhile architects in NY are pondering algae pontoon parks.

permaculture reading list

Wow...talk about comprehensive, plus you get a two-fer-one... titles in English and Spanish!

Word of the week: Agriburbia

Keep an eye out on this project: "618-acre Platte River Village is ready for construction, with 944 planned homes surrounded by 108 acres of backyard farms and 152 acres of drip- irrigated community farms..." Agriburbia has hit mainstream in Colorado.
And from last month, here's an article from the NY Times about the next frontier zero-waste
So many green frontiers, so little time!

Vertical farms, yea or nay?

Ecogeek says it's not a good idea, Dickson Despommier says "It sure is!" What say you?

Next stop: Detroit!

Over the last few months I've read several articles about the recovering economy and contracting municipalities. The pieces are sometimes terribly depressing, one does wonder what will happen in and to a once glorious city. But at Triplepundit they offer that Detroit might actually be the next agrarian paradise .

Last (Canadian) green roof of 2009

Well, folks, it's about that time. Early November and the temperature is already down to freezing. But here's a little lovely that we completed a few weeks ago...can't wait to see what it looks like in the spring.


Now, it's time to shut 'er down and prep for next year...in Canada, that is. There's always work further south!

"Yard Sharing is a lot like dating..."

...is the best quote that I've seen in a while from a permaculture article. The LA times covers the idea, locally , I love all of the different names sprouting up... S.P.I.N. yard sharing, what else have people heard it called?

Green Roof for NYC's Roosevelt Island Tram Station

Although originally from NY, like many natives I never took in all of the sites. I'll definitely have to check out the newRoosevelt Island Tram Station next time in Manhattan.

work with the Navajo Nation to develop sustainable farming

For any permies, this call out is from a permaculture listserv.

----------------------------------------------------------

Do you have practical knowledge and experience in gardening and farming? Would you like to have an opportunity to share your knowledge with communities in need?

If you would like an opportunity to work with members of the Navajo nation, to help them build their local food system, please consider offering your services to DINE, Inc., which is seeking assistance in working with the Navajo nation in Arizona, northeast of Flagstaff.

DIN? Inc. welcomes guidance for sustainable Navajo agricultural development in many forms - distance learning resources,
teleconferencing, emailed information, literature, network connections, site visits or long-term partnerships.

For more information on the nonprofit Developing Innovations in Navajo Education, Inc., which is currently working to improve and regenerate sustainable Navajo farming, go to: Navajo Trust

DINE, Inc. is seeking people with expertise in at least one or more of
the following areas of expertise.

* experience in farming or serious gardening, especially in dry climates and/or high plateau
* experience with developing systems for increasing farm productivity and efficiency
* experience with organic, integrated pest management, low-input, or
permaculture
* experience with ranching, poultry, or other animal husbandry
* experience with technology, including use of video to develop training films for distance learning
* experience in business management and marketing as applied to farming
* experience working with entrepreneurs

In exchange for your services, DIN?, Inc. is able to offer room and board. In addition, a VISTA position is available, too.

If interested, please mail or email a letter explaining your interest, experience, and availability - accompanied by a resume - to:

Tina Peshlakai
DINE, Inc.
9975 Chestnut Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Jamescita "Tina" Peshlakai
(928) 606-4998

Official release of verticiel's moss tile

So, we sent out a press release a few weeks ago to various media outlets detailing the moss tile product. It's been received amazingly well and hopefully we'll have some good news to post soon. But, we neglected to put up the release on our own blog. Maybe we should do that some time soon? Yeah, that's a good idea...

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New moss roof is the lightest and most energy efficient green roof on the market

Toronto, Ontario - September 16, 2009 - verticiel Inc. today announces the arrival of a moss tile system designed to be the lightest and most energy efficient green roof and living wall system on the market. The moss tile system, made of completely recycled materials, has an insulation value of R-35 when mature and weighs less than 7 pounds per square foot when saturated with water.

The virtually maintenance-free system is sun and drought tolerant. During prolonged periods of drought the intensely green moss becomes dormant and springs to life once it is watered.

“For years clients have asked us for a system that has it all“ says President Kelven Goodridge. “We are delighted to now offer it; the moss tile system attaches to almost any surface and looks amazing. Personally, it is exciting to offer a new way to feel great about helping the environment, while saving money."

About verticiel Inc.: verticiel Inc. is a full-service Toronto based living architecture company specializing in green roofs, living walls, and permaculture gardens. Serving North America and beyond, verticiel’s mandate is to combine the best of sustainability, beauty, and practicality to produce affordable living systems for everyone to enjoy.
For more information on moss tiles, green roofs and living walls, visit www.verticiel.com or talk to one verticiel's certified Green Roof Professionals at 1-888-237-3007.


###

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Cities Alive and Biomimcry

In honor of the CitiesAlive World Green Roof Infrastructure Network Congress, happening in Toronto October 19-21, I'd like to slide in this article detailing how architects are turning to nature, more and more, as inspiration for design, that's right folks..biomimicry...in action.

Urban Farms Sprouting in NYC

I'm sure many people have heard about this farm, but just in case you haven't, take a look at the video of the
rooftop urban farmwhich is turning heads.

Vancouver and Chicago inspiring us all

Short film about a HUGE Vancouver green roof,
6 acres in fact. More like this around the world, please.
And North America's (they just claim "the nation", but I'm pretty sure they've got one up on Canada as well, anyone, please correct me if I'm wrong) organic rooftop farm.

Green Work and Wealth

Last week I dropped in on my friend Nathan who did a presentation on Green Roof in a class called Green Work and Wealth, wonderful stuff.
My son piped up at the end of the presentation to extol the virtues of rainforests and green roofs. What can you say about the kid? Always working!

Green roof...done!

The team finished a green roof last week, it went well and they have such an incredible view! Thanks to Rachel and Lisa for the pictures!!!

Newton, Iowa turns to the future and...

A great article about a town which has become a "green collar hub", courtesy of Audubon Magazine.
http://audubonmagazine.org/features0907/solutions.html

New York looks up towards the Rooftop Farm.
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/15/the-roof-the-roof-the-roof-is-a-farm/

It's been a while...

Hi everyone,

The last couple of months have been incredibly busy, we were down in Atlanta for the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) conference and now, in addition to have a LEED accredited professional on staff, we have an accredited Green Roof Professional, (the new designation created by GRHC). Also, we have a winner for the giveaway (which we'll post in about a week), lots of news from the world o' living architecture, possibly ANOTHER contest on the horizon, and pics from some recently completed projects. Let's get to it...





I had to squeeze this in, it's so tangential, it's not even funny. But a few weeks ago, on a sleepy Sunday morning, I bumped into George Clinton, wearing flip-flops, wandering around downtown Toronto. Without saying a word, I went up to him and just shook his hand. He smiled and went on his way. One of the coolest moments of my life...

One Nation Under a Groove

Our First Annual Green Roof Giveaway!

Hey folks,
To celebrate the spring and also all things green we are giving away a green roof garden. This year is just a giveaway for Toronto, if this goes well, next year we'll do one in the US and Mexico. Below the line are the details!!! Pass the word along and good luck!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OFFICIAL "Green Roof Garden Giveaway" CONTEST RULES

SPONSOR
verticiel Inc. ("Sponsor").

WHO MAY ENTER
Contest is open only to legal residence owners of the City of Toronto.

HOW TO ENTER
• Go to www.livingarchitecturedaily.blogspot.com for entry information. Complete the required information, including the name(s) of the building owner(s), building address, owner(s) phone number(s), email address(es)and signature.
• Along with the above information, a 200 word statement detailing why you would like or need a green roof garden. You must include at least 5 pictures of the prospective site. Online videos or pdf drawings for further illustration may also be sent. Your application will be judged in accordance with the Judging Criteria.
• Email your submission to verticiel Inc. at: info@verticiel.ca. All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned or acknowledged. The Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, or incomplete entries. Entries void if incomplete, irregular, altered, counterfeit, produced in error, or obtained through fraud or theft.

CONTEST PRIZE
One Grand Prize Winner will be selected and the Grand Prize will be awarded to the winning entry as judged by verticiel Inc. The Grand Prize will be provided by verticiel Inc. The green roof garden will be based on, the Grand Prize Winner's contest submission and will be completed by verticiel lnc. (Approximate retail value ("ARV") is $2,500). Taxes and all other items not stated herein are the sole responsibility of the winner. No prize substitution by winner permitted. Any ongoing maintenance, replacement or repair obligations pertaining to the green roof garden installed or constructed on the Grand Prize Winner's site shall be the sole responsibility of the Grand Prize Winner unless otherwise contracted to verticiel Inc. as outlined in the main contract.

SCHEDULE
This Contest begins June 1, 2009 and ends June 28, 2009. Entries must be received by 11:59 pm on June 28, 2009. Entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned.

JUDGING
• One Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among all eligible entries received.
• A panel of verticiel Inc. employees, volunteers and consultants will judge the submissions on imagination, creativity, viability and need. If so needed, the green roof garden design will be altered by verticiel Inc. to fit cost and safety parameters. If the contestant does not have a green roof design, one will be created by verticiel Inc. and the contestant agrees to its specifications.
• The contest consists of one round. The four semi-finalists will be notified on July 3, 2009 and a site visit will be scheduled for sometime between July 6, 2009 and July 12, 2009. If the contestant is not available during that time, their submission will be eliminated. After site visits, which will include an inspection by a structural engineer provided by verticiel Inc., are conducted by verticiel Inc. staff or volunteers, the final Prize Winner will be selected and notified on July 17, 2009, and notified by e-mail, phone and also posted on the aforementioned blog site. It is the duty of the submitter to check both their email and the blog site on that date. The winner has 48 hours to respond. If they do not do so, another winner will be subsequently picked. After the winner has acknowledge his/her winning, within 48 hours an affidavit of eligibility and liability will be dropped off. The winner has one week to sign and have the affidavit notarized.
Odds of winning depend on total number of eligible entries received.
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY AND A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Decision of the judges is final. Grand Prize Winner is required to sign an affidavit of eligibility, and liability release to accept the green roof garden for installation at verticiel Inc.’s leisure.
Noncompliance or return of prize notification as undeliverable will result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Sponsors reserve the right to select an alternate winner should the Grand Prize Winner entry be unable to accept the Grand Prize for improvements due to lack of compliance of the rules and regulations. By participating, participants agree to release, discharge and hold harmless verticiel Inc. and their partners, parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising agencies, agents and their employees, officers, directors, and representatives from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Contest or any Contest-related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder. During the site visit should the structure be deemed unsuitable by the structural engineer provided by the sponsor, another submission may be selected. Participants also agree (a) to be bound by these Official Rules; (b) that the decisions of the judges are final on all matters relating to the Contest; and (c) if he/she wins that Sponsor may use the winning submission, and/or pictures and video of the green roof garden preparation, installation and completion and/or the winner’s name, and/or likeness, and/or voice for advertising and promotional purposes without compensation and upon request, to provide consent to such use in writing. All federal, provincial, and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winners. This Contest is subject to federal, provincial, and local laws and regulations. Certain restrictions may apply.

WINNER'S LIST
For Grand Prize Winner's name please visit www.livingarchitecturedaily.blogspot.com after July 18, 2009.

Borrow tools at your library

How much easier would it be to do those small home repairs, if you could just borrow tools from the local library, instead of bothering your neighbor for the 93rd time? Hey, you could even do a little street repair! (I kid.) From Utne reader comes the following:

"If you need a tool in Santa Rosa, you get in touch with Dustin Zuckerman. He's a junior college librarian by day. The rest of the time he's running the Santa Rosa Tool Library from his apartment. Make editor Dale Dougherty writes about Zuckerman's project:

Zuckerman set up his lending library by purchasing circulation software used by small libraries ... "It's good to think like a librarian in setting up a tool-sharing service," he says ... Users register online with their driver's license or ID to borrow a tool. There are no fees for borrowing, but you have to sign a borrowing agreement ... More women than men use his lending library, including a handful who have little experience with power tools. He spends time giving each person a tutorial in how to operate the tools, and provides goggles and earplugs, plus a hard hat, if needed. "I'm not an expert on tools," he says. "I just try to learn the basics so I can pass it on."

A list of tool lending services in three countries and 15 American states lists the Berkeley Tool Lending Library, which opened its dopors in 1979, as the pioneer.

Toronto passes North America's first green roof bylaw

On May 26, 2009, Toronto's city council passed a green roof by-law, the first in North America, mandating green roofs on all new construction, starting in January 2010. There have been at least a dozen articles written about from sources around the world, check out the press release. Torontonians will definitely breathe a little easier!

http://newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2009/27/c8082.html

Toronto's Dufferin Train station will get a green roof

Toronto's Dufferin transit station, which will receive a $275 million upgrade, will get a complete makeover, including a green roof.

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2009/05/11/a-better-brighter-dufferin-station-without-that-sickly-green-hue.aspx

Applications Sought for Agricultural Travel Scholarship

Applications Sought for Agricultural Travel Scholarship

(Innisfail, AB - May 7, 2009) The Canadian Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust is accepting applications for their 2010 program. Applications are due by June 1, 2009 and forms can be downloaded from the Nuffield Canada website at

http://www.nuffield.ca/ApplicationForm.htm


Nuffield Farming Scholarships are awarded to enthusiastic individuals, between the ages of 25 and 45, who wish to explore topics of their choice in agriculture, land management, horticulture or the food chain. The Scholarship provides individuals with the unique opportunity to:

· develop a global perspective on food and agriculture
· achieve personal development through study and travel
· stand back from their day-to-day occupation and study a topic of real interest to them
· access the world's best in food and farming
· deliver benefits to Canadian farmers and growers, and to the industry as a whole

A key part of the scholarship is the opportunity for winners to study a topic of interest to themselves through out their travels. Scholars must complete their project within two years of the award and are required to travel and study for a minimum of two months in total. On return from their study tour, Scholars are expected to produce a written report and present their findings at the annual general meeting as well as to others in their industries.
Canadian Nuffield Scholars are also required to participate in the Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) where all of the Scholars from across the world convene for one week. The 2010 conference will be held in March in Washington DC.
For more information on Nuffield Canada, visit www.nuffield.ca or on Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust (the United Kingdom site) -

www.nuffieldscholar.org.

- 30 -

For more information:
Rod Bradshaw
Secretary, Nuffield Canada
secretary@nuffield.ca
(403) 224 2633

Three Cheers for Toronto

Last week Toronto City council debated a by-law for all new large buildings starting in 2010. Will it happen...I think so. The Toronto Star summarizes it nicely...

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/630393

What the Future Will Bring

-The Wall Street Journal recently asked several prominent architects what the green house of the future will look like, naturally, it will have living walls. Check out the "Incredible Edible House".

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124050414436548553.html


-The Minneapolis Target Center will get a $5.3 Million dollar Green Roof, we all know 'Wolves love green.

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/news/Target_Center_Green_Roof_April_28_2009

Primer on Green Jobs

Let's get to it, we've been away preparing for the busy planting season but lots of great things are happening...

First up, check out Van Jones, the new special advisor to President Obama on the benefits of green jobs.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/green-jobs-47042202

Green Roofs as a Home Renovation Tax Credit in Canada?

If laying sod qualifies for the home renovation tax credit...would installation a green roof, living wall or permaculture garden?
If anyone out there knows, please let me know!

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhmrnvtn-eng.html#q1

Urban Gardening in Chicago

Great article about an innovative program which gives communities the opportunity to manage open spaces for neighborhood gardens.

"Neighbors on the 400 block of Leclaire Avenue are used to pulling together. They clear snow and mow lawns for those for whom that's a hardship. And if they see violence or drug dealing, they unleash the power of the phone tree and block club."

That's the preview, definitely worth the full read:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-leclaire-gardens-zone-city-1apr15,0,6691906.story

The latest from Dubai- vertical farming with seawater

If someone's dreaming something sustainable and cool, the dreamer's probably in Dubai. Although just in the concept stages wouldn't this seawater greenhouse skyscraper be amazing?



Read more about it here: http://www.gizmag.com/dubai-seawater-vertical-tower/11309/

Water treatment plant becomes a green roof driving range

The architects certainly made it multiuse. Take the roof of a water treatment facility, green it and provide leisure space in the form of a driving range. Oh yeah, give it some length so Tiger can drop by when he's in town...9 acres should do the trick!!!

http://archpaper.com/e-board_rev.asp?News_ID=3231

"West Coast" Portland's eco-roof funding...year 2!

If you're in Portland, you're in luck. The Bureau of Environmental Services has up to $5 per square foot to offer towards the installation of an eco (green) roof.

Check out the good news: http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/04/city_offers_grants_for_ecoroof.html

Bring the garden indoors

The interior wood staircase in this apartment is ensconced in grasses and sedum.



Here's the full scoop: http://www.greenbuildingsNYC.com/2009/04/01/broadway-penthouse-joel-sanders-architect/

Green Roof Tax Incentive Legislation Introduced in the Senate - excellente!

The Clean Energy Stimulus and Investment Assurance Act of 2009 (S.320) was introduced by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) on January 26, 2009, to help create high-wage green-collar jobs and revitalize the economy through clean energy investments. Follow the bill as it marches (hopefully!) through the Senate: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-320

Taiwan Breaks Ground on a Trio of Green-Roofed Skyscrapers

Due to be completed in 2012, check out these green-roofed skyscrapers or...what they should look like.

More info at the source: http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/03/02/chinatrust-headquarters-by-nbbj-architects/

Edible Gardening in the City course

For those of you in Toronto, George Brown College now offers a course entitled "Edible Design in the City" as part of their Continuing Education courses in Gardening. Also offered is Container Gardening, Fundamentals of Gardening, Garden Design I and II and Horticulture.

Check it out:  

http://www.courses.georgebrown.ca/

17 great living roofs

From ecosalon 17 great living roofs, including the lovely terraced one above.

Ecosalon

verticiel Inc.'s final green roof 2008

In early October we completed this green roof near the King St./Parliament St. area of downtown Toronto. Looming behind the blue fescue grass is the CN Tower. Can't wait to see what it looks like in the spring!

Alive and kickin'

Hey, I have a blog, first post tomorrow!