Fantastic article which shows (and images!) which shows how various greening measures can be added to buildings. My particular favorite is the last image, showing how all the technologies discussed, and a few others everyone is familiar with, can be applied.
Speaking of retrofit, anyone know where to get updates of Dockside Green building in Vancouver? I think they still have 6 years until it's done.
Once upon a time I heard that the province of Prince Edward Island had no building codes. I couldn't believe it, but never verified Came across this article from last fall, it looks like PEI hasn't adopted province wide codes, which mean in some places the codes could be very lax. Maybe non-existent? This still isn't confirmation, I'll keep diggin' because I like to dig.
Oh, and Pittsburgh is greening their code as well.
Can artists take techniques from sustainable food production and apply that to art production?”
And the winner of today's "most misleading green story headline designed to get press" award goes to the University of California, Irvine for releasing this:
"Urban 'green' spaces may contribute to global warming, UCI study finds". Truly stunned, it was the first thing I read.
The second line reads "Turfgrass management creates more greenhouse gas than plants remove from atmosphere". Ya don't say? Lawns, not such a good thing? Management of lawns even worse? However this part is vital:
"... greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer production, mowing, leaf blowing and other lawn management practices are four times greater than the amount of carbon stored by ornamental grass in parks, a UC Irvine study shows. These emissions include nitrous oxide released from soil after fertilization. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that's 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, the Earth's most problematic climate warmer."
The rest of it, oy.
Serving up the best permaculture, green roof, and green wall info from around the world.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Green Roof volunteer opportunity- Bronx, New York
For those in the NY area, a very rare chance to be involved with green roofing and/or permaculture and learn some tricks of the trade.
---------------------
Green Roof Project Associate
Location: Bronx, New York, 10454, United States
Organization: Friends of Brook Park
Language(s): English
Start date: February 20, 2010
Last day to apply: February 26, 2010
Paid or unpaid: Unpaid
Skill(s): Other
End date: June 21, 2010
Last updated: January 21, 2010
Description:
*We are looking for a part time winter/spring/summer intern to work on implementing our green roof. Green
roofs are engineered systems that places low maintenance vegetation on rooftops. Primary responsibilities will be assit in design and general garden maintenance: planting, weeding, composting, irrigation design of rainwater catchment system, documenting ecology, etc. Roof sites is in the South Bronx. Possible bee-keeping component.
This is a great opportunity for an individual who may already be familiar with green roof technology, however this is knowledge or previous experience not required!*
* *
*Various duties the intern may encounter:*
1. Work in the field on green roof project
2. Frequent seasonal green roof horticultural maintenance; Weed and compost management; Establish irrigation management on new green roof project
3. Document ecology on roof, to include plant species identification (wanted and unwanted species), insects, and birds.
Submit digital images and written documentation; Document and fix physical changes on roof- edging, gravel misplacement, garbage, etc.
4. Pick up and select plant material from greenhouse. Help develop new relationships with funders. Maintain plant inventory.
5. Assist in establishing green roof research plots.
6. Assist in establishing quality control and service protocols.
7. Assist in installing new green roof projects in the region.
8. Assist in green roof design using CAD.
9. Learn new systems. Create a library of different products and materials used- to include roofing membranes, protection fabric, drainage systems, soil, plants, edging, etc. Identify new products and vendors.
10. Update project leads information.
11. Identify financial incentives (local and regional) for potential clients to feasibly install a green roof.
*Additional:*
1. Be able to work alone or with a small crew in a timely and professional manner while on site or in the office.
2. Be flexible with daily and weekly tasks.
3. Arrive on time, and have 100% attendance- rain or shine.
4. Be willing to attend seminars, lectures, and possible conferences after hours.
Application instructions:
*Please email your letter resume, cover letter, and availability to informationATfriendsofbrookpark.org. Seeking two interns at 5 hours a week at least for three months to start. Please no generic inquiries.
Permalink:http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Internship/147781-91/c
---------------------
Green Roof Project Associate
Location: Bronx, New York, 10454, United States
Organization: Friends of Brook Park
Language(s): English
Start date: February 20, 2010
Last day to apply: February 26, 2010
Paid or unpaid: Unpaid
Skill(s): Other
End date: June 21, 2010
Last updated: January 21, 2010
Description:
*We are looking for a part time winter/spring/summer intern to work on implementing our green roof. Green
roofs are engineered systems that places low maintenance vegetation on rooftops. Primary responsibilities will be assit in design and general garden maintenance: planting, weeding, composting, irrigation design of rainwater catchment system, documenting ecology, etc. Roof sites is in the South Bronx. Possible bee-keeping component.
This is a great opportunity for an individual who may already be familiar with green roof technology, however this is knowledge or previous experience not required!*
* *
*Various duties the intern may encounter:*
1. Work in the field on green roof project
2. Frequent seasonal green roof horticultural maintenance; Weed and compost management; Establish irrigation management on new green roof project
3. Document ecology on roof, to include plant species identification (wanted and unwanted species), insects, and birds.
Submit digital images and written documentation; Document and fix physical changes on roof- edging, gravel misplacement, garbage, etc.
4. Pick up and select plant material from greenhouse. Help develop new relationships with funders. Maintain plant inventory.
5. Assist in establishing green roof research plots.
6. Assist in establishing quality control and service protocols.
7. Assist in installing new green roof projects in the region.
8. Assist in green roof design using CAD.
9. Learn new systems. Create a library of different products and materials used- to include roofing membranes, protection fabric, drainage systems, soil, plants, edging, etc. Identify new products and vendors.
10. Update project leads information.
11. Identify financial incentives (local and regional) for potential clients to feasibly install a green roof.
*Additional:*
1. Be able to work alone or with a small crew in a timely and professional manner while on site or in the office.
2. Be flexible with daily and weekly tasks.
3. Arrive on time, and have 100% attendance- rain or shine.
4. Be willing to attend seminars, lectures, and possible conferences after hours.
Application instructions:
*Please email your letter resume, cover letter, and availability to informationATfriendsofbrookpark.org. Seeking two interns at 5 hours a week at least for three months to start. Please no generic inquiries.
Permalink:http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Internship/147781-91/c
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Portland's iconic living architecture
It's big, really big. Love the first line of the article..."they haven't figured out how to do the pruning yet..." But when (if???) they do, this will be quite a treat for those in Oregon.
In other related news, I learned how to say Oregon ("OR-ih-guhn") last week. Huzzah!
In other related news, I learned how to say Oregon ("OR-ih-guhn") last week. Huzzah!
Labels:
green wall,
living architecture,
living wall
Monday, January 18, 2010
Soil Conservationist intern wanted, upstate NY
For now, you'll probably only see this here. But I'll try to put it on other blogs and websites so others can apply.
----
Soil Conservationist (Career Intern Program)
SALARY RANGE: 32,089.00 - 39,749.00 USD /year OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 to Friday, January 29, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0457-05/07 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Federal Career Intern
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 09 DUTY LOCATIONS: vacancy(s) in one of the following locations: 1 vacancy - EAST AURORA, NY
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States Citizens
JOB SUMMARY:
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help conserve, maintain, and imrove our natural resources ad environment. agency website
These is a two-year Excepted Appointment under the Career Intern Program, which provides the participant with experience and training directly related to the goals of the NRCS. Participants may be converted to permanent Federal positions upon successful completion of the required 2-year training program. For more information on this program view the USDA Intern web site at http://www.usda.gov/da/employ/CareerInternWebSite.htm
This position is on the Assistant State Conservationist-Field Operations' (ASTC-FO) staff under the supervision of the Designated Conservationist in Erie Country. The purpose of this position is to assist the Soil and Water Conservation district (SWCD) in the Watershed Team in the development of a comprehensive natural resources conservation program. The Watershed Team consists of one or more counties. The incumbent serves as a Soil Conservationist in an advanced developmental position which is intended to broaden professional knowledge and experience in conservation planning and application.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
You must be a US citizen.
You must have a valid state driver's license.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
You Must Meet The 4-year Positve Education Requirement
A Background Check is required.
----
Soil Conservationist (Career Intern Program)
SALARY RANGE: 32,089.00 - 39,749.00 USD /year OPEN PERIOD: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 to Friday, January 29, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: GS-0457-05/07 POSITION INFORMATION: Full Time Federal Career Intern
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 09 DUTY LOCATIONS: vacancy(s) in one of the following locations: 1 vacancy - EAST AURORA, NY
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: United States Citizens
JOB SUMMARY:
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help conserve, maintain, and imrove our natural resources ad environment. agency website
These is a two-year Excepted Appointment under the Career Intern Program, which provides the participant with experience and training directly related to the goals of the NRCS. Participants may be converted to permanent Federal positions upon successful completion of the required 2-year training program. For more information on this program view the USDA Intern web site at http://www.usda.gov/da/employ/CareerInternWebSite.htm
This position is on the Assistant State Conservationist-Field Operations' (ASTC-FO) staff under the supervision of the Designated Conservationist in Erie Country. The purpose of this position is to assist the Soil and Water Conservation district (SWCD) in the Watershed Team in the development of a comprehensive natural resources conservation program. The Watershed Team consists of one or more counties. The incumbent serves as a Soil Conservationist in an advanced developmental position which is intended to broaden professional knowledge and experience in conservation planning and application.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:
You must be a US citizen.
You must have a valid state driver's license.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
You Must Meet The 4-year Positve Education Requirement
A Background Check is required.
Labels:
green job,
new york,
soil conservation,
us government
Saturday, January 16, 2010
lots o' things + Passing Strange
It's been a busy week, lots of posts and a few others interesting articles:
The 2010 Shanghai World Expo • World Green Roof Development Conference is coming up in May. It's INCREDIBLE what's happening in China, check out the pictures and check out this stat: Beijing has signed on to green 100,000 square meters of roof per year.
Having no clue how big this is, I did the math. That means the government has committed to greening enough rooftops to equal the size of Manhattan every 4 YEARS! So far, China has greened the equivalent of 10 MANHATTANS.
WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!
-More on Detroit's urban ag experiment. What do you do with a population of 700,000 in a geography that can accommodate three times that much? Grow, grow, grow.
-The newest design trend? How about volcanos?
-From the four corners region of the USA, Mark Moody is bettin' the ranch on mesquite. Mesquite wood, mesquite flour, mesquite honey. If he makes that mesquite smoke flavoring in a bottle, I'll be giving him a call.
-Next week look for the start of a semi-regular column interviewing folks from the living architecture field. It should be a blast.
-Also on a completely unrelated, but truly important note, for those who don't know Passing Strange is on Great Performances on PBS. But what is Passing Strange, you might ask? See it... hear it ...and you're good for the arts for the rest of your life. Oh yeah, my brother's in it too, he's got talent to burn.
The 2010 Shanghai World Expo • World Green Roof Development Conference is coming up in May. It's INCREDIBLE what's happening in China, check out the pictures and check out this stat: Beijing has signed on to green 100,000 square meters of roof per year.
Having no clue how big this is, I did the math. That means the government has committed to greening enough rooftops to equal the size of Manhattan every 4 YEARS! So far, China has greened the equivalent of 10 MANHATTANS.
WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!
-More on Detroit's urban ag experiment. What do you do with a population of 700,000 in a geography that can accommodate three times that much? Grow, grow, grow.
-The newest design trend? How about volcanos?
-From the four corners region of the USA, Mark Moody is bettin' the ranch on mesquite. Mesquite wood, mesquite flour, mesquite honey. If he makes that mesquite smoke flavoring in a bottle, I'll be giving him a call.
-Next week look for the start of a semi-regular column interviewing folks from the living architecture field. It should be a blast.
-Also on a completely unrelated, but truly important note, for those who don't know Passing Strange is on Great Performances on PBS. But what is Passing Strange, you might ask? See it... hear it ...and you're good for the arts for the rest of your life. Oh yeah, my brother's in it too, he's got talent to burn.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Good to go
A few days ago, I saw this press release, about a new mall concept called ECOnvenience Center.
'Good to Go' Centers Benefit from Tax Credits, Grants
A new concept, the Good to Go ECOnvenience Center, offers small businesses government financial incentives and consumers green, 24/7 convenience centers for fuel, car wash, and merchandise
Milwaukee (PRWEB) January 12, 2010 -- The surge in ‘Green-built’ business opportunities has special impact for owners of ecologically designed ‘Good to Go’ convenience fuel and shopping outlets, according to Steve Nikolas, President of Good to Go ECOnvenience Centers.
“Recognizing the accelerating public demand for conservation and the preservation of the environment, Uncle Sam has already thrown his stars-and-striped hat into the mix to support higher profit margins for ‘Green-built’ business enterprises and to achieve their energy mandates,” stated Nikolas who heads a Wisconsin-based firm that is developing the first 24/7 centers for environmentally-conscious consumers.
More than 150 ‘Good to Go’ ECOnvenience Centers are targeted for future development; all built to United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
“Beyond the intrinsic environmental values are multiple options for increasing ownership profit margins, over and above conventional outlets,” he said. “Those advantages are due to specialized government grants and funding, already in place to encourage conservation of resources intrinsic to ‘Good to Go’ construction and operations.”
Among existing programs:
- A U. S. Small Business Association (SBA) 504 Loan Program offering special funding for renewable, alternative energy and sustainable design features, applicable to new ‘Green’ building typical of ECOnvenience construction, including retro-fitted structures.
- Qualified applicants through SBA 504 are eligible for a 30 percent Federal Tax Credit or Grant for renewable energy project participation, applicable towards a down payment or equity participation in center ownership.
“When applied to ‘Good to Go’ ownership, up to 90 percent of total purchase cost translates into only 10 percent down payments by qualified owner-operators,” Nikolas said.
- The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 provides tax credits for the blending of ethanol fuel, which, at a below-average rate of 150,000 gallons per month, could mean an annual tax credit of $384,750, according to an estimate of volume in high-traffic locations.
“Providing ethanol and other renewable fuels is a prime product feature of ‘Good to Go’ ECOnvenience Centers,” noted Nikolas who cited additional federal tax credits for the cost of installing renewable fueling equipment, effective as of January 1, 2006, as well as on-site blender tax credits.
“The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 goes a step further, authorizing grants for infrastructure development for renewable fuel blends incorporating 10 to 85 percent ethanol, and the program extends to both technical and marketing assistance,” he added.
Originally adopted to provide tax credits of up to 30 percent for equipment and installation, the 2007 revised act, through federal stimulus funding, upped that figures to 50 percent (not to exceed $50,000), obtainable through submission of three IRS forms.
Infrastructure credits for construction established by the U. S. Green Building Council for LEED certification include panelized construction with Green Roof control of water runoff, 100 percent LED energy-efficient lighting, use of pervious concrete and rain garden installations minimizing storm water runoff and recharging ground water at each Center site.
Even without tax credits, the unique environmental product-emphasis of ‘Good to Go’ ECOnvenience Centers offers a variety of renewable fuel alternatives that provide exceptional cost savings with a 24-hour automated merchandising system of 220 staples products, staffed by a single employee to increase operating profitability through lower overhead costs.
In addition, the Center car washing system, utilizing recycled water, consumes two gallons of new water per wash, compared to 50-150 gallons in standard facilities, with an annual cost savings of more than 2 million gallons of fresh water.
For more information, contact Larry Heck, VR Business Sales Mergers & Acquisitions, at 262-347-2083 or larryh(at)vrbizlakes(dot)com.
'Good to Go' Centers Benefit from Tax Credits, Grants
A new concept, the Good to Go ECOnvenience Center, offers small businesses government financial incentives and consumers green, 24/7 convenience centers for fuel, car wash, and merchandise
Milwaukee (PRWEB) January 12, 2010 -- The surge in ‘Green-built’ business opportunities has special impact for owners of ecologically designed ‘Good to Go’ convenience fuel and shopping outlets, according to Steve Nikolas, President of Good to Go ECOnvenience Centers.
“Recognizing the accelerating public demand for conservation and the preservation of the environment, Uncle Sam has already thrown his stars-and-striped hat into the mix to support higher profit margins for ‘Green-built’ business enterprises and to achieve their energy mandates,” stated Nikolas who heads a Wisconsin-based firm that is developing the first 24/7 centers for environmentally-conscious consumers.
More than 150 ‘Good to Go’ ECOnvenience Centers are targeted for future development; all built to United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
“Beyond the intrinsic environmental values are multiple options for increasing ownership profit margins, over and above conventional outlets,” he said. “Those advantages are due to specialized government grants and funding, already in place to encourage conservation of resources intrinsic to ‘Good to Go’ construction and operations.”
Among existing programs:
- A U. S. Small Business Association (SBA) 504 Loan Program offering special funding for renewable, alternative energy and sustainable design features, applicable to new ‘Green’ building typical of ECOnvenience construction, including retro-fitted structures.
- Qualified applicants through SBA 504 are eligible for a 30 percent Federal Tax Credit or Grant for renewable energy project participation, applicable towards a down payment or equity participation in center ownership.
“When applied to ‘Good to Go’ ownership, up to 90 percent of total purchase cost translates into only 10 percent down payments by qualified owner-operators,” Nikolas said.
- The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 provides tax credits for the blending of ethanol fuel, which, at a below-average rate of 150,000 gallons per month, could mean an annual tax credit of $384,750, according to an estimate of volume in high-traffic locations.
“Providing ethanol and other renewable fuels is a prime product feature of ‘Good to Go’ ECOnvenience Centers,” noted Nikolas who cited additional federal tax credits for the cost of installing renewable fueling equipment, effective as of January 1, 2006, as well as on-site blender tax credits.
“The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 goes a step further, authorizing grants for infrastructure development for renewable fuel blends incorporating 10 to 85 percent ethanol, and the program extends to both technical and marketing assistance,” he added.
Originally adopted to provide tax credits of up to 30 percent for equipment and installation, the 2007 revised act, through federal stimulus funding, upped that figures to 50 percent (not to exceed $50,000), obtainable through submission of three IRS forms.
Infrastructure credits for construction established by the U. S. Green Building Council for LEED certification include panelized construction with Green Roof control of water runoff, 100 percent LED energy-efficient lighting, use of pervious concrete and rain garden installations minimizing storm water runoff and recharging ground water at each Center site.
Even without tax credits, the unique environmental product-emphasis of ‘Good to Go’ ECOnvenience Centers offers a variety of renewable fuel alternatives that provide exceptional cost savings with a 24-hour automated merchandising system of 220 staples products, staffed by a single employee to increase operating profitability through lower overhead costs.
In addition, the Center car washing system, utilizing recycled water, consumes two gallons of new water per wash, compared to 50-150 gallons in standard facilities, with an annual cost savings of more than 2 million gallons of fresh water.
For more information, contact Larry Heck, VR Business Sales Mergers & Acquisitions, at 262-347-2083 or larryh(at)vrbizlakes(dot)com.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Ontario Volunteers needed: Guelph Organic Conference, January 28-31, 2010
Some volunteer opportunities are available for interested folks in Ontario.
Click on "Volunteers Needed Now" and all the info's at your fingertips. Also you can contact Kerry Brookes, volunteer co-ordinator, at kbok at sympatico dot ca for more. If you're in Toronto, word has it there are buses during the conference to get you out to the proceedings.
Click on "Volunteers Needed Now" and all the info's at your fingertips. Also you can contact Kerry Brookes, volunteer co-ordinator, at kbok at sympatico dot ca for more. If you're in Toronto, word has it there are buses during the conference to get you out to the proceedings.
Calgreen take me away...
Hot off the presses, California adopts the greenest building code in the USA...and by the looks of it, all of North America.
Strangely, those speaking out against it include the U.S. Green Building Council...some say protecting it's turf. Turf war in the green building world. Sorry, couldn't resist.
UPDATE: A broader perspective on Calgreen.
Strangely, those speaking out against it include the U.S. Green Building Council...some say protecting it's turf. Turf war in the green building world. Sorry, couldn't resist.
UPDATE: A broader perspective on Calgreen.
Labels:
california,
green building,
green roof,
green roofs,
united states
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
An Invitation to Grow Together - Green Community Networking in Toronto, January 16, 2010
Consider yourself invited!:
An Invitation to Grow Together
Join Us for a Day of Green Community Networking & Collaboration
East End / Riverdale Region Community Gardens, Green Roofs & Food Projects
Saturday January 16th, 2010
We invite you to join a growing group of community members to share visions, activities and food using the Open Space process.
Date: Saturday January 16th, 2010
Time: 9:45am-4:30pm
Location: Ralph Thornton Centre, 765 Queen St. East, second floor.
RSVP: by January 12th email: jaijot@jaijot.ca phone: (416)-935-1585
Vision
Building on the momentum of the Carrot Common Green Roof Project, we are looking to create synergies and opportunities with East End Community Groups, Community Gardeners and others who are engaged or interested in green initiatives and projects. Locavore food producers are being invited to provide samples of their food products to demonstrate how social enterprise opportunities are growing within the community.
Objectives
o Strengthen existing relationships and create new connections
o Create realistic next-steps based on mutual support and progress
o Establish a calendar of events, workshops, speakers and exhibitors
Emerging Themes
Urban Agriculture: Growing Food, Feeding People, Reconnecting with Food Source
Educational Opportunities: Urban-Rural Connections & Food Cycles
Horticultural Therapy: Healing Gardens & Therapeutic Plant Selection
Food Security Initiatives: Food Policy & Beyond
Food Production: From Heritage Seeds to the Table
Green Roof Initiatives: Beyond Grasses & Sedum: Hubs for Learning & Food Production
Alternative Energies, Water Recycling, Composting Methods, New Green Roof Technologies
Green Community
We wish to harness creative energy, sow seeds of possibility, harvest bold visions, passions and interests related to urban food production. What is your vision of an urban garden? What are you passionate about? How would you like to contribute to growing your green community?
Background
This event has grown organically from a meeting held in December with a group of 25 dedicated people. The group joined together in exploring related projects. The meeting was inspired by interested community groups, gardeners, existing food projects and the new Carrot Common Green Roof Initiative.
The Green Roof is being designed to showcase green roof technologies, urban food production and other sustainability exhibits as well as host garden and food related events. It will attract new and existing urban agricultural projects to encourage community engagement, by inviting members of the green community to present projects and research methodologies (i.e. renewable energies, water recycling, composting methods, pollinators etc.).
RSVP
We ask you to reply to this invitation and share your areas of interest. Please indicate if you would like to bring food to share in our communal pot luck lunch.
An Invitation to Grow Together
Join Us for a Day of Green Community Networking & Collaboration
East End / Riverdale Region Community Gardens, Green Roofs & Food Projects
Saturday January 16th, 2010
We invite you to join a growing group of community members to share visions, activities and food using the Open Space process.
Date: Saturday January 16th, 2010
Time: 9:45am-4:30pm
Location: Ralph Thornton Centre, 765 Queen St. East, second floor.
RSVP: by January 12th email: jaijot@jaijot.ca phone: (416)-935-1585
Vision
Building on the momentum of the Carrot Common Green Roof Project, we are looking to create synergies and opportunities with East End Community Groups, Community Gardeners and others who are engaged or interested in green initiatives and projects. Locavore food producers are being invited to provide samples of their food products to demonstrate how social enterprise opportunities are growing within the community.
Objectives
o Strengthen existing relationships and create new connections
o Create realistic next-steps based on mutual support and progress
o Establish a calendar of events, workshops, speakers and exhibitors
Emerging Themes
Urban Agriculture: Growing Food, Feeding People, Reconnecting with Food Source
Educational Opportunities: Urban-Rural Connections & Food Cycles
Horticultural Therapy: Healing Gardens & Therapeutic Plant Selection
Food Security Initiatives: Food Policy & Beyond
Food Production: From Heritage Seeds to the Table
Green Roof Initiatives: Beyond Grasses & Sedum: Hubs for Learning & Food Production
Alternative Energies, Water Recycling, Composting Methods, New Green Roof Technologies
Green Community
We wish to harness creative energy, sow seeds of possibility, harvest bold visions, passions and interests related to urban food production. What is your vision of an urban garden? What are you passionate about? How would you like to contribute to growing your green community?
Background
This event has grown organically from a meeting held in December with a group of 25 dedicated people. The group joined together in exploring related projects. The meeting was inspired by interested community groups, gardeners, existing food projects and the new Carrot Common Green Roof Initiative.
The Green Roof is being designed to showcase green roof technologies, urban food production and other sustainability exhibits as well as host garden and food related events. It will attract new and existing urban agricultural projects to encourage community engagement, by inviting members of the green community to present projects and research methodologies (i.e. renewable energies, water recycling, composting methods, pollinators etc.).
RSVP
We ask you to reply to this invitation and share your areas of interest. Please indicate if you would like to bring food to share in our communal pot luck lunch.
A World Without Oil - Jan 21 @ the Design Exchange in Toronto
Gotta be there on January 21, 2010 from 9 am-6pm at the Design Exchange (DX) to check out this conference, it's part of the Interior Design Show and Toronto Design Week. Passes are a must, check out the Interior Design Show or the Design Exchanges for details.
Bonus! More permaculture resources in Spanish! Downloadable PDFs, the works.
Bonus! More permaculture resources in Spanish! Downloadable PDFs, the works.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Top green stories of 2010
The Original Green makes some bold predictions about the
top green stories for 2010, including #6 which is...
Almost forgot, this story has completely flown under the radar. Seaport Farmers’ Market in Halifax will finally open in the summer, it will be one of the greenest buildings on the continent. Considering the price tag (11.5 million dollars is, dare I say it, kinda cheap this day and age), it seems like good value! How long will it be before there's a farmers market selling things directly FROM it's roof?
top green stories for 2010, including #6 which is...
Almost forgot, this story has completely flown under the radar. Seaport Farmers’ Market in Halifax will finally open in the summer, it will be one of the greenest buildings on the continent. Considering the price tag (11.5 million dollars is, dare I say it, kinda cheap this day and age), it seems like good value! How long will it be before there's a farmers market selling things directly FROM it's roof?
Labels:
gardening,
green roof,
green roofs,
permaculture
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Portland greens it's code
Everyone knows Portland is the greenest city in North America, and they're not standing pat. Zoning codes are being updated and forward thinking. One thing I didn't know, in Hawaii all new development must have solar panels. Wow.
Labels:
green roof,
green roofs,
living architecture
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
How things have changed!
Take a look at how the hardiness zones have changed in the USAover the last 20 years.Stunning.
And if you'd like to exercise your inner urban planner, check out this video game. Win the game by installing green roofs.
And if you'd like to exercise your inner urban planner, check out this video game. Win the game by installing green roofs.
Labels:
green roof,
hardiness zones,
urban planning,
video games
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