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.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
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.
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.
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