Architect and MIT professor in practice Shelia Kennedy has developed a type of “solar textile” that can be used to create solar-powered curtains. These curtains would capture sunlight during the day and use it to help power the home.
Her company, Kennedy & Violich Architecture is using thin-film photovoltaic material. This is integrated into [...]
One issue that many homeowners frequently struggle with is whether to replace an older refrigerator with a newer, more energy-efficient model. The issue could be looked at from two standpoints - what will save the most money, and what will be better for the environment.
The impact on the environment is the more difficult part [...]
The newly-launched Planet Greennetwork is launching a new show called Greenovate, featuring green renovation projects that will not only add value to your property, but save energy and keep environmental impact in mind. From the website:
Saving over 40% on energy bills while also increasing property value by 25% sounds impossible, but Greenovate shows viewers [...]
The smart use of natural daylight can be very effective in reducing electrical use from lighting fixtures during the day. Traditionally windows and skylights have provided natural sunlight to the interiors of buildings, and more recently, solar transport “tubes” have gained in popularity.
A new breed of sunlight transport mechanisms can bring natural daylight to [...]
UPDATE (5/22/2008): WE CAN NO LONGER RECOMMEND THESE BULBS. After about two months, over half of the LEDs have stopped working in all bulbs tested. Cyron has ignored emails requesting a refund or replacement.
In trying to make our home more energy-efficient, we have replaced most of our incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. [...]
One of the more innovative green home products in recent years is the Skystream residential wind generator. Made by Southwest WindPower, the world’s largest producer of small wind generators, the Skystream makes residential wind energy accessible and affordable to the masses.
According to their website:
The Skystream 3.7™ is a new generation residential wind generator that [...]
There are many guides to saving electricity available on the web, but this one stands above the rest. Michael Bluejay, a.k.a. “Mr. Electricity”, has done extensive research and testing behind commonly-circulated tips. He can tell you which energy-saving tips work and why, which ones not to waste your time with, and which tips [...]
According to CNN, Al Gore has made major improvements to the energy efficiency of his much-criticized Nashville mansion. The 80-year-old home, once labeled an “energy pig”, now rates as one of the nation’s most environmentally friendly according to Kim Shinn of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Gore has installed solar panels, a rainwater-collection system and [...]
The U.S. Department of Energy Energy-Efficiency and Renewable Energy website has an excellent guide to energy-efficient water heating. Since water heating can account for 14%–25% of the total energy consumed in your home, the following strategies can help reduce your energy usage and environmental impact:
Reduce Hot Water Use
You can lower your water heating [...]
Adding a low-flow showerhead to your home is an easy way to save energy and conserve resources. Your will save money and reduce your environmental footprint by not only reducing the total amount of water used, but reducing amount of hot water used in your home.
Facts about reducing shower water usage:
Showers account for 22% [...]