Home improvement can pay for itself, and even put cash back in your pocket – if you’re putting your money in the right places.  Renovations that increase your home’s energy efficiency aren’t just nice for the environment, they can be economical as well.  The folks at One Block Off The Grid offer a great guide to help you sort out which upgrades make the most sense for your home.

The graphic highlights a range of improvements, both big and small, that will cut your utility bills while reducing your home’s environmental footprint.  Each project is marked with four key figures:  average annual savings, projected savings over a 20-year period, the amount of time for the project to pay for itself, and the cost of the renovation.

(click to view the full size image)

The handy illustration points out that in terms of financial investment, many of these home upgrades can offer a better payoff than traditional investments like stocks or CDs.  And depending where you live, incentives like rebates and tax breaks can make the renovation costs substantially cheaper.

These aren’t just long-term projects, either:  upgrades like low-flow showerheads and programmable thermostats can pay for themselves in less than a year, making them a good choice for renters as well as homeowners.  Larger scale renovations on the other hand, like a green roof or solar array, have the potential to save a homeowner tens of thousands of dollars over the years.

(via One Block Off The Grid)

Mexico City is a sprawling city with nearly 9 million residents, and some of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the world.  So how could developers possibly squeeze a 65-story structure into the middle of the city’s historic district?  Instead of building upwards, a newly proposed design calls for building down into the ground, creating the world’s first “earthscraper”.

BNKR Arquitectura, the architecture firm behind the concept, sees the below-ground structure as a natural solution to the area’s need for more space.  Local laws restrict the removal of existing historic structures, and even if developers could find an empty lot, new buildings in the neighborhood are limited to 8 stories in height.

The designers envision a huge inverted pyramid that could house offices, homes, retail stores, and even special use spaces like museum galleries.  The main city square above, known as the “Zocalo”, would be preserved – its pavement replaced with transparent panels that would allow plenty to natural light into the massive atrium below.

The concept is purely theoretical for now, but some of the design solutions proposed by BNKR architect Esteban Suarez are pretty clever.   For example, a series of  landscaped “earth lobbies” within the structure would help filter the air, fiber optic filaments could transmit natural light into enclosed areas, and groundwater surrounding the structure could be used to drive electricity-generating turbines.  Such a structure could also presumably take full advantage of geothermal heating and cooling; some of a skyscraper’s logistical challenges, like pumping water to the upper floors, could also take advantage of gravity to be much more energy-efficient.
Check out the BNKR Arquitectura website for more images and details about the proposed project.
(All images: BNKR Arquitectura)

Urban living requires efficient use of space, but it can be a very environmentally-friendly lifestyle:  city residents generally live in small homes with access to walkable neighborhoods and public transportation.  One common downside is a lack of green space, but architect Stefano Boeri aims to change all that with his “Bosco Verticale” concept.  Italian for “vertical forest”, his project was recently described by the Financial Times as “the most exciting new tower in the world”.

Currently under construction in the Isola neighborhood of central Milan, the inaugural Bosco Verticale project consists of a pair of residential towers.  Rising 110 and 76 meters over the city, the towers will be home to 900 trees (some close to 30 feet tall) plus a range of flowering plants and shrubs.  That amount of greenery is comparable to 10,000 square meters of forest space, or 50,000 sqm of suburban residential property.

According to Boeri, “Bosco Verticale is a project for metropolitan reforestation that contributes to the regeneration of the environment and urban biodiversity without the implication of expanding the city upon the territory. Bosco Verticale is a model of vertical densification of nature within the city.”

Besides offering pleasing aesthetics, the vertical forest concept takes the green skyscraper concept even further by creating a healthier environment for residents.  The density of plantings creates a microclimate that filters dust and particulate pollution, absorbs CO2, and absorbs noise.  Improved shade and temperature regulation will help avoid the “heat island” effect and reduce the energy needed for climate control systems.

Other energy-efficient components are being integrated into the buildings as well:  photovoltaic arrays will provide partial power to the buildings, and much of the irrigation needed to support the plantings will come from reusing processed wastewater.  Visit Stefano Boeri Architecture to learn more.

NASA’s space expertise means it’s virtually unmatched when it comes to creating efficient and sustainable environments for humans to live and work, and the innovative new office facility at their Ames Research Center near San Francisco is a showcase of intelligent and environmentally friendly design.  Designed by William McDonough + Partners, the Sustainability Base draws on the latest in green architecture and (literally) space-age technology.

According to NASA, Associate Center Director Steve Zornetzer was “inspired by architect and sustainability pioneer Bill McDonough… to take the closed-loop thinking that NASA uses in space exploration and apply it to a green building on Earth.”

The 50,000 square foot facility utilizes an “exoskeleton” design that takes full advantage of its natural surroundings and local wind patterns, optimizing its use of daylight and natural ventilation.  It also creates a user-friendly open floorplan for the 220 employees who will work there, and offers excellent stability and earthquake protection.

Energy efficiency is a top priority at Sustainability Base, and the facility is expected to produce all its own power as well as surplus electricity which can be channelled into the local power grid.  Energy production will come from photovoltaic solar panels supplemented by a wind turbine, as well as a natural gas fuel cell that NASA hopes will eventually utilize methane captured from landfill waste.

A few highlights of the Sustainability Base include:

- Use of locally sourced materials like steel to reduce pollution from transportation

- Extensive recycling of waste materials (92% of construction waste was kept out of landfills)

- LEED Platinum certification (pending)

- “Graywater” irrigation system that uses reclaimed waste water

- “Bioswale” landscape features and plantings that filter rainwater runoff before it enters storm drains

- Geothermal ambient cooling system

- Computerized shades that maximize daylight while controlling solar heat gain

- Extensive use of recycled building materials and reclaimed wood flooring

It’s also worth noting that, although construction costs on the $20 million structure were slightly higher thanks to all the added technology, NASA should recover the difference within 10 years – at which point the facility will be a major cost-saver as well as energy-saver.

Construction on the facility is expected to be complete later this year.

(via NASA, LA Times)

Denmark’s newly opened Bella Sky Comwell Hotel is the largest hotel in Scandanavia, but its size is outshined by its unique, environmentally friendly design and architecture.  Located in Copenhagen’s leafy Ørestaden district, the hotel creates a striking impression both inside and out.

3XN, the architecture firm behind the project, opted for the dual-tower design to provide plenty of square footage without needing to build higher, since the hotel is located near a major airport.  And the Bella Sky Comwell, which just opened in March, certainly isn’t short on space – boasting 814 guest rooms, 30 conference rooms, multiple bars & restaurants, and a spa.

The unusual lines of the structure aren’t just for show, either.  The angular pattern of windows is actually part of the structure’s energy-efficient design.  According to Kim Herforth Nielsen, 3XN’s Creative Director,

“Designing a sustainable building was also vital to us. This includes insulating the building from solar heat and heat loss, which meant that the facade could not be comprised of more than 50% glass. The facade’s pattern provides this insulating effect. And the pattern, which is formed by diagonal and vertical lines, enhances the building’s look by following the turning of the towers.”

Many of the indoor design elements are also functional as well as aesthetic.  For example, a huge vertical garden wall within the lobby provides air filtration and moisture control as well as decoration, and the centerpiece chandelier is comprised of 7,000 ultra-efficient LEDs.

The designers even made sure that getting to the hotel can be an exercise in eco-friendliness.  The lobby is just steps from Copenhagen’s Metro public transit system, and to top it off, the hotel provides plug-in charging stations for guests who arrive in electric vehicles.

Learn more about the unique features of this hotel (or book a room) at the Bella Sky Comwell website.

(via Inhabitat)

Energy Efficient Shipping Container House In Mojave Desert

Sitting near Joshua Tree, California in the Mojave Desert is an energy efficient new home and studio built by architect Walter Scott Perry of ecotechdesign out of six re-purposed steel shipping containers. Also known as the Tim Palen Studio at Shadow Mountain, the 2,300 square foot home is the first permitted shipping container house to be built in the Mojave Desert. In true hybrid style, based on the Toyota Prius concept of efficiency, the home design combines pre-engineered building with energy conservation features such as a solar home shading system, a movable living green roof, and a 10,000 gallon water storage tank plus a separate 3,000 gallon tank for rainwater harvesting capability.

Scott Perry's Joshua Tree House

The 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 2-story home was built with a client-requested photography studio and separate storage building. The steel framework and insulation system not only administers energy efficiency that exceeds California code requirements by 50%, but also provides exceptional strength for protection against wind, earthquake, and fire. To protect against the desert heat and wind, a perforated metal shade wraps the roof, south-facing walls and the solar breezeway which serves to direct a natural flow of air into the home. The house can also be heated and cooled with a ductless, mini-split heat pump system.

Scott Perry's Joshua Tree House

The large windows and doorways capture daylight as well as help with ventilation and evaporative cooling. The 160 square foot green roof hosts native desert plants and sedums irrigated by greywater to absorb heat, dust, and CO2. The photography studio is lit with six 22-inch solar tubes that can be manually controlled.

Scott Perry's Joshua Tree House

According to the ecotechdesign website, total building cost was $150 per square foot. The design company has more hybrid building projects in the works.

Via: Jetson Green

Photo credit: Jack Parsons Photography

Copenhagen Waste-to-Energy Plant Multi-Functions As Ski Slope

Copenhagen residents will soon be able hit the slopes, not on a ski mountain, but on top of a waste-to-energy plant. Looking to replace their current 40 year old industrial plant, Amagerforbraending held an international competition and unanimously chose this ski slope design by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in an effort to turn what is normally an eyesore into a useful and beautiful recreational facility for the city of Copenhagen. BIG, an innovator in revolutionary design and architecture, promotes the idea of Hedonistic Sustainability, which they define as “the idea that sustainability is not a burden, but that a sustainable city in fact can improve our quality of life”.

Award-Winning Design For Copenhagen Ski/Power Plant

With a 1,500 meter descent, the artificial ski slope, made of a recycled synthetic granular material, will offer terrain for all skiing ability levels: from the bunny slope to moguls. To get to the top, skiers will take a glass elevator that ascends alongside the converted smokestack so visitors can view the interior activities of the waste-to-energy plant. Yet another function of the design is to remind the public of the effects of over-consumption. With every ton of fossil CO2 that goes up the smokestack, a 30 meter smoke ring will be released into the atmosphere. These smoke rings will be illuminated at night. So you can literally count the amount of CO2 being emitted on a daily basis.

Copenhagen Terrain Park Surrounding Waste-To-Energy Plant

Surrounding the “mountain”, will be a terrain park featuring rock climbing, sailing, and kart racing. To help resemble a mountain from afar, the 95,00 square meter exterior will be covered with a green facade made of a combination of windows and planter modules stacked like bricks. Though many environmentalists argue that governments should focus more on recycling than using incinerators, Denmark sends only 4 percent of its’ garbage to landfills, while 42 percent is recycled and 54 percent is burned, according to Eurostat data.

Green Facade Of Waste-To-Energy Plant

Scheduled for completion in 2016, time will tell if people can embrace hanging out at the local power plant, but residents of ultra-flat Copenhagen may very well enjoy the view of their new mountain while finally being able to do some year-round downhill skiing without having to travel to their Scandinavian neighbors to the north.

Via: CleanTechnica and Inhabitat

World's Largest Solar Roof To Power High Speed Rail Station in China

Efficiency abounds in China as the world’s largest building integrated photovoltaic project prepares to power the railway station where some of the world’s fastest high speed trains pass through. China Sunergy, a solar cell and module manufacturer based in Nanjing, China, has recently signed a deal with CEEG (Nanjing) Solar Energy Research Institute to supply the 7MW solar modules for the Nanjing South Railway Station. When it’s finished, the Nanjing South Railway Station will be one of the most energy efficient public buildings in China.

Solar Powered Nanjing South Railway Station

Mr. Stephen Zhifang Cai, CEO of China Sunergy said of the BIPV project, “We are very happy to see our high-quality solar panels being used in this landmark project, which will certainly raise public awareness and appreciation of renewable energy. We look forward to playing an increasingly bigger role in building China’s eco-friendly projects.”

Solar Powered Shanghai Hongqiao Station

This isn’t the first evidence of China’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and developing renewable energy. The Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station went on the grid in July 2010 with a 6.7 MW solar roof integrated into the building’s awnings. Yu Hailong, general manager of the China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP), the project’s developer, said in July that the BIPV technology will “help stimulate the development of solar energy in China and promote the construction of more environmentally friendly railway stations”. Yes, his prediction is coming to fruition.

Meanwhile, here in the U.S., many of our railway stations have been destroyed or are wallowing in urban decay, such as the Michigan Central Station in Detroit.

Michigan Central Station in Detroit

Perhaps pictures such as this could inspire decision makers in Washington to take a few notes on China’s use of both renewable energy and efficient forms of transportation.

[Via: Clean Technica]

Artist Rendering of Portland's Gibbs Street Pedestrian Bridge

Portland, Oregon continues to set the standard of being a bike and pedestrian friendly city by building a 700 foot bridge over Interstate 5 that will allow users to travel from the Lair Hill neighborhood to the South Waterfront District. The Gibbs Street bridge is only for walking and bike riding. Portland bike commuters will benefit from taxes paid by car owners, as, according to Bike Portland, a percentage of the cost of the bridge will come from gas tax and new vehicle registration.

Here’s a video of how the bridge will look:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Building is scheduled to begin this month and is expected to be finished in one year. The bridge will be alongside the aerial tram, just one segment of Portland’s cutting edge public transportation system which also includes MAX Light Rail. To reduce cost, planners went with a steel box girder style bridge. The structure will include stairways and an elevator. The plan also includes improvements to pedestrian crosswalks around the area.

Photo Simulation of Portland's Gibbs Street Pedestrian Bridge

Pedestrian bridges show a continued commitment by that of the city to maintain safe and convenient alternatives to car travel. It also shows a dedication to supporting citizens in leading a healthy lifestyle.

You can read more about the project at Gibbs Bridge.org and more photos here.

The MetaEfficient Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of a home – it’s one of the most-used rooms in a household for both working and socializing, so shouldn’t it be as functional and energy-efficient as possible?  Here is a collection of design ideas and products, both big and small, to help you create a beautiful and efficient kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinets – Refinishing vs. Replacing
Choosing the right kitchen cabinets depends on a huge variety of factors.  But if you’re considering remodeling an existing kitchen, refinishing the cabinets instead of replacing them can be an extremely efficient approach.  Even simply swapping hardware like handles and hinges can have a big aesthetic impact.

Refinish Cabinets Or Replace Hardware & Doors For A New Look

If your kitchen needs a more serious upgrade, replacing the cabinet doors while leaving the existing cabinet structure will minimize the waste (and expense) of the renovation.  And the finished product can give you the look of an entirely new kitchen.

But if you’re building a new home, or if you really need to replace your current cabinets, consider visiting a “reuse-it-yourself” home improvement store.  A growing number of these stores offer new surplus items as well as gently-used supplies from other renovation projects, which can provide huge cost savings.  Some of the most popular R.I.Y. stores are Habitat For Humanity’s nationwide network of ReStore locations.  Visit the Habitat For Humanity website to learn more or find a location near you.

EnviroGLAS Recycled Glass Countertop

EnviroGLAS Recycled Glass Countertop

An ideal kitchen countertop will be functional, and it will be environmentally sensible (which means non-toxic materials and minimizing the environmental impact of its production).  Some of our favorite countertop designs are the beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance terrazzo surfaces from EnviroGLAS.  They require no waxes or special cleaning products, and best of all, they’re created from 100% recycled glass and porcelain bound together with resins that emit no toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

EnviroGLAS countertops are available in a huge variety of colors and styles.  Learn more at the EnviroGLAS website.

The Faucet:  Add An Aerator…

Danco Perfect Match Faucet Aerator

An aerator attached to your existing kitchen faucet is a quick, cheap, and simple way to reduce water use without compromising performance.  The Danco Perfect Match aerator ($2.66 at Amazon) is a basic model that reduces water flow to 1.5 gallons per minute – still plenty of volume for most kitchen use.

… And Consider A Faucet Pedal Control

Pedal Works HandsFree Faucet Controller

Adding a pedal control to your kitchen faucet is more involved (and yes, more expensive) than simply adding an aerator – but it’s a great way to reduce water usage and add convenience in the kitchen.  A pedal controller can be fitted onto an existing hand faucet, and helps avoid letting the water run for tasks like rinsing dishes.  Plus, as a bonus, users can wash their hands without dirtying the faucet handles.

One of our favorite models is the Pedal Works HandsFree Faucet Controller, available at Amazon for $349).

Pick The Right Dishwasher – And Enjoy It
In our recent post about reducing your household water use, we discussed how using a dishwasher is actually quite efficient – as long as it’s an energy-efficient model and you use it properly.  A fully loaded, modern dishwasher typically uses less water and energy than hand-washing the same number of dishes in the sink.

Bosch SHX68E Evolution 800 Plus dishwasher

There are myriad options depending on your size requirements and price range, but you should definitely look for an Energy-Star rated model.  And remember that for major appliances like dishwashers, paying a bit more now may save you money down the road in energy savings and durability.  For example, the Bosch SHX68E Evolution 800 Plus dishwasher ($1,732.56 at Amazon) is a serious investment, but it’s one of the most energy-efficient models available and uses just 1.56 gallons of water per wash cycle.

Microwave Cooking – Fast & Efficient
We haven’t included a range/stovetop in this list because there are so many different owner preferences and needs, and even the most basic choice of gas versus electric often depends on where users live.  But for day-to-day cooking and reheating, a microwave is often far more convenient and energy efficient than a full-size oven, and Panasonic’s NN-SD688S is a solid all-around performer.  The mid-size design offers a 1.2 cubic foot capacity without taking up too much counter space, and the 13.5″ rotating turntable works with “inverter” technology to heat food evenly.  Various preset modes simplify the settings for different uses like defrosting or reheating, and the 1,300-watt power is plenty for most household use.

Panasonic NN-SD688S Prestige Microwave Oven

You can find the Panasonic NN-SD688S Prestige Microwave Oven at Amazon for $140.99.

LED Under-Cabinet Lighting
LEDs are perfect for task lighting applications like under-cabinet fixtures in a kitchen.  They’re extraordinarily energy efficient, they produce clean white light, they’re durable, and they produce minimal heat.  They can be installed in tight spots with less clearance, and they avoid adding more even more heat to a workspace like a kitchen.

Juno Lighting Pro Series Under-Cabinet LED Light

LED fixtures have a higher purchase price than comparable fluorescent or halogen/xenon fixtures, but they pay for themselves over time.  The 30-inch Juno Lighting Pro Series Under-Cabinet LED fixture ($204.56 at Amazon) contains 8 LED modules in a slim aluminum casing that produce warm 3000K light, and the LEDs use just 1/8 the energy of incandescent lamps.  Best of all, the lifespan of the LEDs is 50,000 hours, meaning zero maintenance.

Last But Not Least – The Fridge
We’ve saved the best for last – a refrigerator is usually one of the biggest electricity consumers in a home, so finding a model that combines functionality with energy-efficiency is key.  If you’re still using an older model, an upgrade to a modern refrigerator will offer huge energy savings.  And don’t move that old energy hog into the garage for extra storage – make sure the new one is the right size for your household.

You can get the most out of your fridge by using it as efficiently as possible.  Make sure all door seals are in good shape by closing a dollar bill in the door – a good seal will hold it tight.  Keep your condenser coils free of dust and debris, and make sure the refrigerator isn’t located in direct sunlight.  Try to keep it well stocked, since a full fridge tends to stay cold once the contents are chilled (just leave a little space for cold air to circulate).  And keep the temperature in the right range (35-38F for the fridge, 0F for the freezer) since going colder just wastes power.

Sun Frost Energy Efficient Refrigerator

When shopping for a new fridge, look for a model with the freezer on the top or bottom, since side-by-side designs use more electricity.  Through-door icemakers/water dispensers also reduce energy efficiency, so skip those features.  Although they’re not widely distributed, Sun Frost produces some extraordinarily energy-efficient refrigerators, including a 16 cubic foot model that consumes just 372 kWh annually.

The Consortium for Energy Efficiency offers a comprehensive list of Energy Star rated refrigerators, as well as the even more efficient CEE Tier 3-rated models.

For more information on other kitchen gadgets and appliances, you might also be interested in MetaEfficient’s posts on chef’s knives, blenders, slow cookers, and juice extractors.