Flowering prairie grasses best suited for Midwestern green roofs

Two hardy flowering grasses blossomed as the best choices for “green roofs” in a recent pilot study done by the University of Cincinnati. Green roofs, which can use vegetation to shade surfaces and remove heat from the air, are a sustainable building technique that can reduce a building’s energy use by lowering its temperature and those of the surrounding area. (See related story.) “There are many potential...

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Growing your own shade and cooling systems with green roofs

An aerial view of the Jiutian International Square mall in Zhuzhou, Hunan province in China will reveal some interesting structures sprouting on its roof. Four two-story houses surrounded by living green gardens have been built on the mall’s roof. The villa-style houses, fully outfitted with electricity and plumbing, will serve as offices for mall employees. The structures, developed by local developer Zhuzhou Jiutian Real Estate,

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‘Green buildings’: From LEED to ‘net-zero’

“Green buildings” are structures that comply with sustainable practices throughout their life cycle – from construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and demolition. Though perhaps born in the energy crisis of the 1970’s, the green construction idea has found new urgency recently in relation to climate issues. Gaining more popularity, it is a now a key element in social measures that aim to lessen carbon footprints.

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Green buildings venture capital investments reach $4 billion – Lux

Venture capitalists have shelled out over $4 billion in investments to develop green buildings. Consequently, they are now eyeing novel and innovative technologies to further the expansion of these sustainable infrastructures, said intelligence agency Lux Research. The report entitled “Building a Green 21st Century: Tracking Venture Investments in Green Buildings to Uncover New Opportunities,”

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‘World’s least carbon-emitting building’ stands tall in Tokyo

India’s climate strategies demonstrate effectiveness in solar and energy efficiency but, generally, major changes still have to be done, according to a new study that assessed India’s climate missions incorporated in its policies. In 2008, the Prime Minister’s Council initiated the National Action Plan on Climate Change that aims “to state India’s contribution towards combating climate change.”

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Added costs for ‘green buildings’ posing a challenge in India

Some buyers may not be willing to pay the extra costs for "green buildings" in cities like Surat in the Western Indian state of Gujarat, reported The Times of India. In Surat, construction of green buildings is slowing down a bit. About 25 property developers pledged to construct 51 green buildings, including residential units, in the city during a property showcase organized by real estate group Surat Builders Association.

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Empire State undergoing lighting controls overhaul

The Empire State Building is undertaking a wide array of renovations to enhance the energy efficiency measures across its 102-storey tenant spaces – including lighting controls improvement. Empire State will upgrade its lighting system with the installation of occupancy/vacancy sensors that switch the lights off when spaces are disused; daylight dimming controls that adjust light levels according to the available daylight; and wireless components that offer manageable retrofit and minimal interruptions.

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About 200 large buildings going ‘green’ in Jakarta

A new law in Jakarta will require the owners of large buildings to follow environmental guidelines for "green buildings," the Jakarta Post reported. Taking effect in April next year, the regulation will withhold the issuance of permits to new buildings and feasibility certificates to existing buildings unless they comply with specified environmental measures.

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Rich nations global trailblazers in ‘green building’ technologies – study

Rich nations such as the United States, Singapore, South Korea, Germany and Australia are the global leaders in “green building” innovations, according to a recent study by the U.S.-based think-thank Lux Research. The study assessed how the policymakers in 21 countries, a group accountable for 80 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, create opportunity for green building technologies.

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Nedbank opens green headquarters in South Africa’s first green city

South African financial organization Nedbank Group opened its first green regional headquarters in the Menlyn Maine, the region’s first green city. Located at Pretoria, the R350 million ($42.95 million) headquarters achieved a 4-star green building rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa, a non-profit agency that measures buildings’ environmental sustainability in South Africa.

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