Bus BikeBus Bike to promote green public transport.

Today, Mother earth is on the brink of a major bankruptcy due to the depletion of its natural resources, pollution and various other ecological issues. Despite concerted efforts continue to preserve and conserve our environment, the ecosystem continues to be shaky and has become a matter of grave concern. Noise, air, ground and water pollution not only affects our health but also contaminates the environments leading to hazardous ecological issues. With less time in hand, we can step up the efforts in protecting the environment. One of the ways is to reduce pollution by commuting in human powered transport. This transport uses the power of human muscle. Some of the Human powered vehicles (HPV) are cycling, ice skating, human-powered aircraft, roller skating, rowing, rickshaw, gondola, gurney and galley. There are also buses powered by human muscle alone. Read on to know about pedal powered buses that help to go one step towards a greener environment.

1. Human-powered (HP) Bus

HPBusBus takes 32 peddlers to promote green public transport

This 32-seater bus, spotted in Netherlands has been assembled by the students of WSV Simon Stevin students organization. It has been constructed on a truck chassis and uses 80 meters of bike chain. The bus is truly propelled by 32 people who pedal the vehicle and it weighs about 2500 kg.With twelve gears, you can travel at a speed of 20 kmph on this bus. It also has two reversing gears and has an empty weight of 2.5 metric tons. Powered by combined effort of 32 people, this bus is a good example of ‘collective effort’ towards protecting the environment.

2.De Cafe Racer’s BSO vehicle:

De Cafe Racer’s BSO vehicleDutch De Cafe Racer’s BSO vehicle to promote green public transport.

Parents need not worry about their child’s lack of daily exercise. BSO vehicle by De Cafe Racer is a school bus pedaled by children. This bus, made of light weight materials, accommodates up to 10 children including an adult driver. The bus includes pedals in the seat such that the kids themselves trigger the vehicle. The driver has access to a secondary electric motor. This bus has been primarily designed to take care of the kids after the school. It provides a concept of pleasure coupled with team effort, exercise and fun to the children. Pedal power has made its presence felt in the world of cargo delivery. It also holds similar future for children’s transportation.

3. Busycle:

BusyclePedal-powered bus for 15 people to promote green public transport

This bus has been constructed from an 11 passenger Dodge van that has been stripped to its chassis. Fourteen flat cycles have replaced the engine. Predominantly made of 100 percent re-cyclable materials such as office chairs, bicycles, bed frames and also plexiglass shield, Busycle was constructed in the year 2005 in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood. It is a geared vehicle and also has an option of going in reverse direction. It is a 15 seater and is hundred percent human powered transport system. It can travel at a speed up to 10 miles an hour. The Busycle needs individuals to use their own strength and will to commute between two points.

4. Bus Bike:

Bus BikeBus Bike to promote green public transport.

Among the nature friendly transport system, Bus Bike or “bierfiets” is quite popular in Holland. It is a pedal powered vehicle more than just mobile pub. Travel to school can be fun and eco friendly with Bus Bike for school children. It can accommodate up to 15 commuters along with the driver. It has a compact driver seat with a steering wheel giving the control of the vehicle to the adult driver. Traveling by the Bus Bike not only inculcates the value of team work but also goes a long way in keeping the environment green.

5. City Cycle:

City CycleHuman Powered Bar on Wheels to promote green public transport.

Party and have fun in an eco friendly way. The City Cycle is a pedal powered transport where you can have party on wheels. It is sans a motor and accommodates 15 people including the driver. It also comes with adjustable seats. This vehicle is normally used for leisure day or night city tours, team building exercises or corporate events. It is a fully-equipped party vehicle with stereo system, LED lighting, ample beverage capacity and sufficient space for all the commuters. It drives at a maximum speed of 7 mph giving ample time for all commuters to relax and enjoy the party. The City Cycle is quite popular in Europe and Australia.

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Post tags: 3013 installation, Architectural Association, eco design, green design, Jesse randzio, Lawrence Lek, London, Onur Ozkaya, Recycled Materials, recycled plywood, sustainable design, Urban design

Whether we're talking about melting waste plastic into diesel fuel or turning unused alligator meat into biofuels, companies around the world are looking at fuel-from-waste with fresh perspectives.

constructed out of 95% post-consumer recycled cardboard, the line of low-cost furniture requires no tools or glue to assemble together. 

Greencycle-Eco uses current technology to reduce production costs in order to make it affordable to farmers and the lower income demographic group in third world countries, but the strategic thinking could certainly benefit the entire world to achieve greater sustainability. Made of pre-fabricated bamboo panels, each piece is shaped using a CNC cutter to minimize waste. The steel brackets were created from flat steel and used as a joining component. Both can easily replaced.

Designer: Paulus Maringka

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Corporate centre for Novo NordiskDesigned by Henning Larsen Architects

Architectural building designs influenced by organic elements is certainly a path less traveled but not entirely unknown. In this fascinating case, the ‘green’ design of a new corporate centre for Novo Nordisk by Henning Larsen Architects in collaboration with SLA landscape architects is fascinatingly influenced by the helix structure of an insulin molecule. Now, this certainly calls for a toast of intriguing novelty and adroit innovation.

Corporate centre for Novo NordiskDesigned by Henning Larsen Architects

Consisting of two office buildings, the overall 50,000 sq m structure will house Novo Nordisk’s top management and 1,100 administrative employees. The main (and larger) office building will comprise of a circular plan with a cylindrical spatial volume of six floors. The bulbous form and the atrium will allude to the complex essence of an insulin molecule shape. The other complimentary structure will be a secondary wedge shaped four storied office building with enhanced user accessibility to the main volume. This component will also facilitate the ’setting’ of the whole design along the hilly terrain of the site.

Corporate centre for Novo NordiskDesigned by Henning Larsen Architects

With the modern considerations of user flow, an architectural conception should not be limited to the structural element. Taking this into account, the designers have also envisaged an apt landscaping feature for the grand office. The simplistic lines of the building will be accentuated by a lush green surrounding that is inspired by authentic Danish outdoors. This intrinsic connection between natural landscaping elements and artificial structural components will result in not only improved functionality but also improved psychology on part of the user.

Finally coming to constructional information, the ambitious project is slated to be started by October of this year itself. Though, it’s hard to come by a credible figure of the finishing date, but the architects estimate it to be completed and occupied by end of 2013.

Via: HenningLarsen

Eco Friendly BricksHere’s all you need to know about Eco Friendly Bricks

It is no longer just about “living green” but also “living in green”. With eco friendly bricks, you can make your dream home sturdy as well as eco friendly. With the environmental friendly lifestyle becoming the buzzword these days, many people have opted for greener lifestyles with new houses facilitating itself with renewable sources of energy. But very few people have actually thought of going green from the ‘foundational’ level. Check out few existing methods of making eco friendly bricks:

1. Eco friendly brick made from coal-power plant byproducts:

Like conventional clay bricks these are used for building houses to buildings and factories. They’re called eco friendly since they are built from a toxic byproduct produced from powerplants burning coal and the toxins instead of being released into the atmosphere are pumped into bricks.

The waste product is also fly ash and is loaded with toxic chemicals like mercury, lead. It is a very huge expenditure costing over millions, for the power-plants to dispose the byproduct. Until now, they were buried in specially designed waste centres and ponds.

The bricks are manufactured by mixing fly ash in water and then a procedure follows which compacts them.These bricks unlike the clay bricks aren’t heated with natural gas so the process is more green. The lack of heating also reduces the price.

2. Ecobrique: Bricks made from water-treatment plant wastes:

With the increase in water pollution, and its contamination leading to thousands of deaths each year, purified water is a modern necessity. But the residue found in these water-treatment plant basins are swelling landfills and becoming a burden to dispose. With an aim to find a solution to this and to produce eco friendly bricks with cheap raw material supply, the VBC has made bricks from the residue found in the basins along with clay. Known as ecobrique, these green bricks are relieving the environment from yet another problem of water treatment plant wastes. It is as strong as an ordinary brick and durable too.

3. Recycled fly-ash bricks:

The ‘fly ash’ emitted from the coal fired plants have also always been a concern for health and environment. To find a remedy for this, researchers have come up with a solution by developing recycled bricks made from fly ash and the coal fired power-plant waste.

These bricks are way more safer than we give them credit for!

4. Solar Powered Glowing Bricks:

Glowing Bricks! Yes, you heard that right. A dark pigment enclosed in a real bulb glows, which in turn is enclosed in a solid block made of Acrylic Resin which gives it more incandescence. It gives an unusual but pretty optical effect which is generated by the diffraction of light within the space of the block. It is charged by solar energy which enables it to glow in the dark and effectively acts as a night bulb. The glow is available in two colors - green and blue. Technically the phenomenon is called “photoluminescence”.

The Benefits

The processes involved efficiently disposes of waste products like fly ash from coal power plants and residue from water treatment plant basins. The lack of heating the bricks also reduces the price. They are better insulated so there is less energy spent at home. The materials of green bricks are lightweight and easy for worker so it cuts down construction time and costs.

The Lowdown

The disadvantages of green bricks are that as they begin to enter the market, they are still not available in some areas and have to be ordered.

The Impact

The Green Bricks are fast replacing clay bricks. They burn longer and require half the storage space. They are much cleaner than coal and give less soot output. Being environmentally friendly, they are considered carbon neutral since the CO2 emitted on combustion is negligible. It is imminent that Eco bricks will be the future of architectural foundation!

The roof is typically the best and biggest part of most homes for energy collection. But most of the available systems for gathering this energy are unsightly. That's not a concern for these roof tiles from a Swedish company, SolTech Energy, that are made from glass.

With a roof made from these tiles, it is possible to produce 300-500 kWh per square meter per year (28-46 kWh per square foot per year). Heated air collects under the glass tiles like a greenhouse, and is then drawn in and concentrated to transfer the heat to a hot fluid for use in heating the building. The system is ideal for use with a heat pump or a boiler where a hot water storage tank stores the collected heat. Then, when heat is needed, the heat pump or boiler has pre-heated water available, so that less external energy is needed to heat the space.

In addition to the energy benefits, glass tiles are expected to have a longer lifespan than traditional clay or concrete roof tiles. And because the glass is a smooth material, snow tends to slide off more readily, so that the system keeps itself cleared and in operating condition more of the time. The tiles also match common tile shape so that the glass roof system can be incorporated into a conventional tile roof.

via: Sweets News and Products

Cardboard bedsEco-friendly cardboard beds

The humble cardboard is used for multitude purposes. From being used as packing material, the uses of cardboard has evolved down the years. Imagination and innovation has taken the uses of cardboard to a next level. They are now part of the home furniture solutions that are eco-friendly and cost-effective. Constructed out of heavy types of wood-based paper, cardboard furniture has made its place almost in every rooms of the house. Cardboard furniture includes, chairs, sofas, dining tables and even beds. It is easier to assemble, move and also are eco-friendly. It is quite practical and simple in design and will not detract from the autonomical structure of the house. Below are some stunning cardboard bed designs for a sound sleep.

1. The Zen of Cardboard

Zen of CardboardZen of cardboard furniture

This cardboard furniture form the Karton group is affordable and has elegant looks. The base is made of recycled paper and the glue used for this furniture is made of vegetable starch making it hundred percent recyclable. You can assemble the drawers and the bed supports fairly quickly and easily. The bed base should be folded twice along the length and then constrict them into the slots available in the base.

2. Honeycomb cardboard bed frame

Honeycomb cardboard bed frameEco friendly cardboard beds

The students of New York have come up with an creative and inexpensive bed made of honeycomb cardboard. The stacked honeycomb cardboard is used as a bed base. Figurines can be displayed using the holes in the cardboard block. Using cinder blocks, you can lift things such as speakers.

3. Portable Eco Friendly cardboard bed

Portable Eco Friendly Cardboard BedEco Friendly Cardboard Bed

This cardboard bed is portable with great looks and simple and easy to assemble. Do not worry about its sturdiness since its made of 7mm thick cardboard and is balanced with two lengths of webbing. It is compact and a practical furniture that comes in several widths. It can be used as regular bedding or as a guest mattress. In a single step, you can fold this bed into a bundle thus making it an perfects solution for frequent movers. It also has an additional collapsible horizontal support.

4. NuBe Green’s repurposed cardboard bed

NuBe Green’s repurposed cardboard bedEco friendly cardboard bed

Cardboard looks so stunning with NuBe Green’s cardboard bed. It is one of a kind with a strong bed base and sturdy legs. Its majestic looks can add grace to your bed room easily. This is eco-friendly unit has been featured on the Evening Magazine. Its innovative design is truly one of the coolest sustainable products around.

5. Ecochair changes into a cardboard bed

Ecochair changes into a cardboard bedEco friendly cardboard bed

Eco-chair is a perfect example for space saving furniture. One can convert this multi-functional furniture into a chaise lounge with simple easy steps. The frame is made of corrugated cardboard and 100% cotton mattress. Once converted, relax on this environmental friendly and sustainable practical bed.

6. Disposable cardboard bed by Nikolay Suslov

Disposable cardboard bed by Nikolay SuslovEco friendly cardboard beds

Inspired by the chaise lounge, Nikolay Suslov has come up with a cheap sustainable bedding solution that can be afforded by the poor. Multiple layers of corrugated cardboard make up the base of this bed. It is sturdy and durable in all the season as it is prepared with water proof material. It keeps the users on a good height of 20 cms. You can also easily transform this bedding furniture into a compact and portable seating.

7. LeafBed, Cardboard Bedding by NOOC

LeafBed, Cardboard Bedding by NOOCEco friendly cardboard beds

Leafbed is a bedding solution that is eco-friendly and sustainable. This interesting modular bedding solution was designed by NOOC, specifically for HES - Humanitarian Emergency Situations as the Emergency bed. You can get a good nights sleep by simply straightening the four cardboard modules. This can also be converted into a stool or a table. You can store your belongings in a small hatch that is found on top of the module. It can bear up to 300 kgs. of weight and withstand seventy five percent humidity and temperature of about thirty degrees.This was first tested in Niger during an emergency situation and found to be of real help.

8. The Paperpedic Bed

THE PAPERPEDIC BEDEco friendly cardboard beds

Paperpedic bed from the Karton Group is a cool bed system that is made of recycle and virgin paper folds. Assembling this cleverly engineered bed model is easy and smooth. It has a strong bed base and is 100 % recyclable.It bears a load capacity of a tonne. This chic and stylish bed can be assembled to a single, double, king or queen size in minutes. You can make use of the Paperpedic drawers for storage purposes. This amazing bed is completely practical and is quite comfortable on your wallet.

9. Corrugated cardboard bed

Corrugated cardboard bedEco friendly cardboard beds

This bed is made of sturdy corrugated cardboard. It is easily portable and is a light weight furniture. It looks elegant with its two bed side tables. It has attracted the interest of all environment lovers since it is an eco-friendly furniture.

10. Carton bed by Antoinette Bader

Carton bed by Antoinette BaderEco friendly cardboard beds

This compact carton bed has been designed by Antoinette Bader. It can be folded and compressed to a minimum size of a stool! With the use of accordion effect, you can quickly adjust the size of the bed and fold it. The lamination on the side of the card boards adds a decorative feature to the bed when its is folded or opened out.

Futuristic hubless bikespace age hubless wheels

A wheel without a center hub is called a hubless wheel. Also known as a rim-rider or centerless wheel, these turners look stunning but are extremely tough to engineer and expensive to buy. The following hubless wheels are extremely elegant and promise a great ride.

1. Yale MechEng Students Build Bike with Hubless Wheel
Students at Yale engineering decided to go up a notch on their class project. Nine of them hooked up a working bicycle with a hubless wheel. Although time constraints forced them to convert only one wheel, it still works great. The students claim that the hubless wheel opens up a lot of space which can be used to pack an electric motor or a storage casket.

2. Hubless Wheel Bicycle Designed to Challenge Current Designs
This concept designed by Brad Waugh using 3D plans to challenge the idea of motion and rotation. The design is currently being developed in SolidWorks.

3. Hubless BMX Concept Bike with a Gear System Sans Chain
Designed by Nikolay Boltachev, the BMX Concept is a grand hubless bike design. Unlike other minimal bikes this design has Zigzag forks, NS Bikes Quark Pro stem and 20″ thin tires. Pedal up with the Crankbrothers 5050 pedals and add to it a Superstar SweetSweep handlebar and chainless gear system and it’s a perfect and smooth city ride.

4. Futurist Bicycle with Hubless Wheels Looks Gorgeous
This space age design by designer strips down every excess from the bike to give it a sleek and stylish look. The carbon fiber or aluminum coated body gives it an extremely lightweight body. The LEDs on the handlebar and the rear look cool and also are a safe bet at night.

5. Lunartic Belt-Driven Hubless Bicycle
The Lunartic Belt-driven Hubless bicycles are meant to be an answer to other unfeasible hubless bikes. It uses the latest gizmo and also doesn’t sacrifice on style. Designed by Luke Douglasland, it uses large wheels on the back and small ones on the front to give better balance and unbelievable class.

6. INgSoc Electric Bicycle Features Carbon Fiber Body and Hubless Wheels
This green bike with uber-cool finishing is a great choice whether you’re an easy rider or the next Lance Armstrong. The carbon fiber body gives it a sturdy feel and also packs in goodies like space for a cellphone. With three different modes of operation — battery powered, battery assisted, and battery charge — this is a revolutionary ride.

7. Ergonomics Meets Comfort in Zurlinden’s Recumbent Bicycle
A bike which you can ride in a reclining position might sound absurd. But its great ergonomics ensures you’re a comfortable rider. While the equal distribution of weight gives you a relaxed ride; the hubless beauty also has a Infina-Gear CVT Transmission. So sweat less on an uphill ride the next time.

8. Boardman Concept Bike
This cool hubless concept by English Olympic gold medal cyclist Chris Boardman is a futuristic gem full of enough swank and also great for a challenging rider.

9. Hubless Bike
The hubless Synapse Bike takes it a notch higher and has integrated electric motors installed for the rider’s comfort. This minimal, frills-free bike is a dynamic ride. The clean structure makes you feel like you’re riding on no structure at all.

10. DuoCycle Trike
A student project by Wim Bussels, the DuoCycle is an upright/recumbent tricycle. The rear wheel is hubless and assists a disabled person ride with a helper controlling the wheel. The cycle can be pedaled by both riders, so it cuts slack on the rider. The trike’s battery is also charged with the pedaling and an integrated computer displays its power output.