Fraunhofer develops economical process for micro energy harvesting
by: Fraunhofer Research News, 2014-10-26 23:00:00 UTC
The trend toward energy self-sufficient probes and ever smaller mobile electronics systems continues unabated. They are used, for example, to monitor the status of the engines on airplanes, or for medical implants. They gather the energy they need for this from their immediate environment - from vibrations, for instance. Fraunhofer researchers have developed a process for the economical production of piezoelectric materials. They will unveil a preliminary demonstration model at this year’s electronica trade show from November 11 to 14 in Munich (Hall A4, Booth 113).
STHLMNYC 2014: Collaboration for Adaptation, Designing for Future Uncertainties
by: Sustainable Design News, 2014-10-27 22:45:52 UTC
The theme of this year's STHLMNYC seminar is "Collaboration for Adaptation, Designing for Future Uncertainties."
Eco-friendly roofs that fit the lower end of the budget
by: Ecofriend, 2014-10-27 11:14:13 UTC
Today the green awareness among people is so high that they want almost everything around them to be a green thing. Green initiatives are not only beneficial for the environment but for the one also who take such initiatives. Mostly, the idea of going green process comes with benefits for the user, some that are easily achieved, and some that show themselves in the long run. Often, it is simply the solution common sense would advise.
People today prefer to make eco-friendly homes because that helps to sustain the environment and saves money as well. Here in this article we are discussing the roofs. We prefer getting a roof that is eco-friendly, durable, and is affordable. Such roofs are incredible not only for the environment but for the people also, as they serve as a cost effective measure. Read on to find out what type of roofs are eco-friendly and affordable:
Standing-seam metal roof
This type of roof is extremely durable, reflects light, is affordable, and is recyclable. They are good for the environment as they never go waste, you can recycle and reuse them. They are good for the dweller as this roof reflects light and keeps the home cooler, thus saving on electricity bills.
Clay or slate tile roof
Clay and tile roofs are ancient and are important even today. This style of roof makes the home look wondrous and gives it a green feature as well. These tiles are natural, are long lasting even when compared to metal roofs, and the light color tiles keep the home cool. Clay and slate tiles are expensive than the metal roofs but it is never a loss to invest in the roofs that have such a high green status.
White roof
White roofs are better known as cool roofs and are an ideal choice for someone who is on a lookout for eco-friendly roofing. The white color reflects the sunrays and keeps the home cool. Go for metal roofs in white, as they are recyclable.
Recycled-content shingle roof
This roof style is eco-friendly, and is a lower-cost alternative for the clay and slate tiles. The roof is made of recycled product and is completely recyclable, and it gives a look like that of a tile roof, and is extremely durable.
Summary
Green roofs are great investments to make because they are good for the environment and for the person who get them installed, as they help to save money.
34 Crowdsourced Ideas For Solving Climate Change
by: Co.Exist, 2014-10-22 13:23:00 UTC
Climate CoLab's latest submissions include color-coding products based on carbon footprint and examining sea level rise with a 3-D gaming engine.
MIT's Climate CoLab has been crowd-sourcing solutions to climate change for four years now. An initiative of the MIT Center For Collective Intelligence, the platform has received thousands of ideas over that time, from the solidly practical to the downright weird (we covered a few here). The 2014 class is no different. Across 18 contests, CoLab received 600 proposals in all, from this plan to harness the power of lightning to this concept ship that powers itself by rocking side-to-side on the waves. Judges shortened the list to 64, before the public voted for 34 winners. Below are a few of our favorites
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circa cycles’ MABEL process radically rethinks bike manufacturing
by: Designboom - Weblog, 2014-10-23 16:15:48 UTC
founded by rich fox, a former NIKE innovation director, the portland-based company intends to build bikes to order in ten days or less, with complete structures starting under $1,500 (USD).
The post circa cycles’ MABEL process radically rethinks bike manufacturing appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.
Free LEED Exam Prep Course
by: Environmental Leader, 2014-10-23 12:08:35 UTC
GreenCE has launched what it says is the industry’s first free LEED Exam Prep program to educate design professionals about green building principles and the LEED rating system. The LEED Exam Prep course features video, animation, music, and case studies. The US Green Building Council last November released its LEED v4 rating system, which utilize […]
Artist to collect Beijing's smog & transform it into unique rings
by: TreeHugger Design, 2014-10-22 11:00:00 UTC
It's an innovative scheme to clean the city's air, and to get people to think differently about how pollution can be transformed into something valuable.
studio celia-hannes works with cape town craftsmen for frugal collection
by: Designboom - Weblog, 2014-10-18 14:50:55 UTC
hannes schreckensberger and célia picard have applied the local techniques of traditionally-woven grass textiles to contemporary devices.
The post studio celia-hannes works with cape town craftsmen for frugal collection appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.
New Wool Felt and Cork Wall Coverings from Submaterial
by: design milk, 2014-10-16 17:00:36 UTC
Modern wall decor brand brand Submaterial has recently re-imagined their most popular wall hanging patterns into wool felt and cork wall coverings.
Each piece is large and in charge, making maximum impact with their bold, organic patterns. They are also created in multiple variations, making it easy to install in any home.
Figure no. 1 has fluid, serpentine lines repeated over a large area.
Figure no. 2 is bolder and more geometric, with strong architectural elements.
The wall coverings come in more than 42 different kinds of wood felt, and the hand-assembled pieces can be color customized. By combining cork and wool, the wall coverings also act as a noise-softening piece of home decor.
Trio: A Jointless Stool by Andrea Quiros-Balma
by: design milk, 2014-10-17 14:00:39 UTC
Recent graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, Andrea Quiros-Balma finds herself in NYC working as a furniture and fibers designer. Here, we take a look at Trio, a sculptural stool made of three symmetrical pieces of bent plywood that connect together into a jointless minimal form.
The three shapes fit together creating a built-in support system allowing it to be a sturdy stool someone can actually sit on.
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