An article published in the Boulder County Business Report explains how some residents and businesses in Boulder may soon have the option to be billed based on the time of day they use electricity. This concept is called time-of-use pricing which has been used in California and would allow Xcel to charge higher electrical rates during peak-use hours and lower rates during non-peak hours. This is becoming an option due to the SmartGridCity program which will allow consumers to program their meters to consume electricity at times they specify. For example, the peak electricity hours might run between noon and 3pm, so a family could program their appliances to turn off or run on a lower setting during that time, saving them money. The downside to this smart technology is peak hours might coincide with times electricity must be consumed, resulting in higher electricity costs. Installing solar electricity in your home is a good solution to this problem for two reasons. First, solar will…
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Trends in home design are moving away from specific rooms and space to materials and energy efficiency. This delightful (and beneficial) competition between neighbors, communities, and states to become more energy conscious and less dependent on fossil fuels has resulted in thousands of people reducing their carbon footprint. Here are some of the current trends in home design:
1. Reduce, reuse, recycle: More and more homeowners are looking to purchase recycled building materials to use in their new home. Timbers, siding, decking, trim, doors, brick, and stone are all great materials to reuse. Simple, bio-degradable materials are replacing resources that harm the environment.
2. Here comes the sun: Solar energy systems, particularly solar hot water heaters and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to produce electricity are extremely popular. The current tax credit is 30% of the total cost (product + installation), with no upper limit. (see ENERGY STAR for details)
3. Size and flexibility…
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The Climate Project, the international non-profit phenomenon founded by Nobel Laureate and former Vice President Al Gore, has just announced a new partnership with educational outreach venture Cool The Earth, an organization that inspires children grades K-8 and their families to take simple actions at home to lessen the threat of global warming.
“By aligning with organizations that have built successful regional models like Cool The Earth, The Climate Project can reach more people and create momentum exponentially,” says Jenny Clad, Executive Director of The Climate Project. “The climate crisis is an urgent issue that affects everyone. Cool The Earth is an example of citizen involvement at the grassroots level which can make a difference when it comes to protecting our planet.”
Through its extracurricular program, Cool The Earth educates K-8 students about global warming and provides them the tools to motivate their whole family to take simple actions to reduce their…
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For Apple aficionados, traveling to China just became a lot easier. Finding just the right word has always been the bane of the traveler to new lands. How many of us are still embarrassed by the memory of asking for the applesauce instead of the hotel lobby? Or the pool instead of the art museum? And as an ambassador for his or her company, a business traveler can see the importance of putting the best words forward.
Worry no more, tongue-weary travelers. HNHSoft’s Talking Dictionary and Talking Phrase Book downloads in minutes onto mobile Apple iPhone and iPod Touch handhelds, and is the first product of its kind developed for use on Apple platforms.
These innovative language tools contain over 90,000 entries and over 120,000 translations, enabling travelers to learn the pronunciation of words or phrases phonetically, see them written in the appropriate alphabet, and hear them pronounced in the natural voices of real people.
Travelers can choose to turn on the setting that…
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The National Children’s Museum (NCM) today unveiled plans for its new Pelli Clarke Pelli-designed building, slated to open in 2013 at National Harbor, as a physical demonstration of the Museum’s mission to inspire children to care about and improve the world. NCM’s new 150,000 square-foot, LEED-certified building will serve as an active teaching tool, highlighting the accomplishments of children; using recycled and sustainable materials; and celebrating the natural environment. The space boasts an outdoor courtyard, wind turbine, green wall façade, and glass arrival area.
With its unique mission, NCM strives to teach children how to become informed, active citizens. NCM’s eco-friendly building provides another means to demonstrate the Museum’s commitment to children and the planet. Through its new space, NCM will encourage and foster an understanding and love of nature; champion outdoor play (in the Museum courtyard and beyond); and encourage the use of natural materials to foster…
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Six Flags Friends, the philanthropic arm of Six Flags, and Cure Kids Cancer have teamed up once again to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancers through its “A Walk In The Park” program. This unique walk-a-thon event will take place at all domestic Six Flags properties April 26 through July 26 offering local neighborhoods a distinct, interactive setting to participate in a global cause while helping children who may live right next door.
“A Walk In The Park” is intended to educate communities across the United States about the real need to find a cure for childhood cancers - the number one cause of death by disease among children. The funds raised at all walk events are donated to local children’s hospitals to help children battling pediatric cancer in neighboring areas.
“Cure Kids Cancer is excited to partner again with Six Flags Friends on ‘A Walk In The Park,’” said Rod Hamson, Vice President, Sponsor Development, Children’s Miracle Network. “The efforts of Six Flags…
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Fairmont Scottsdale has just announced a new partnership with National Geographic through the creation of an all-new “Explorers Camp” for kids this summer, where eight world-renowned National Geographic explorers will share stories of their adventures with participating families.
Set in the Sonoran Desert, the Fairmont Scottsdale reflects the Southwest with its Spanish style architecture, 649 guest rooms, five swimming pools, Willow Stream spa and championship golf at TPC Scottsdale. The resort is operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and is owned by Strategic Hotels & Resorts.
Navigating a GPS to discover desert creatures, going on a photo safari or meeting real-life explorers, the Fairmont Scottsdale is making this summer an adventure. The luxury resort in Arizona is partnering with National Geographic for the first National Geographic Explorers Camp, exclusively for its overnight guests.
From May 22-September 7, 2009, the camp offers discovery-based activities for children ages…
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Seattle is such a walkable city, scenic parks, paths and trails are abound. I love to go for short runs and walks in and around the city, so I decided to compile a list - the top 5 best walks in and around Seattle, Washington. Whether you are a resident or visiting, they are definitely [...]
Green timber frame homes stem from an overall concert for their environment. The timber frame design, building materials, and heating and cooling systems focus on energy efficiency - seting them apart from conventional homes. For example, green timber frame homes, whether they are traditional timber frame, post and beam, or a timber frame hybrid, outperform conventional homes these areas:
Environment / Site: Landscaping which focuses on using native plants has a positive effect on the site by reducing irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers. Tree selection and preservation can reduce energy costs by creating buffers from winter winds and providing shade for summer.
Timber Frame Design: Using passive solar design techniques such as maximizing southern exposure and south-facing windows helps keep the timber frame home warm in winter and increases natural light. Green timber frame homes have a minimal footprint, which keep energy costs low.
Exterior Shell: Energy efficient materials such…
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OSH had a nice newspaper ad outlining 7 tips for saving water. They cover items from outdoor plant watering to toilets to collecting shower water. Hope this gets more people to spend some money to save a lot more in wasted water costs, while helping them go green.
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