Architecture - Solar, Building Design and urban planning

The existence of sunlight has impacted construction of homes from the beginning of architectural history.  Advanced solar building design along with urban planning techniques had been used by the Chinese and Greeks who built their homes facing south in order to capture additional light and heat. Today we have advanced beyond simple building orientation to now incorporate many other techniques to maximise the use of sunlight

This practice of using sunlight in building design is called passive solar design. Some common components of passive solar architecture include; reducing the ratio surface are to volume (know as compact proportion), orientation of the building relative to the sun and selecting suitable shading /eves around the building.

Herman Miller, Inc. creates great places to work through the design, manufacture, and distribution of furnishings, interior products, and related services. Through problem-solving research and design, the company seeks to develop innovative solutions to real needs in working, healing, learning, and living environments. Herman Miller currently purchases green power for a portion of its electricity use, and the company seeks to obtain 100 percent green power for all its North American facilities by year 2020 as part of its commitment to sustainable development. In the process of purchasing green power, Herman Miller learned that long term power purchase agreements and energy conservation programs can, and do, offset any costs associated with alternative energy sources. Moreover, power purchase agreements can provide a stable energy rate that is less volatile than traditional coal based energy sources. By working closely with alternative energy providers, Herman Miller was able to procure cost effective renewable energy supplies at reasonable costs.

NASHVILLE—Tennessee will become one of the first states in the nation to purchase green power for all of its state parks where the renewable option is available, Governor Phil Bredesen announced on Earth Day. “There’s no better day than Earth Day to focus on the benefits of increased use of renewable energy sources,” Bredesen said at an event at Bicentennial Mall State Park in Nashville. Forty-four of Tennessee’s 54 state parks will have access to green power through TVA’s Green Power Switch program and will purchase a combined total of 1,149 blocks each month.

There are so many resources for figuring out how to build and afford solar power that we’ve begun to build a list.

Keep Checking Back for Updates. For specific information on California, Nevada, Texas,  and Michigan solar programs, see the listings under the Projects tab.

Global warming to trigger more warming
OSLO (Reuters) - Climate change caused by mankind will release extra heat-trapping gases stored in nature into the atmosphere in a small spur to global warming.

EU agrees to make lowest climate offer to U.N.
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union has decided to stick to its lowest offer for cutting carbon emissions under a U.N climate accord, but will maintain a conditional.

Public supports ambitious scheme for micro-scale renewable energy
Campaigners urge government to seize opportunity to turn homes into 'green power stations.

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