LEED for Homes categories begin with the Innovation and Design Process, examining integrated project planning, building orientation options, durability thinking and unique regional design issues. Like in all, there are prerequisites that without satisfying, no points can be earned in the rest of the category. Location and Linkages looks at whether a project is part of a [...]

A friend asked for advice recently. She wanted to know what “sustainable” home design and interiors meant to us. For many, discussing the word leads to thinking about natural systems in equilibrium, of regeneration and renewal generation after generation. How can sustainable interiors and home design align with this, and how do you achieve [...]

                     
The ultimate form of creativity may just be transforming everyday items, even what others may label garbage, into innovative objects. Look around. Something you may not even notice could be just the right material for constructing some incredible designs.
                     
Check out this industrial strength cardboard molded into a pint sized chair. There’s no need to worry [...]

All-Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Montpelier, VT
Yesterday while downtown in Montpelier, I walked behind City Hall and literally ran into something I’ve never seen before and which, given that April 22nd and Earth Day is just around the corner it’s definitely worth sharing. It’s also just another reason why I think Montpelier is the best [...]

It isn’t easy being green, but thanks to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), there is a framework for practical, green building design, construction, operations and maintenance. The tools are in place, but it takes dedication, persistence and hard work to make sustainable building a reality. Achieving [...]

It’s moving season! Relocating to a new place is a great time to start fresh. Unfortunately, moving itself comes with baggage - a lot of waste produced from packing up your things and moving them to your new home. Here are a few simple ways to make your relocation as eco-friendly as possible.

Find a moving company that [...]

I missed the VT Energy Plan June 1st workshop and information gathering session held at National Life, so I thought I’d contribute a mind map or visual brainstorm of my thoughts about the planning effort and areas of focus I see as important to ensuring a sustainable and bright future for generations to come. Check out [...]

Whether you are designing, building or selling real estate, there are good reasons to be concerned about the quality of the indoor environments you create or transfer in this time of erratic weather events. The National Academies of Sciences looked at the relationship between climate change and the health of the indoor environments in its [...]

Seniors have just graduated, but are you or someone you know looking for a “green” college to attend in the fall? There are 311 featured in the Princeton Review 2011 Guide to Green Colleges. 
I guess the Green Movement has really caught on and become mainstream, if we’re seeing a guide to green-focused colleges and universities partly [...]

                   
Where do you take that old analog TV or ancient five year old desktop computer hiding in your closet when its finally time for it to go? In Vermont, we have the option to recycle them for free at the annual eWaste2011 event, this year held at National Life Group’s Headquarters in Montpelier, the [...]