design

The five main goals of ecological design

The first goal is to harmonize with the site. Real estate folks like to say, "location, location, location," and the same is really true in ecological design: understanding the topography, the microclimate, the vegetation and the ecosysystems that are at work at a place and really trying to put those into action.

Our second goal, which is somewhat ironic as architects, is to build as little as possible. And that, for us, is being as space efficient as we can. The simple answer is to build less house.

The third goal is that buildings should be able to heat and cool themselves and generate their own electricity.

The fourth goal is to maximize resource efficiency: understanding where materials come from, and what the resources are behind them, and also integrating natural building systems such as straw bale, rammed earth, cob or adobe where appropriate.

And then, the final goal is to show that ecological design can be beautiful and bring it to the mainstream.

(Want to read more of David Arkin's thoughts on ecological design? Check out his interview at Treehugger!)
image Edward Caldwell

GreenCOTTAGEKits.com is here! Cottage plans taken further to a kit.

Hi everyone!!!

I am thrilled to announce our prefab Green Cottage Kit design is here!

Although a modern enthusiast, I grew up (and my parents still reside) in a home built in 1801. A Virginia native, I appreciate old farmhouses, Victorian brownstones, colonial and happy, yes, exuberantly happy cottage architecture.

 

So, when people came to me on GreenModernKits.com asking for a cottage, I understood.

 

So I kidnapped Eric Drivdahl, an award winning architect with a heart of gold, and he designed a gorgeous, passive solar, SIPs, cottage kit with so many thoughtful details:

- 2,000 sq. ft. (and less: this house has 3 configurations)

- 3 bedrooms (or less)

- Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) for energy efficiency

- Passive Solar

- Trombe Wall

- Nooks and Crannies where you can curl up and read your books!

 

We haven't even named it yet, but we're so happy.

If you have any names you'd like to suggest, we'd love to hear them!

 

Sincerely yours,

Copeland

aka Green Modern Kits! : )


GreenerBuildings News


===========================================================
GreenerBuildings News
===========================================================

Welcome to the latest edition of GreenerBuildings News. We are committed
to bringing you the latest information and resources on the full
spectrum of environmental issues related to buildings and facilities.
Log on to http://www.GreenerBuildings.com for more up-to-date news,
tools, case studies, and other resources related to greener building
practices.

A full-color, graphic version of this newsletter is available online at:
http://www.greenerbuildings.com/enewsletter

=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE LATEST NEWS & FEATURES =-=-=-=-=-=-=

Creating the Greenest Auto Mechanics on the Block
By Matthew Wheeland
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=55562
AAMCO, the auto service chain, launched a green certification program that will
close the loop on waste in certified franchises and promote efficiency at every
step. Matthew Wheeland sat down with AAMCO CEO Todd Leff to learn more, and
discuss some of the challenges the company faced in launching the program.

Xcel Energy, PG&E Among Utilities with Leading Energy Efficiency Programs
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=55580
The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy released its second survey
of the country's best utility-based efficiency programs, finding that a handful
of companies are significantly stepping up efforts to reduce their customers'
energy usage.

Over 4,200 Buildings Have Been Energy Star Certified
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=55584
The EPA's Energy Star program has certified more than 4,200 office buildings,
supermarkets, schools and other facilities as being highly energy efficient.

CEOs Increasingly Seeing Real Estate as Key to Sustainability Practices
http://www.greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=55592
Energy efficiency has become one of company leaders' three most important
priorities when it comes to greening operations, and bringing down energy use in
offices and facilities is a significant way of achieving that goal, according to
a new study.

Group Established for Sustainable Courts, Jails
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=55577
The Academy of Architecture for Justice established a Sustainable Justice
Committee to promote green design and construction of police stations, courts
and prisons.

New Campus Sustainability Program Launches Comprehensive Push to Green Campuses
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=55574
The Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS), developed by
the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, will
bring attention to everything from buildings to food programs to education.

New Green REIT Aims to Make Investing in Sustainable Retrofits Easier
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=55560
Green Realty Trust, a new project from real estate investor Rob Hannah, is a new
kind of Real Estate Investment Trust, one that hopes to make it easier to bring
big money to green building retrofit projects.

USGBC Boosts Research Funds, LEED for Homes Network
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=55564
The U.S. Green Building Council has doubled the amount of money it will dedicate
toward research at a time when interest in green building is escalating and its
network of LEED for Homes Providers has multiplied.

Denver Company Donates Insulation for Greening Government Program
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36624
The state government plans to cut its energy use by 20 percent by 2012. To
achieve that goal, the Governor's Energy Office is adding efficient insulation
to its walls and ceiling.

Southern Methodist to Launch Sustainable Design Degree Program
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36621
Bringing together leaders from industry, government and academia, SMU is working
to develop an advanced degree program in sustainable design that combines ideas
from engineering, architecture and technology into a forward-looking Master's
degree program.

Honeywell Helps Hotel and Motel Rooms Become Energy Efficient
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36614
Honeywell plans to retrofit some 12,000 hotel and motel rooms in California to
make them more energy efficient on behalf of a program from PG&E.

MORE OF THE LATEST NEWS... http://greenerbuildings.com/news.cfm

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TOOLS & RESOURCES =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

WebEx's Green Guide to the Office
http://greenerbuildings.com/tool_detail.cfm?LinkAdvID=97275
This report looks at the many ways that businesses of all sizes can contribute
to combating climate change, from employee-level recycling programs to solutions
from the IT department like collaborative working.

MORE TOOLS & RESOURCES... http://www.greenerbuildings.com/tools.cfm

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FEATURED EVENT =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Cost-Efficient Sustainable Buildings
http://greenerbuildings.com/event_detail.cfm?LinkAdvID=94444

Host: American Business Conferences
Date: April 14-15, 2008
Location: Philadelphia

Come hear the country's leaders in green building examine the specifics of
techniques, technologies and case studies how to maximize both your investment
and your environmental performance, as well as discussing what worked, in what
regions, and why.

MORE EVENTS . . . http://www.greenerbuildings.com/search_events.cfm

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= GREENERBUILDINGS AND YOU =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

We'd like your feedback, questions, and ideas. Got a resource, tip, or
tool you'd like to share with others? Please write to
GreenerBuildings@GreenerWorldMedia.com, or click on the "Contact" link
on the home page.

We'll look forward to hearing from you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

You have received this e-mail because you (or someone) subscribed your
e-mail address to this e-letter. IF YOU WISH TO UNSUBSCRIBE, please
e-mail GreenerBuildings@GreenerWorldMedia.com with the subject line
"Unsubscribe GreenerBuildings News".

IF THIS MESSAGE WAS FORWARDED TO YOU BY OTHERS, we'd appreciate it if
you would sign up for your own subscription. This helps us track our
circulation and attract sponsors.

TO SUBSCRIBE: Simply enter your email address in the space provided on
the homepage and click "SUBSCRIBE." We promise NEVER to sell, rent, or
swap your address with others without your permission.

GreenerBuildings is produced by Greener World Media, Inc., Copyright
2007.


GreenerBuildings News: January 31, 2008

=========================================================== GreenerBuildings News: January 31, 2008 =========================================================== Welcome to the latest edition of GreenerBuildings News. We are committed to bringing you the latest information and resources on the full spectrum of environmental issues related to buildings and facilities. Log on to http://www.GreenerBuildings.com for more up-to-date news, tools, case studies, and other resources related to greener building practices. A full-color, graphic version of this newsletter is available online at: http://www.greenerbuildings.com/enewsletter

=-=-=-=-=-=-= JUST RELEASED: STATE OF GREEN BUSINESS 2008 =-=-=-=-=-=-=

In this landmark report, Joel Makower and the editors of GreenBiz.com answer the question: How are U.S. businesses doing in their quest to be more environmentally responsible? It introduces the GreenBiz Index, 20 indicators of progress, tracking the resource use, emissions, and business practices of U.S. companies: carbon, materials, energy, and toxics intensity, clean-tech investments, e-waste recovery, paper use, employee commuting, and more. Download it for free at: http://www.stateofgreenbusiness.com

=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE LATEST NEWS & FEATURES =-=-=-=-=-=-=

Water Management Strategies to Boost the Triple Bottom Line By Tom Ash Smart water management can be a simple improvement to facilities, but one that can help real estate portfolio owners achieve LEED certification, protect and improve property value by eliminating water-related property destruction and liabilities, save costs and improve the environment.

The Importance of Measuring Building Energy Use By Brandi McManus With companies rapidly seeking out every possible way to improve their environmental performance, many are finding that tracking down inefficiencies in building energy use is a quick and easy way to make a noticeable difference.

Clorox and Sierra Club Announce Branding Partnership
The Clorox Company has formed a partnership with the Sierra Club as part of the company's launch of Green Works, a new line of natural cleaning products made from plant-based ingredients.

Three Trends Push Green Building From Niche to Mainstream: Report A new report pins attributes the growth of green building to government initiatives, demand for green residential housing and better sustainable building materials.

CIA Campus Embraces Green Building The CIA is working on its newest, greenest campus, with a vegetated roof, energy- and water-saving measures, and special parking for carpoolers.


GreenerBuildings News: December 13, 2007

===========================================================
GreenerBuildings News: December 13, 2007
===========================================================

Welcome to the latest edition of GreenerBuildings News. We are committed
to bringing you the latest information and resources on the full
spectrum of environmental issues related to buildings and facilities.
Log on to http://www.GreenerBuildings.com for more up-to-date news,
tools, case studies, and other resources related to greener building
practices.

A full-color, graphic version of this newsletter is available online at:
http://www.greenerbuildings.com/enewsletter

=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE LATEST NEWS & FEATURES =-=-=-=-=-=-=

Finding the Financing for Your Green Building Project
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36362
By Tilde Herrera
There's no doubt that the sub-prime residential mortgage crisis has cast a
shadow over the economy. But the market remains favorable for commercial green
building projects, according to Leanne Tobias, whom spoke to GreenBiz Radio
about financing opportunities.

The 'Real Economics' Behind the Paradigm Shift to Green Hotels
By Jim Butler, Green Lodging News
http://www.greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?Page=1&NewsID=36397
What are the real economics behind green hotel development, conversion and
operation? Is this the time to go green? Can you afford to wait? Here are some
solidly documented answers based on substantial and reliable studies. The
answers may surprise you.

Green Building Programs Expanded by 400 Percent in Four Years: Survey
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36345
The number of cities in the U.S. with green building programs grew from 22 to 92
between 2003 and 2007, according to a study conducted by the American Institute
of Architects.

AIG Environmental Adds Financial Incentives for Building Green
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36398
The environmental arm of insurance company American International Group has
announced the Sustain-a-Build program, offering insurance policy discounts for
LEED-certified green building projects.

Tenants Willing to Pay More for Green Building: Report
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36374
A recent report suggests that energy efficient buildings commanded higher
occupancy and rental rates while sales process were as much as 30 percent higher
per square foot. To boot, operating expenses were lower.

New Life Cycle Assessment Tool for Buildings Unveiled
http://www.greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?Page=1&NewsID=36388
The EcoCalculator Version 2.3 was commissioned by the Green Building Initiative
for use in its Green Globes assessment and rating system.

Historic Performance Venue Given $1 Million Grant for Green Building
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36391
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, Calif., has been awarded a $1.1
million grant to help fund its new, greener location.

Green Building Initiatives Among $11.2 Million in Pa. Grants
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36379
Geothermal, solar and wind installations are among the 24 projects in
Pennsylvania that will receive a total of $11.2 million state grants.

ISO Creates Standard for Sustainable Building
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36364
The International Organization for Standardization has developed a new standard
aimed at sustainable building.

LEED-Healthcare Teams With Green Guide
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36356
The U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Guide for Health Care will work
together on greening health care building.

REI Goes Green With Expansion
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36337
The outdoor gear retailer is expanding its East Coast operations and
implementing a handful of green building practices for its new facility.

MORE OF THE LATEST NEWS... http://greenerbuildings.com/news.cfm

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TOOLS & RESOURCES =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Does Green Pay Off?
http://greenerbuildings.com/tool_detail.cfm?LinkAdvID=95722
This preliminary research evaluates the rent and value differentials of
energy-efficient buildings at the national level.

EcoBroker
http://greenerbuildings.com/tool_detail.cfm?LinkAdvID=95754
This online resource offers trainings for green real estate brokers, a directory
of green building service and product providers, and other tools for green
building professionals.

Chicago's Green Alley Project Handbook
http://greenerbuildings.com/tool_detail.cfm?LinkAdvID=95080
This report outlines Chicago's effort to green all 1,900 miles of its alleyways,
reducing water, air and light pollution while recharging and purifying
groundwater supplies.

MORE TOOLS & RESOURCES... http://www.greenerbuildings.com/tools.cfm

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FEATURED EVENT =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Cost-Efficient Sustainable Buildings
http://www.greenerbuildings.com/event_detail.cfm?LinkAdvID=94444

Date: April 14-15, 2008
Location: Philadelphia, Penn.

This conference will focus on technologies, techniques and strategies to build
green, energy efficient buildings cost-effectively

MORE EVENTS . . . http://www.greenerbuildings.com/search_events.cfm

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= GREENERBUILDINGS AND YOU =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

We'd like your feedback, questions, and ideas. Got a resource, tip, or
tool you'd like to share with others? Please write to
GreenerBuildings@GreenerWorldMedia.com, or click on the "Contact" link
on the home page.

We'll look forward to hearing from you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

You have received this e-mail because you (or someone) subscribed your
e-mail address to this e-letter. IF YOU WISH TO UNSUBSCRIBE, please
e-mail GreenerBuildings@GreenerWorldMedia.com with the subject line
"Unsubscribe GreenerBuildings News".

IF THIS MESSAGE WAS FORWARDED TO YOU BY OTHERS, we'd appreciate it if
you would sign up for your own subscription. This helps us track our
circulation and attract sponsors.

TO SUBSCRIBE: Simply enter your email address in the space provided on
the homepage and click "SUBSCRIBE." We promise NEVER to sell, rent, or
swap your address with others without your permission.

GreenerBuildings is produced by Greener World Media, Inc., Copyright
2007.


Our Guide to Episode Twelve: Interiors

This is the episode you've been waiting for, the one where we finally get to see how Kevin will put the finishing touches on a long project. Health expert Alyssa Alvord explains to Kevin about non-toxic wood finishes for furniture, while interior designer Vanessa Grant talks about natural fabrics and furnishings.

As a special treat, Kevin visits the home of Zem Joaquin, eco-editor of House & Garden, whose blog Ecofabulous has long been an inspiration to all of us at Building Green TV.

Kevin's motto is "buy the best that you can buy," and it shows throughout his home, from the antique armoires Kevin bought for his bathroom vanities, to his sleek Valcucine kitchen made of recycled components. You'll learn that buying the best isn't always expensive, and that you can even find eco-friendly products at the local mall if you know what to look for.

To find out when Episode Twelve: Interiors is airing in your town, visit our Station Finder. And if you have tips on interior furnishings and design items you'd like to share with other readers, visit our share section


Getting Artful With Fluorescents

The advent of compact fluorescents has been a boon for energy savers everywhere, but to date the things have been rather utilitarian to look at. A lampshade goes a long way, true enough, but there's something innatelty satisfying about good design, even in ordinary objects like light bulbs. Well, CFLs have been around long enough now that a few brave and enlightened souls (forgive the pun), have been inspired to create art with them. Hulger's Plumen Project is a "reaction to the lack of real diversity, imagination and personality offered by the market today."  Their twisty, witty bulbs make you want to put the lampshade on your head and throw a party. Link via Inhabitat.

Equally delightful is the recycled fluorescent tube light by artist Castor Candensis


GreenerBuildings Newsletter: Nov. 2, 2007

===========================================================
GreenerBuildings News: November 2, 2007
===========================================================

Welcome to the latest edition of GreenerBuildings News. We are committed
to bringing you the latest information and resources on the full
spectrum of environmental issues related to buildings and facilities.
Log on to http://www.GreenerBuildings.com for more up-to-date news,
tools, case studies, and other resources related to greener building
practices.

A full-color, graphic version of this newsletter is available online at:
http://www.greenerbuildings.com/enewsletter

=-=-=-=-=-=-= THE LATEST NEWS & FEATURES =-=-=-=-=-=-=

What GreenBuild Will Bring to Chicago
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36192
World-class speakers, a multitude of sessions on every topic imaginable, awards
ceremonies and product announcements: here's what to expect at next week's
GreenBuild 2007, the country's biggest gathering of green buildings
professionals in a city that's striving to be the greenest of them all.

The Living Building Challenge: How Limits Can Liberate
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?Page=1&NewsID=36124
By Christine Ervin
It's time to embrace the abundance that can flow from nature's limits --
starting with caps on greenhouse gas emissions and moving toward a
carbon-neutral built environment.

Landscape Architects' Report Offers Hundreds of Tips for Sustainable Sites
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36194
The American Society of Landscape Architects yesterday released a comprehensive
report from its Sustainable Sites Initiative, giving a snapshot of the many ways
that architects, designers and facility managers can enhance how well their
sites fit into surrounding ecosystems, provide cleaner air and water, and reduce
the impact of climate change.

Berkeley to Vote on Making Home Solar Projects Easier
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36191
The city of Berkeley could be the first in the U.S. to subsidize solar panels
for homeowners and businesses in exchange for an add-on tax hike paid over 20
years.

Motel 6 Retrofitting Thousands of Rooms for Energy Savings
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36127
Motel 6 will team with Honeywell and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to install
sensors that shut off heating and air conditioning when units are empty.

Corporations Are Embracing Green Real Estate, Survey Finds
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36175
Nearly 80 percent of industry leaders say sustainability is a major issue for
today's businesses, and are willing to pay a premium to achieve it, according to
a survey from CoreNet Global and Jones Lang LaSalle.

GE Develops 'Eco-Dashboard' for Homeowners
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36183
General Electric Co. will introduce residential control panels in December to
help homeowners control water and power usage.

New Resource Bank Lands $10M Investment from State of Calif. for Green Projects
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36134
The state's treasurer announced the creation of a $10 million investment account
to finance green building and energy-efficiency projects around the state.

JCPenney Earns First Energy Star Rating for Four Retail Stores
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36184
The company's stores in Washington state are the first to receive the U.S. EPA's
retail Energy Star rating for their energy efficiency and other environmental
improvements.

New Online Resource Targets Green Contractors
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36164
A project launched by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America this
week aims to ma ke it easy for building professionals to learn about green
practices, and for green experts to deepen their knowledge and contacts.

German Team Wins Solar Decathlon; Maryland, Santa Clara Also in Top Three
http://greenerbuildings.com/news_detail.cfm?NewsID=36141
Germany's Technische Universität Darmstadt won the overall top score in the U.S.
Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon competition on the National Mall in
Washington, followed by the University of Maryland in second place and Santa
Clara University in third.

MORE OF THE LATEST NEWS... http://greenerbuildings.com/news.cfm

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= TOOLS & RESOURCES =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Sustainable Procurement of Wood and Paper-based Products
http://greenerbuildings.com/tool_detail.cfm?LinkAdvID=94521
This report, a joint project between WRI and the WBCSD, helps organizations of
all sizes find their place in ensuring the sustainability of the earth's forest
resources by studying the long-term impacts of forestry goods.

MORE TOOLS & RESOURCES... http://www.greenerbuildings.com/tools.cfm

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FEATURED EVENT =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Ecobuild Fall and AEC-ST Fall
http://greenerbuildings.com/event_detail.cfm?LinkAdvID=77366

Host: Ecobuild America
Date: Dec 10-13, 2007
Location: Washington, D.C.

Ecobuild Fall and AEC-ST Fall covers green building, sustainable design,
renewable energy, environmental planning processes and information collaboration
strategies for commercial, industrial, institutional and residential
construction.

MORE EVENTS . . . http://www.greenerbuildings.com/search_events.cfm

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= GREENERBUILDINGS AND YOU =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

We'd like your feedback, questions, and ideas. Got a resource, tip, or
tool you'd like to share with others? Please write to
GreenerBuildings@GreenerWorldMedia.com, or click on the "Contact" link
on the home page.

We'll look forward to hearing from you.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

You have received this e-mail because you (or someone) subscribed your
e-mail address to this e-letter. IF YOU WISH TO UNSUBSCRIBE, please
e-mail GreenerBuildings@GreenerWorldMedia.com with the subject line
"Unsubscribe GreenerBuildings News".

IF THIS MESSAGE WAS FORWARDED TO YOU BY OTHERS, we'd appreciate it if
you would sign up for your own subscription. This helps us track our
circulation and attract sponsors.

TO SUBSCRIBE: Simply enter your email address in the space provided on
the homepage and click "SUBSCRIBE." We promise NEVER to sell, rent, or
swap your address with others without your permission.

GreenerBuildings is produced by Greener World Media, Inc., Copyright
2007.


Another Green Series on PBS Premieres

We at Building Green TV are excited to have our first season airing on PBS. An enterprise of public noncommercial TV stations, PBS has won an outstanding number of awards for their unmatched documentary and entertainment coverage - and its audience just can't be beat!

BGTV is in great company with the Design e2 series, which has recently announced a second season which will debut on November 23rd. A documentary featuring solutions to our most pressing eco-problems, the first season's six episodes (about energy solutions) are narrated by Morgan Freeman, and the second season (focused on sustainable architecture) by Brad Pitt. e2's first season is also available on DVD.

Clips from each episode will be available on the e2 series website. Just yesterday, a weekly podcast began to premiere videos, with a new one coming every week in relation to each episode of the series. From watching the preview on the series website, it is clear that this is a powerful collection of documentary-style episodes, perfect for every video library.


Branch: Where Design Meets Sustainability

Efficient, attractive design is at the heart of modern culture. The basis of all Swedish creations is that it has to be both beautiful to look at and useful in a straightforward way. Embracing the advantages of intelligent design is helping to move the green lifestyle even more mainstream than it was in the 1960s.

But where do we go to buy all of these products with smart design and sustainable features combined? One of my personal favorites is the Branch online store, based right here in San Francisco.

As a social activity, shopping gets us out into the various neighborhoods in our city, allowing us to connect with other people along the way. As a cultural excursion, it gives us a chance to discover what’s new and interesting in the world. At the same time, there’s an element to shopping that we find quite troubling. We buy things that appeal to us—we love a product’s styling, for example—though we may have little idea of where a product comes from. Instead of asking people to stop shopping (which is, of course, pretty darn impractical), what if we changed the paradigm of shopping itself?

Everything from larger items; like furniture and lighting; to home and lifestyle accessories; such as pillows, plates, and dog toys; are available in this easy-to-navigate web store. Well-known eco-brands like Amenity, Bambu, Ting and K Studio are featured. Looking for something special? Check out the smaller, local collections such as Perch!, Esque and Dwelling. Ready to outfit your sustainable abode? Then Branch is your one-stop-shop for modern interiors.