Net-Zero Energy Series Part 1

One of our greatest fascinations here at KSDG is in reducing our energy consumption to practically zero. Ben Parco of Parco Homes currently designs, manufactures and distributes “flat-pack” prefab homes. His design is based on a four-foot  planning module which allows for unlimited flexibility and creativity in designs. Current configurations include Eco-Resort Cabins, Hillside Retreats, Vacation Homes, and Developer Homes. If you are like me, then you are probably dreaming of a vacation getaway in a net-zero resort located in a remote part of the world. Luckily Ben Parco’s design allows for energy and water self-sufficiency that are ideal for this type of scenario. Water collection basins, wind turbines and solar panels are ideal for constructing  his eco-friendly “flat-pack” design  just about anywhere.  Check out his four design concepts here!

Cheerio fabulous jet setters!

Katie

Living Walls

Today we are going to talk about something…you guessed it…GREEN. One of the most beautiful architectural aspects that I love learning about are green walls. Now you might have heard of a green roof, but not everyone knows about green walls. They have similar benefits of a green roof but have the advantage of being viewed by more people both indoors and outdoors. That’s right, green walls can be implemented just about anywhere.

Innovative systems have made it possible to have green walls that are somewhat self-contained, meaning they are not growing “into” the side of a building. Instead, they have a network of frames and pouches that allow the plants to be placed precisely where the landscape designer wants them. With this in mind, you can image that there are some pretty creative and breathtaking patterns.

Cheerio,
Katie

Click to learn more

water solutions: drinking fountains

In a perfect world there would be no more plastic water bottles. Drinking fountains just might be our solution. There are already thousands of trendy canteens that come in all different shapes, sizes and colors.  All you need is a convenient place to fill them. I mean, who wouldn’t want to show off a snazzy, reusable water bottle while at a drinking fountain? My proposal is to make hydration stations more readily available in public areas such as parks and downtown areas. Perhaps at the Center for Sustainability in Tulsa we can commission a local artist to come up with a creative and attractive drinking fountain. This will encourage visitors to bring their favorite canteen and enjoy the fresh taste of tap water.

Hydration Station

Canteens

Water Fountain

Greenpark Tulsa

Click to enlarge Greenpark Tulsa

It seems as though Tulsa is getting a boost in the green technology department.  A news article this week announced that Greenpark will bring over 2,000 jobs to North Tulsa. These jobs will be centered around manufacture, research, services and education in the green sector. This particular development will be in the Vann Industrial Park located at 61st street North and Lewis Avenue.

Ion Solar and Green Property Funds are two local development firms that are currently designing Greenpark. The buildings themselves will introduce cost-saving and green infrastructure that will be shared by several businesses. Large-scale geothermal HVAC systems will be installed to cut down on energy use. This development will be a symbol of economic development for the Tulsa area and will also represent a movement towards a green future.

Cheerio!
Katie

leather belt bench

Ever wonder what to do with your old leather belts that you never wear? Well one designer discovered that if you find enough of them you can make some pretty unusual artwork that also proves to be functional. Hongtao Zho a Chinese-born, Wisconsin based artist designed the “Belt Bench”. It is easy to create and can make any space more fun and interesting. This would be a great addition to the Tulsa Center for Sustainability and could provide seating for visitors.

Cheerio!

Katie

regenerative elevators

Elevator Plan

Have you ever heard of an elevator that generated most of its own power? No? Well don’t be surprised, you aren’t alone. The Otis Gen2 is a regenerative elevator that reduces energy consumption by up to 75% if paired with ReGen drive system. The ReGen system works somewhat like a hybrid car where the heat from the breaking mechanisms is captured and returned into the building’s electrical grid. This energy from the breaking elevator is then used to power other things like lighting or the elevator. Crazy right? Even the manufacturing plant in China utilizes many sustainable strategies to increase the amount of energy and resources saved. Check out this amazing technology here!

If you want to check out a demo video you can also watch it here

Cheerio!

Katie

new contributing blogger: katie!

Howdy fellow sustainability enthusiasts! My name is Katie and I will be blogging about eco-friendly strategies that will be implemented in the Tulsa Center for Sustainability and Conservation. I hope that these sustainable strategies will inspire Tulsa community members to perhaps even incorporate them in their own lives. This is my chance to spotlight new and even unusual methods for saving our lovely planet. The crazier the idea is, the better. At least it will grab the public’s attention and raise awareness about effective sustainability measures.