According to two stories in the Chicago Tribune (click here and here), $8.9 million will be invested in the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project, which promises 280 charging stations in the city and surrounding region by the end of 2011. Here is how the project was described in the Tribune:
"San Diego-based 350Green LLC, the contractor that will install and manage the charging stations, said there will be 73 quick-charging stations and 207 Level 2 chargers. The 240-volt Level 2 type can add roughly 10 miles of range per hour to vehicles like the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The upcoming 2012 Ford Focus Electric is capable of adding 20 miles of range per hour at Level 2 but will not be equipped with a quick-charge port. Currently, quick-charge capability is limited to the Leaf and i-MiEV. . . .
"[Suzanne] Malec-McKenna [Commissioner, City of Chicago, Department of Environment] said roughly 50 quick-chargers and 170 Level 2 stations will be in the city proper, and the distribution extends more than 40 miles from the city center, encompassing 23 suburbs and multiple counties. Though all locations aren't finalized, they will include retail shopping centers, O'Hare and Midway airports and parking lots, as well as tollway oases. A map at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show announcement showed installations on Interstates 80, 90, 94 and 294."
The $8.9 million for this project comes from three sources--$6.9 million in private investments, $1 million from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and $1 million of Clean Cities Grant funds from the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As the Tribune articles indicate, however, there may be some growing pains here. For example, the Ford Focus electric vehicles will not be able to plug into the quick-charging stations. And, "as soon as Chicago's fast-charging stations are installed, they may be obsolete."
My opinion is that it is about time that investments are being made in these charging stations. If we are going to realize the goal of getting away from gasoline-powered vehicles, in favor electric vehicles, then charging stations will need to be available. This is just the first step in making that goal a reality.
What do you think: Is the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago doing the right thing here? Please post your thoughts in the comments section.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Showing posts with label "Green" Projects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label "Green" Projects. Show all posts
Monday, February 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Gov. Quinn Signs Order Establishing Illinois Coastal Management Program
Governor Pat Quinn recently signed an Executive Order establishing the Illinois Coastal Management Program within the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. According to a DNR press release, "through the federally-funded program, Illinois will receive $2 million annually from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve the northeast Illinois economy and create jobs by protecting the state’s coastal resources along Lake Michigan. . . . The program will be fully funded with federal dollars, which will be used to restore threatened habitats and to 'green' harbors on Lake Michigan. It will also help municipalities develop plans to restore and sustain shorelines.
"Some of the ICMP’s goals include: supporting local, state and federal partnerships as agencies work to manage coastal resources; developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change; developing long-term solutions to address toxins and invasive species; working to expand the use of green infrastructure to control storm water, promoting groundwater recharge and reduce flooding; and helping communities identify opportunities for water-related economic development."
More information can be found on the Illinois Coastal Management Program's website.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
"Some of the ICMP’s goals include: supporting local, state and federal partnerships as agencies work to manage coastal resources; developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change; developing long-term solutions to address toxins and invasive species; working to expand the use of green infrastructure to control storm water, promoting groundwater recharge and reduce flooding; and helping communities identify opportunities for water-related economic development."
More information can be found on the Illinois Coastal Management Program's website.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Smart Home at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry
Over the weekend, my family visited the Smart Home at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. The Smart Home is almost twice as energy efficient as an ENERGY STAR home. It features alternative energy sources via a wind turbine and photovoltaic film (the newest in solar energy technology) on the roof, and is designed around five eco-principles: smart design, material efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and healthy environment.
I've uploaded video on my YouTube channel and some photographs on my Facebook page. Unfortunately, videotaping and photographs were not allowed inside the Smart Home. However, we had a great tour guide (named Jeremiah), who did a wonderful job showing us the features of the home and answering any questions that we had. The museum also provided us with an "Exhibit Resource Guide" that tells the story of the Smart Home and lists all of the products in the home. The best part of the tour was seeing all of the choices for energy efficiency that can easily translate to my own home. I definitely recommend that you check out this exhibit the next time you are at the museum.
I've uploaded video on my YouTube channel and some photographs on my Facebook page. Unfortunately, videotaping and photographs were not allowed inside the Smart Home. However, we had a great tour guide (named Jeremiah), who did a wonderful job showing us the features of the home and answering any questions that we had. The museum also provided us with an "Exhibit Resource Guide" that tells the story of the Smart Home and lists all of the products in the home. The best part of the tour was seeing all of the choices for energy efficiency that can easily translate to my own home. I definitely recommend that you check out this exhibit the next time you are at the museum.
Friday, November 5, 2010
You're Invited: Legal Risk in Green Building (November 15th)
As co-chair of the Environmental Law Committee of the Chicago Bar Association Young Lawyers Section, I invite you to join us for our November meeting. We are pleased to host Logan Hollobaugh, LEED AP, Ogletree Deakins, Patrick Miller, Baker & Daniels LLP, and Eric Berg who will be speaking about legal risks in green building. The meeting is scheduled for November 15th at 12:15 pm at Jenner & Block LLP (353 N. Clark St. in Chicago).
The speakers will provide an introduction to green building, including an explanation of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification process. They will also highlight emerging legal challenges to green construction as well as the top risks in green building projects.
We invite attorneys of all ages and law students to attend this exciting and informative presentation on an emerging area of law. Lunch will be provided.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP to atorrence@jenner.com and bring a photo ID for building security.
The speakers will provide an introduction to green building, including an explanation of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification process. They will also highlight emerging legal challenges to green construction as well as the top risks in green building projects.
We invite attorneys of all ages and law students to attend this exciting and informative presentation on an emerging area of law. Lunch will be provided.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP to atorrence@jenner.com and bring a photo ID for building security.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
FutureGen Project Back on the Table
The federal government has revised plans for the FutureGen program once again. FutureGen was once imagined as a new, futuristic power plant that would utilize state-of-the-art Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle technology that would capture and store carbon dioxide underground (commonly known as carbon sequestration). The power plant was supposed to be built in Mattoon, Illinois.
Now, according to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, a new power plant will not be built. Instead, "an idle coal-fired power plant in Meredosia owned by Ameren Corp. will be retrofitted with advanced technology to dramatically cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. . . . A first-of-its-kind carbon-dioxide transportation pipeline will be built from the Meredosia facility to Mattoon for sequestration. The communities are 150 miles apart." The article states that $1 billion in stimulus money will be used to help finance the project.
This sounds like a good compromise that should result in less money being spent, but, at the same time, allow the use of this cutting-edge technology. This should be a "win-win" for the people of the State of Illinois.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Now, according to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, a new power plant will not be built. Instead, "an idle coal-fired power plant in Meredosia owned by Ameren Corp. will be retrofitted with advanced technology to dramatically cut emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. . . . A first-of-its-kind carbon-dioxide transportation pipeline will be built from the Meredosia facility to Mattoon for sequestration. The communities are 150 miles apart." The article states that $1 billion in stimulus money will be used to help finance the project.
This sounds like a good compromise that should result in less money being spent, but, at the same time, allow the use of this cutting-edge technology. This should be a "win-win" for the people of the State of Illinois.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
2010 American Solar Challenge
I have uploaded photos (via our Facebook page) and video (via our You Tube Channel) from the finish line at the 2010 American Solar Challenge. The solar cars raced 1,200 miles from Broken Arrow, OK to Naperville, IL.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Illinois Legislature Passes Bills To Encourage Solar Energy Use
The Illinois General Assembly recently passed two bills, now awaiting signature by Governor Quinn, that encourage the use of solar energy in Illinois:
HB6202 amends the Illinois Power Agency Act to provide annual targets to move towards the 6% solar requirement in the State's renewable portfolio standard, which was signed into law in 2007 and required that utilities in Illinois produce a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources, starting with 2% in 2008 and increasing to 25% by 2025. Prior to HB6202, the 6% solar requirement came into effect in 2015. The new law will require that utilities begin meeting their solar goals on an earlier schedule: 0.5% by June 1, 2012; 1.5% 12 by June 1, 2013; 3% by June 1, 2014; and 6% by June 1, 2015 and thereafter.
HB5429 creates the Homeowners' Solar Rights Act, which prohibits adoption of a bylaw or exercise of any power by a homeowners' association, common interest community association, or condominium unit owners' association that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of a solar energy system. A "solar energy system" is defined as "(1) a complete assembly, structure, or design of solar collector, or a solar storage mechanism, which uses solar energy for generating electricity or for heating or cooling gases, solids, liquids, or other materials; and (2) the design, materials, or elements of a system and its maintenance, operation, and labor components, and the necessary components, if any, of supplemental conventional energy systems designed or constructed to interface with a solar energy system."
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
8/21/10 UPDATE: Governor Quinn signed the bills into law on August 17, 2010. For more information, click here.
HB6202 amends the Illinois Power Agency Act to provide annual targets to move towards the 6% solar requirement in the State's renewable portfolio standard, which was signed into law in 2007 and required that utilities in Illinois produce a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources, starting with 2% in 2008 and increasing to 25% by 2025. Prior to HB6202, the 6% solar requirement came into effect in 2015. The new law will require that utilities begin meeting their solar goals on an earlier schedule: 0.5% by June 1, 2012; 1.5% 12 by June 1, 2013; 3% by June 1, 2014; and 6% by June 1, 2015 and thereafter.
HB5429 creates the Homeowners' Solar Rights Act, which prohibits adoption of a bylaw or exercise of any power by a homeowners' association, common interest community association, or condominium unit owners' association that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the installation of a solar energy system. A "solar energy system" is defined as "(1) a complete assembly, structure, or design of solar collector, or a solar storage mechanism, which uses solar energy for generating electricity or for heating or cooling gases, solids, liquids, or other materials; and (2) the design, materials, or elements of a system and its maintenance, operation, and labor components, and the necessary components, if any, of supplemental conventional energy systems designed or constructed to interface with a solar energy system."
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
8/21/10 UPDATE: Governor Quinn signed the bills into law on August 17, 2010. For more information, click here.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Senators Kerry and Lieberman Unveil New Climate Change and Energy Bill
On May 12th, Senators John Kerry and Joe Lieberman introduced their climate change and energy bill, entitled "The American Power Act." The bill's goal is to reduce carbon pollution by 17% by 2020 and by over 80% in 2050, and the bill attempts to achieve this goal through cap-and-trade and support for domestic energy. That's right, not just alternative energy, but also other forms of domestic energy, including coal, natural gas, and nuclear. The bill calls for major investments in research and development, as well as new infrastructure.
For example, the bill calls for the Nuclear Regulatory Agency to make recommendations for procedures that would expedite the licensing process for new nuclear reactors. The bill calls for funding of programs for the development and deployment of carbon capture, sequestration, and conversion technologies. The bill also calls for a national transportation low-emission energy plan that projects the near- and long-term need for and location of electric drive refueling infrastructure and identifies infrastructure and standardization needs of electricity providers, vehicle manufacturers, and electricity purchasers.
The bill would also provide a national cap-and-trade program for the reduction of greenhouse gases (existing programs run by the states would be preempted). Essentially, the bill would establish an annual tonnage limit (25,000 tons) on greenhouse gas emissions from specified activities. If covered entities cannot meet that limit, they would be able to purchase emission credits (at an auction) or get offset credits (for specified eligible activities).
Although a climate change bill has been on President Obama's agenda for some time, Congress has never really come close to passing one (because of lack of support by some on both sides of the aisle). But many hoped that this bill had a good chance to pass, because it had bipartisan support--Republican Senator Lindsey Graham had been one of the original co-sponsors. But Senator Graham dropped his support recently over a spat concerning immigration reform. We'll keep a close eye on where this bill goes.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
For example, the bill calls for the Nuclear Regulatory Agency to make recommendations for procedures that would expedite the licensing process for new nuclear reactors. The bill calls for funding of programs for the development and deployment of carbon capture, sequestration, and conversion technologies. The bill also calls for a national transportation low-emission energy plan that projects the near- and long-term need for and location of electric drive refueling infrastructure and identifies infrastructure and standardization needs of electricity providers, vehicle manufacturers, and electricity purchasers.
The bill would also provide a national cap-and-trade program for the reduction of greenhouse gases (existing programs run by the states would be preempted). Essentially, the bill would establish an annual tonnage limit (25,000 tons) on greenhouse gas emissions from specified activities. If covered entities cannot meet that limit, they would be able to purchase emission credits (at an auction) or get offset credits (for specified eligible activities).
Although a climate change bill has been on President Obama's agenda for some time, Congress has never really come close to passing one (because of lack of support by some on both sides of the aisle). But many hoped that this bill had a good chance to pass, because it had bipartisan support--Republican Senator Lindsey Graham had been one of the original co-sponsors. But Senator Graham dropped his support recently over a spat concerning immigration reform. We'll keep a close eye on where this bill goes.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Friday, May 7, 2010
BlueStar Energy to Offer 100% Renewable Energy at Discounted Rate
Most people know about ComEd, but not many people are aware that there are other ways to purchase electricity for residences and businesses.
BlueStar Energy recently announced that it is offering consumers a 12-month agreement at an estimated 11% discount off ComEd’s new electricity rate increase. It will offer 100% Renewable American Energy at an estimated 5% discount off ComEd’s new electricity rate increase. According to the company:
"BlueStar Energy was founded in Illinois in 2002, and provides a wide array of energy solutions including retail electricity supply in Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., and energy efficiency services nationwide. BlueStar is one of the fastest-growing energy suppliers in the United States and has been consistently recognized by Inc. Magazine on its annual Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies.
"BlueStar Energy is the first statewide energy supplier in Illinois to provide residents with a choice of whom supplies their electricity, but also the first to give them the option to use 100% Renewable American Energy to power their homes. Most importantly, BlueStar also makes one choice easier than ever. No longer is renewable energy a more expensive alternative – with BlueStar Energy, customers can choose to use 100% Renewable American Energy at a 5% discount off ComEd’s new electricity rates."
You can find more information at http://www.bluestarenergy.com/.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
BlueStar Energy recently announced that it is offering consumers a 12-month agreement at an estimated 11% discount off ComEd’s new electricity rate increase. It will offer 100% Renewable American Energy at an estimated 5% discount off ComEd’s new electricity rate increase. According to the company:
"BlueStar Energy was founded in Illinois in 2002, and provides a wide array of energy solutions including retail electricity supply in Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., and energy efficiency services nationwide. BlueStar is one of the fastest-growing energy suppliers in the United States and has been consistently recognized by Inc. Magazine on its annual Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies.
"BlueStar Energy is the first statewide energy supplier in Illinois to provide residents with a choice of whom supplies their electricity, but also the first to give them the option to use 100% Renewable American Energy to power their homes. Most importantly, BlueStar also makes one choice easier than ever. No longer is renewable energy a more expensive alternative – with BlueStar Energy, customers can choose to use 100% Renewable American Energy at a 5% discount off ComEd’s new electricity rates."
You can find more information at http://www.bluestarenergy.com/.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Chicago's Green Roofs
There was an interesting article in the Chicago Tribune on April 20th concerning the building of green roofs in Chicago. According to the article, the city "now boasts about 500 green roofs that are either finished or underway, according to Department of Environment spokesman Larry Merritt, and they cover 7 million square feet — roughly double the amount of floor space in the Willis Tower."
According to the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities North America organization, a green roof is "an extension of the existing roof which involves a high quality water proofing and root repellent system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants. Green roof systems may be modular, with drainage layers, filter cloth, growing media and plants already prepared in movable, interlocking grids, or, each component of the system may be installed separately. Green roof development involves the creation of 'contained' green space on top of a human-made structure. This green space could be below, at or above grade, but in all cases the plants are not planted in the 'ground'. Green roofs can provide a wide range of public and private benefits."
Mayor Daley and his colleagues at the city should be congratulated for their leadership on green roofs. It all started with a green roof on City Hall. Between 2005 and 2007, the city also gave out grants to help finance green roof projects.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
According to the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities North America organization, a green roof is "an extension of the existing roof which involves a high quality water proofing and root repellent system, a drainage system, filter cloth, a lightweight growing medium and plants. Green roof systems may be modular, with drainage layers, filter cloth, growing media and plants already prepared in movable, interlocking grids, or, each component of the system may be installed separately. Green roof development involves the creation of 'contained' green space on top of a human-made structure. This green space could be below, at or above grade, but in all cases the plants are not planted in the 'ground'. Green roofs can provide a wide range of public and private benefits."
Mayor Daley and his colleagues at the city should be congratulated for their leadership on green roofs. It all started with a green roof on City Hall. Between 2005 and 2007, the city also gave out grants to help finance green roof projects.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Friday, April 2, 2010
City of Naperville Releases Draft Environmental Sustainability Plan
The City of Naperville, Illinois recently released its Draft Environmental Sustainability Plan, the purpose of which is to "establish a long-term vision for environmental sustainability in Naperville, a guide for the city's actions related to environmental leadership and initiatives over the next ten years."
The draft plan focuses on five specific areas: (1) leadership and education, (2) resources and energy, (3) mobility, (4) waste management and recycling, and (5) sustainable development and infrastructure. The City also released a draft work plan that provides recommended actions for each of these five areas. The Naperville City Council will consider the recommendations of the Environmental Sustainability Plan during a workshop at 5 p.m. April 13 in Meeting Rooms A, B & C of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
The draft plan focuses on five specific areas: (1) leadership and education, (2) resources and energy, (3) mobility, (4) waste management and recycling, and (5) sustainable development and infrastructure. The City also released a draft work plan that provides recommended actions for each of these five areas. The Naperville City Council will consider the recommendations of the Environmental Sustainability Plan during a workshop at 5 p.m. April 13 in Meeting Rooms A, B & C of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Evanston Ordinance Requires "Green Buildings"
According to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune, the City of Evanston passed a new "green" ordinance, which requires all new commercial, multifamily and municipal construction projects over 10,000 square feet to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) Silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. The ordinance does not require LEED certification for renovations and rehabilitations on existing buildings, and it exempts building projects that already have been approved by the city.
LEED is an "internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across" such metrics as water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
The ordinance is part of the city's effort to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The city signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, which pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 7% from the 1990 levels by 2012.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
LEED is an "internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across" such metrics as water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
The ordinance is part of the city's effort to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The city signed the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, which pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 7% from the 1990 levels by 2012.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Naperville Awarded $11 Million for Digital Electricity Meters
According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, the City of Naperville has been awarded $11 million of federal stimulus money for digital electricity meters. The award is subject to the city coming up with matching funds.
"Digital electricity meters, called smart meters, permit consumers to monitor their energy use in near-real time, allowing them to reduce their carbon footprint and power bills by setting certain household appliances to run during low-demand hours, when electricity is cheaper. They are one component of smart grid technology that would also make it easier to incorporate renewable energy into the overall electricity production process and avoid massive blackouts by making the power grid more transparent."
It is expected that the city will save about $80 million through lower power rates and reduce 180,000 tons of carbon emissions over the next 15 years.
According to the city's website, Naperville’s smart grid project includes:
• Complete automation of the city’s electric grid, which will provide automatic, computerized meter readings in real-time. This will streamline customer billing and increasing billing accuracy.
• The addition of more than 57,000 smart meters will allow residents and businesses to analyze and adjust their energy usage patterns, thus conserving energy and controlling consumption and costs.
• Based on the availability of real-time feedback, the Department of Public Utilities will increase utility reliability and support two-way communication flow between the customer and the utility.
• Through a better understanding of utility demand and usage, pricing can be lowered accordingly.
• The smart grid will also serve as the initial infrastructure to support electric car usage for the average household.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
"Digital electricity meters, called smart meters, permit consumers to monitor their energy use in near-real time, allowing them to reduce their carbon footprint and power bills by setting certain household appliances to run during low-demand hours, when electricity is cheaper. They are one component of smart grid technology that would also make it easier to incorporate renewable energy into the overall electricity production process and avoid massive blackouts by making the power grid more transparent."
It is expected that the city will save about $80 million through lower power rates and reduce 180,000 tons of carbon emissions over the next 15 years.
According to the city's website, Naperville’s smart grid project includes:
• Complete automation of the city’s electric grid, which will provide automatic, computerized meter readings in real-time. This will streamline customer billing and increasing billing accuracy.
• The addition of more than 57,000 smart meters will allow residents and businesses to analyze and adjust their energy usage patterns, thus conserving energy and controlling consumption and costs.
• Based on the availability of real-time feedback, the Department of Public Utilities will increase utility reliability and support two-way communication flow between the customer and the utility.
• Through a better understanding of utility demand and usage, pricing can be lowered accordingly.
• The smart grid will also serve as the initial infrastructure to support electric car usage for the average household.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
"Green" Gas Station in Deerfield
Recently, the Chicago Tribune reported on a "green" gas station. According to the article, the station earned green certifications from the Green Business League and the village of Deerfield.
The station features energy-saving motion sensors on the light switches and tap faucets, as well as a 52-gallon barrel near the gas pumps to collect rainwater runoff from the overhead canopy. It also uses energy-efficient light bulbs, has foliage and evergreens, and uses nontoxic cleaning products. A thermostat that regulates after-hours temperatures has been installed.
Congratulations to the owner of this station for all of his efforts.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
The station features energy-saving motion sensors on the light switches and tap faucets, as well as a 52-gallon barrel near the gas pumps to collect rainwater runoff from the overhead canopy. It also uses energy-efficient light bulbs, has foliage and evergreens, and uses nontoxic cleaning products. A thermostat that regulates after-hours temperatures has been installed.
Congratulations to the owner of this station for all of his efforts.
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
"Healthy" House in Long Grove
There has been a lot of talk in the news about "green" construction. But most of the discussions deal with commercial buildings.
A recent article in the Chicago Tribune reported on a house that was built by Dior Builders according to the Health House Builder Program sponsored by the American Lung Association. A "healthy" home has the following components: foundation waterproofing and moisture control; advanced framing techniques; air sealing and advanced insulation techniques; energy efficient, high performance windows; energy efficient and sealed combustion appliances; high efficiency air filtration; whole house ventilation; humidity control; and carefully selected and reviewed interior finishes.
According to the brochure, this 7,500 square-foot luxury home in Long Grove "showcases sustainable technology with a focus on air quality, locally sourced materials, water conservation and energy efficient technology. This home is ENERGYSTAR® certified."
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
A recent article in the Chicago Tribune reported on a house that was built by Dior Builders according to the Health House Builder Program sponsored by the American Lung Association. A "healthy" home has the following components: foundation waterproofing and moisture control; advanced framing techniques; air sealing and advanced insulation techniques; energy efficient, high performance windows; energy efficient and sealed combustion appliances; high efficiency air filtration; whole house ventilation; humidity control; and carefully selected and reviewed interior finishes.
According to the brochure, this 7,500 square-foot luxury home in Long Grove "showcases sustainable technology with a focus on air quality, locally sourced materials, water conservation and energy efficient technology. This home is ENERGYSTAR® certified."
Stay tuned to the Illinois Environmental Law Blog for more news and developments.
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