Recently, in a chemistry lab at Colorado State University, Eugene Chen and Miao Hong achieved a technological breakthrough that could lead to truly recyclable plastics. In their study published in Nature Chemistry in November 2015, Chen and Hong “describe synthesizing a polyester that, when simply reheated for an hour, converts back to its original molecular state, ready for reuse”.
Considerations when specifying foam insulation
Foam insulation in its various forms – polyeurethane (typically sprayed) or polyisocyanurate and polystyrene (typically rigid) – has proven its ability to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort. With consistent R-values per inch that exceed traditional insulations like fiberglass and cellulose, and the added benefit of better air barrier functionality, foams have become increasingly popular, especially in “green” buildings.
Many Options for Net Zero Homes
As the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels continues to fall, and the impacts of climate change continue to alarm, we find more homeowners pursuing Zero Net Energy (ZNE) homes, with many options for getting there. The trick is to understand a home’s energy demands upfront, to make sure there is adequate area for the PVs, and to improve energy efficiency, which helps keep the PV system ‘right-sized’.
Update to CAL Green includes Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
The latest supplement to CAL Green, which took effect July 1, 2015, includes new requirements for providing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations. CAL Green does not require installing the actual charging station, but projects must include designated parking space(s), conduit, panel capacity, as well as designating the type of equipment that would be installed. The stations themselves are still pretty pricey, but market demand and ongoing technology advances are bringing prices down so that more businesses are installing one or more for employee use (think MindBody). This requirement applies to residential and non-residential project.