Our Northwest Energy

Small Collaborations: Nanotechnology, Home Design and Living Small

 

(Photo from BlueSky MOD - see below story for more links)

Host lead: Sometimes the best things come in very small packages. Nanotechnology is the the art of manipulating molecular materials to build microscopic devices We're also discovering how thinking "small" can change the way we design our homes and communities. This week on Our Northwest, we consider the potential impact of nano research and how innovative thinking is revolutionizing the building industry.  Listen here.

Ceramic Concrete

(Flickr photo, "Ankor Wat at Sunrise" is by Jon^2 - ceramic cement was used in the construction of the Ankor Wat)

Host intro:  In this segment of Our Northwest Building Green, Sueann Ramella reports on an ancient  building material which competes with concrete, and may be easy on the environment.

Listen here.

Download CeramicCementFeature

At Home Solar Power Generation

(Flickr photo, "Solar Windblades" by Tom Swift46) 

Host introduction: This week on Our Northwest's Building Green series, we consider adding solar to our new or existing homes. Mary Hawkins spoke with Mike Nelson, director of the Northwest Solar Center about state and national incentives to install solar systems, and about solar generation as a revenue source for the average homeowner. Listen here.

Wood & Straw Materials

(Flickr photo, "Wood Inlay Study" by jlseagull)

Host Intro: You can huff and puff and not blow the house made of straw down…if you use straw based boards. Sueann Ramella reports on building materials that are sustainable in our series, Our Northwest. Listen here.

Toward a Sustainable Building Culture

 

(Flicker photo by LugoLounge, "Philip Johnson Dog House" - more on Johnson here).

Host Intro: As our "Building Green" series continues, correspondent Mary Hawkins explores ways that the construction industry is changing from the inside out.  Listen here.

"Green" Versus "Sustainable" in Design

(Flickr photo, "Orange Architecture"  by  Jeremy Pullen)

Host Intro: Green has become the buzzword for products that are earth-friendly. When we talk about having a low impact on the environment we are usually talking about Green living. But going Green is just the beginning. Sueann Ramella reports on the differences between Green and Sustainable living in our series, Our Northwest.  Listen here.

Mapping Carbon Emissions in Construction

 (Flickr photo of  The Seattle Public Library built by Hoffman Construction by nick88 )

Host intro: This month, Northwest Public Radio looks at green building practices in a special on-air and online series.  We know that the construction industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions.  However the  industry is just beginning to tally the energy and emissions that go into construction materials and assembly. Correspondent, Mary Hawkins spoke with architect, Sadie Martin, about her study called “Constructing a Carbon Conscienceness”.

Listen to the feature here.

Xeriscaping in the Northwest

  

(photo of shrub step ecosystem courtesy Northwest Habitat Institute).

Host introduction:  Spring is here and the garden is calling. Often times, we answer the call with fertilizers and lots of water. But many people are looking for green alternatives to landscaping. Sueann Ramella reports on a green alternative many gardeners are excited about;  Xeriscaping. Listen here.