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Sharp Introduces Solar TV

By Jorge Chapa

As part of G8 Summit in Hokkaido, Japan, Sharp will be showcasing some futuristic new technologies in the Zero Emission House. Amongst the future-forward prototypes to be shown: a 26-inch solar-powered LCD television that can be powered by a thin-film photovoltaic panel! Sharp’s plan is to distribute the TV and solar module to areas that have no easy access to grid power.

The triple-junction thin film solar cell module is the cost effective panel to date that is being mass produced by Sharp. The panel can be produced to be made semi-transparent, to be as windows, and is manufactured to not require rare or scarce metals. The television itself is an ultra low-powered LCD screen that uses less than a third of the energy required by conventional LCDs. The area required to power this television would be similar to that of the TV screen, something which is not possible with current TVs.

So, is a TV really the most practical use for a new solar panel? Initially, we would’ve thought that people living off the grid with no access to electricity might want that electricity for something else — something more useful like lighting or cooking. Still, we have to admit, an ultra-low powered LCD is certainly a positive development.

+ Sharp to Exhibit at Hokkaido

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Bronx NYC: Saving Green While Living Green

Jacob's Place is the first low-income and green apartment building in the nation. The project was constructed according to the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and features a combination green/solar roof. The $90,000 roof installation was funded in cooperation by NYSERDA and BP’s Solar Neighbors Program, whereby BP donates a solar system to a low-income/affordable housing project every time a celebrity purchases a similar system. The sixty-four panel, 11 kW system at Jacob’s Place came from Owen Wilson, and will power elevators, ventilation, and common areas; it’s Solar Neighbors’ first such installation outside of California (where the program is based) and its first in a multi-unit residential building. Other green features at Jacob’s Place include bamboo apartment flooring, low-VOC paints and materials, energy-efficient elevators, and a graywater system.

The project cost $14.5 million, $5.6 million of which came from the federal low-income housing tax credit program. These credits were syndicated by Enterprise, which in turn obtained funding from various financial institutions. $4.2 million came from the city’s Housing Development Corporation, $2.7 million from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and $1 million from the Borough of the Bronx. The city donated the land and Fordham Bedford put up $330,000. The project team included Oaklander, Coogan and Vitto Architects and Bronx-based Galaxy Construction.

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Tribeca Green

Tribeca Green is eco-friendly luxury living designed to have cleaner and fresher air, to be energy-efficient and offers greater control over your home environment.
Green Features:
· Energy Efficient Rooftop Solar Panels
· Rainwater Recycling for Landscaping and Maintenance
· Energy-Star Rated Kitchen Aide Stainless Steel Appliances including Microwaves, Ranges with Self-Cleaning Ovens, Frost-Free Refrigerators with Ice Makers, and Sinks with Garbage Disposals
· Fresh Air Filtration and Ventilation System
· High-Performance Windows for Maximum Light and Views
· Advanced Airtight Wall System for Greater Insulation
www.tribecagreen.com

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The Bartram :Gainsville's Green Community

The ownership of The Bartram, formerly known as Gatorwood Apartments, located in Gainesville, Florida across from University of Florida. Due to the Gatorwood Apartment's location on Archer Road, its age and condition, Foram Group determined it was no longer the best use of the property. The Bartram was designed by Preston Partnership of Atlanta, Georgia and is now an LEED certified community.


The Bartram

10 Ways to a Greener Apartment

Originally posted at livemoregreen.blogspot.com

1. Buy Local
2. Earth Easy Paint
3. Florescent Bulbs
4. Recycle
5. Turn off the lights
6. Eco-Friendly hygiene Products
7. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
8. Turn Off the Water
9. Eco-Friendly Home Products
10.Stay Informed

NYC 1st Green Rental Apartments

Haute Green

An Inconvenient Truth inspires an inconvenient prediction: Property Managers as Green leaders

Originally posted August 2007


I have yet to see the award winning documentary An Inconvenient truth. Of course I've seen the trailers, promos, debates and heard an unbelievable amount of references to the film. But, I just haven't been able to talk myself into renting a DVD that warns of impending disaster. Besides, it’s nearing the end of hurricane season and I’d like to fully realize the peace brought from such an uneventful season.
I recently watched an episode of Oprah with Al Gore, a rerun, no doubt inspired by Mr. Gore’s winning of a Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month. The episode featured the producer and narrator of An Inconvenient Truth and basically recapped the documentary. The most memorable segment of the show exhibited a scene that featured an adorable polar bear clinging for life as each iceberg that it grasped snaps like sheets of glass, causing the bear to eventually drown. A graphic prediction of global warming is obviously what the animation was implying and yes it got my attention. Which is probably why I don't feel the need to rent the DVD . . .Oprah and Al provided the cliffs notes.

Multi-family developments are obviously one of the largest consumers of natural resources. The vast majority of rental units in this region were not constructed with a focus on conservation and as a result any attempt to create a ‘green’ oriented community will likely be implemented through education of its residents. This notion puts the spotlight directly on property managers. As we coordinate new leases, secure renewals and host resident functions you can bet that managers will be confronted with questions about green living, the answers will undoubtedly be linked directly to the property’s bottom line.
Leadership efforts can range from resident functions doubling as ‘green’ workshops to the use of emailed newsletters in place of the traditional paper types. Ultimately, the most effective way for S. Florida’s multifamily communities to develop a ‘green’ consciousness will be through its managers and their ability to lead the way.