Photovoltaic Systems

Archive for April, 2011

This is a prototype apartment unit built using what is likely the only fabrication system on the market that can be scaled to construct mid-rise buildings.  The system is called Sustainable Living Innovations, or SLI, and it was developed during the downturn of the last few years under the leadership of CollinsWoerman and three other firms, McKinstry, Lydig Construction, and DCI Engineers.

The SLI model or prototype was constructed in a warehouse in south Seattle.  This would be the fourth floor of something like a six-story building.  As you can see, it’s quite open and modern in its details and finishes.

“SLI offers an attractive design and use of materials. It provides a healthier living environment with more access to natural light and fresh air, and open layouts and communal courtyards provide modern, streamlined spaces,” according to a fact sheet provided by CollinsWoerman, the same firm behind the award-winning Bastyr project.

An SLI building would be designed to achieve at least LEED Silver, but that’s not all this is about.  SLI capitalizes on waste reduction, off-site fabrication, labor cost savings, and quick site assembly to deliver a high-quality, durable, and well-designed building without any delays.

Though we’ve seen prefab construction outside of the single-family context, such as with The Modules, this system is slightly different.  Here’s how it works.  The structure is built around several prefab floor slabs.  Then a steel frame is erected around the slabs.  Next, lifting equipment hoists the slabs up to the right level to be attached to the steel frame.  In a separate location, walls are fabricated with everything in a utility chase and they’re attached and connected to the units.

SLI benefits from a plug-and-play, modular style of construction by ensuring structures are completed according to schedule.  It’s the kind of system that could be used for market-rate, student, military, or affordable housing, as well as other uses such as resort or hospitality.

All things considered, SLI allows for an aggressive development schedule, reduced labor, and flexible uses – even 35-foot floor-to-ceiling glass is not out of the question.  Arlan Collins, principal with CollinsWoerman, says his group has a dozen projects being priced with 2-3 in final negotiations, according to Multi-Housing News.

Credits: Doug Scott (#1-2), CollinsWoerman (#3).

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GE just announced a big improvement in what it uses to make 16-, 17-, and 18-cubic-foot top-freezer refrigerators in Decatur, Alabama.  After retrofitting its existing plant (to keep jobs in the states), GE swapped out HFC-134a as a foam-blowing agent in favor of using cyclopentane, a blowing agent with significantly less global warming potential.

Cyclopentane, which is used to blow insulation into the doors and cases of the appliance – will reduce the facility’s GHG emissions from the foam-blowing process by 99 percent compared to the agent it replaces.

In addition, the switch is expected to reduce overall GHG emissions at this plant by 80%, according to GE.  The plant will save roughly 400,000 metric tons of CO2-equivalent annually, the same amount of emissions released by 78,000 cars on U.S. roads in one year.

Other than GHG emissions, GE claims the new blowing agent will result in more energy-efficient refrigerators.  “The new foam is 4% better,” said Paul Surowiec, general manger for refrigeration at GE, as quoted in the NY Times.

In short, this news means GE will be able to offer a US-made fridge with a smaller environmental impact and better overall energy performance.

Credit: GE Appliances & Lighting.

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Every FSC product and building material has a tracking number that points to the source of the wood or paper.  It shows, as explained in this personal story by Franke James, “Who Cares About the Forest.“  If you’re in charge of purchasing wood products, you should watch this informative and thoughtful video (while keeping in mind that it was underwritten by FSC Canada).

Here are a few lines from the video that I liked:

• Fiber can only be recycled a half dozen times.
• Forests are the lungs of the planet.
• The forest is habitat.
• To protect our forests, we need to demand FSC.
• FSC – that’s the standard — is the best. If you’re going to harvest trees, let’s do it to the highest possible standard.

[+] See the artwork for Who Cares About the Forest?

Credits: Franke James.

Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:

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You can do one of two things with a grass lawn.  First, you can get rid of it and save water and fuel.  Or, second, you can minimize the lawn surface and avoid fuels when maintaining it.  If the latter is your approach, this new Helix HX1000 from family-owned EcoMower could come in handy.  The light, 21-pound reel mower takes a 16″ path with heat-treated, carbon steel blades designed to cut without much upkeep.  Maintain the quiet, get some exercise, and ditch carbon-based fuels with this reel mower selling from $220.

Photo credits: EcoMower.

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