With the economy still forecast to be gloomy and an uncertain road ahead, many residential developments and their builders have put the brakes on new construction projects. For builders and developers in the speculative home building market the strategies for earning a living from what they do best and remaining solvent while doing so are limited and challenging.
Many have resorted to building smaller homes using value engineered construction plans, emphasizing quality not quantity. Much more effort has gone into making a home energy-efficient and utilizing the latest green technologies available today. Also, more affordable homes are being built using less expensive, more standardized materials.
Builders have sharpened their pencils to shrink profit margins, incorporated more productive methods to reduce operating costs and upgraded to the latest technologies to streamline project efficiency. Some have even regrouped, combining resources and developing partnerships with others in their field.
But cost saving tactics can only go so far, especially with bank financing for builders and developers remaining problematic. Creative, private financing has been the alternative for some, however, that is not without its own drawbacks. High interest rates and larger upfront contributing costs required of builders and developers can significantly eat into profit margins.
Many home building companies realizing that future success will depend not only on fresh business practices and sleeker operational models that continually produce less expensive, noticeably better homes are now innovating; stressing more creative approaches to buyer's needs. The option of marketing their speculative homes via 3D virtual house plans is fast becoming the preferred innovative sales tool.
Today's buyers want things their way. And they expect a say in what they get. For example, many are more interested in practical and reasonably attractive function than simply fancy form. Small efficient floor plans with flexible space are more relevant than grandiose entrances with huge staircases. Instead of guessing what to build and hoping they will come, listen to prospective homeowners, and give them a chance to personalize each project.
That is why many open-minded builders, thinking outside the box, have been pre-selling semi-customized versions of model homes, through computer modeling of 3D house plans. By providing several base floor plans with full computer generated 3D color views of both the interior and exterior of the proposed new home plan, builders and developers are able to market their projects with the least amount of upfront costs and preparations.
This relatively inexpensive, cost-effective market strategy is a win-win situation worth considering. Builders don't have to spend a dime in advance on home construction materials or labor costs without knowing the end results. Their sales team and physical presence can be significantly reduced - think virtual office. Actual site visits to model homes would not be encumbered by bad weather or scheduling hassles. Virtual tours would be available on the company website featuring all 3D imagery of the home plans and accompanied by detailed lot information, pricing options and customizations or upgrades.
For a buyer, who can now "shop" from the convenience of his or her home, an initial "walk-through" doesn't waste either party's time. With virtual 3D modeling of floor plans future homeowners can see what the proposed residence will look like and get a good impression of spatial relationships within the layout. They can view color options and material choices with respect to exterior siding, trim details and interior finishes.
Buyers still crave customized spaces that look and feel more like unique personal expressions. Starting from the pre-designed computer generated floor plans; buyers would be able to interact with pre-packaged upgrades, color and material choices and other customizable options. All material and finish details such as lighting, fixtures, hardware, appliances, flooring, paint color and exterior siding can then easily be selected and pre-priced. Contracts could be finalized with the least amount of effort.
The marketing strategy of pre-selling new home construction with 3D house plans is an effective method not only for large developments but is especially beneficial for small builders with very little capital and no sales team. A number of our small builder clients with one or two building lots in their inventory have chosen to pre-sell with 3D house plans rather than start risky construction projects on speculation. The money invested in architectural design work pales in comparison to the financing of building construction. And the peace of mind gained from knowing that the project is paid for works wonders on reducing job stress.
Marketing speculative home construction through pre-designed customizable house plans and computer generated 3D modeling is fast becoming the new norm. We have seen this trend both locally and nationwide where future homeowners have a say in the design and construction of their new home and builders have found a new niche for maintaining a profitable business.
Sabtu, 25 November 2017
Selasa, 31 Oktober 2017
Go Green: Inspiration and Advice for Your Wedding Day
With "green" living being so important, it is now very easy to have a beautiful "green" or Eco-friendly wedding. Here is a little inspiration and advice to help you with your Eco-chic wedding needs:
The Wedding Cake: Cakes have gone green too and their are many options to choose when deciding on an Eco friendly wedding cake.
The "mock" wedding cake. If you're a couple who isn't in favour of a wedding cake then this is the choice for you. A cake is built using Eco efficient material and covered with fondant. A slit is inserted for the wedding cake cutting pictures. Simple, affordable, and Eco friendly.
Using an Eco friendly baker. Usually offers organic and fair trade ingredients, sustainable appliances, and will also offer gluten free and organic cakes.
Wedding Favours: Their is a high amount of wedding favours that are "green" available to couples. From plantable seed paper favours, to bamboo coasters, and of course charitable donations in your guests honour.
The Wedding Gown: The wedding gown is becoming more available to the Eco chic couple. Designers have now opened up to more sustainable Eco friendly fabrics.
Sustainable Wedding Dress. Their are great designers who have incorporated Eco friendly fabrics into their designs.
Vintage Gown. Go vintage for your wedding day. You can search through vintage shops, borrow from a family member who married a long time ago, or even shop online. Make creative alterations to give the dress that modern edge and of course accessorize!
Recycled Wedding dress. There are now rentable wedding dress that is a great idea for the bride who has no plans for their wedding dress after the big day. You can also shop online for wonderful almost new dresses that are quite inexpensive.
Wedding Flowers: As the saying goes less is better. You can cut back on your carbon footprint impact simply by incorporating less flowers in the decor. Buy locally and organically maintained flowers. You can also use silk flowers which are now being made almost undetectable against real flowers. Unsure? Try mixing real and silk flowers together!
Wedding Invitations/Save the dates/Thank You cards: The new and improved gorgeous sustainable paper invitations are to die for. This is probably the best way to go "green" on your wedding day as most don't hold on to invitations once given. Also you can use plantable seed paper giving invited guests a chance to use your invitations to grow something beautiful. Talk about a great memory of your big day!
Wedding Cuisine: Caterers are offering locally produced, free range farmed produce. Products are all organic and seasonal, which means you not only get great tasting cuisine but also fresh ingredients.
Based in Toronto, Renee Ferguson has been writing wedding and destination wedding articles, tips, and advice since 2009. Her articles have appeared on "Black Bride" and "The Bridal Association of America" website. She was certified as a Wedding Coordinator and Destination Wedding Coordinator with the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada.
The Wedding Cake: Cakes have gone green too and their are many options to choose when deciding on an Eco friendly wedding cake.
The "mock" wedding cake. If you're a couple who isn't in favour of a wedding cake then this is the choice for you. A cake is built using Eco efficient material and covered with fondant. A slit is inserted for the wedding cake cutting pictures. Simple, affordable, and Eco friendly.
Using an Eco friendly baker. Usually offers organic and fair trade ingredients, sustainable appliances, and will also offer gluten free and organic cakes.
Wedding Favours: Their is a high amount of wedding favours that are "green" available to couples. From plantable seed paper favours, to bamboo coasters, and of course charitable donations in your guests honour.
The Wedding Gown: The wedding gown is becoming more available to the Eco chic couple. Designers have now opened up to more sustainable Eco friendly fabrics.
Sustainable Wedding Dress. Their are great designers who have incorporated Eco friendly fabrics into their designs.
Vintage Gown. Go vintage for your wedding day. You can search through vintage shops, borrow from a family member who married a long time ago, or even shop online. Make creative alterations to give the dress that modern edge and of course accessorize!
Recycled Wedding dress. There are now rentable wedding dress that is a great idea for the bride who has no plans for their wedding dress after the big day. You can also shop online for wonderful almost new dresses that are quite inexpensive.
Wedding Flowers: As the saying goes less is better. You can cut back on your carbon footprint impact simply by incorporating less flowers in the decor. Buy locally and organically maintained flowers. You can also use silk flowers which are now being made almost undetectable against real flowers. Unsure? Try mixing real and silk flowers together!
Wedding Invitations/Save the dates/Thank You cards: The new and improved gorgeous sustainable paper invitations are to die for. This is probably the best way to go "green" on your wedding day as most don't hold on to invitations once given. Also you can use plantable seed paper giving invited guests a chance to use your invitations to grow something beautiful. Talk about a great memory of your big day!
Wedding Cuisine: Caterers are offering locally produced, free range farmed produce. Products are all organic and seasonal, which means you not only get great tasting cuisine but also fresh ingredients.
Based in Toronto, Renee Ferguson has been writing wedding and destination wedding articles, tips, and advice since 2009. Her articles have appeared on "Black Bride" and "The Bridal Association of America" website. She was certified as a Wedding Coordinator and Destination Wedding Coordinator with the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada.
Minggu, 15 Oktober 2017
Contemporary Issues in Green House Gases Emission and Climate Change
Introduction
The recent increase in the levels of Green House Gases (GHGs) and incidents of subsequent climate change disasters has become a major global issue. The present concern about the green house effects began with the realization that human activities are upsetting the natural balance by increasing the amount of CO2 and similar gases in the atmosphere. All heat retaining gases are referring to as GHGs. They are CO, CO2, CH4, O3, NOx etcetera. Global warming occurs whenever the levels of these gases in the atmosphere increase or much of deadly ultraviolet ray escapes from the sun into the surface the earth when ozone layer in the atmosphere is depleted.
In essence, all factors that contribute to GHGs production and emission are directly related to human population and their activities. The production also involves individual house hold, communities, and national and international societies, in general. When the human population was very small, the quantities of these gases were far below the threshold limits and effects were hardly felt. However, the sporadic growth in world population in the eighteen century and the current dispensation- of up to 20 billion has definitely increased atmospheric level of CO2 and the associate gases. What is particularly worrisome is the total absence of national plan for reporting and controlling the level of GHGs in Nigera, as in many other developing countries at the moment.
Causes
The causes of GHGs in the environment range from human respiration to major activities performed to sustain and maintain livelihood. For instance, every living creature contributes CO2 into the atmosphere through respiration. Farming, transportation, industrialization, urbanization, as well as economical growth and development are another major cause GHG emission. In addition to this, the causes due to civilization and changes in cultural practices cannot be undermined. The number of vehicles on the roads increases at alarming rate. The fact is that more and more CO and CO2 gases are produced by vehicles during traffic hold up on urban highways. Consider how long such hold ups persist in most African countries where everybody wants to move in his or her own car on the very narrow and usually un-motorable roads. With power outage and erratic supply of electricity in the country, the use of generator and electric power plants of different sizes compounds the problem further.
Many things that God created as natural defensive mechanisms to remove the excess GHGs are constantly being removed by man as he struggles to make advance in technology at an alarming rate. In many cases, big trees that are supposed to reduce the level of CO2 in the environment are cleared during major developmental projects like building, road construction, and, oil exploration and exploitation exercises. Unchecked deforestation has promoted the avoidable desertification of green lands especially in Africa. Desert is now moving from arid to savannah land at jet speed! The impacts of aero planes and ultra-modern jets on GHGs production on air cannot be overemphasized. Poor management of mountain heaps of refuse especially in urban cities, including, open burning, uncontrolled incineration, sea dumping are potential source of environmental pollution and GHGs generation. Studies have showed that abattoir wastes including carcass, blood, and animal dung and so on, if not properly managed, can produce GHGs in a manner that can pose treat to public health. The advent of sophisticated weapons, including nuclear and atomic bombs and their use during the civil wars and those that were used in the recent military attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq cannot be dissociated from current GHG effects in the world.
Effects
No doubt, excess GHGs in environment lead to global warming and this leads to climate change. Climate change has brought loss of rainfall (as much as 30%) in some areas of the world with corresponding problems to agriculture, food supplying, drought, soil nature, drinking water supply and so on. On the other hand, other areas in the universe have gained up to 60% in annual rainfall. Environmental catastrophes like heavy storm, hurricane, flooding, agricultural losses, earthquake and other public health problems are rave of the moment. In this case, any country that depends on one crop or agricultural produce as a foreign exchange earner may face serious economic problem at soonest future. Global warming brings increase in temperature of oceans, leading to melting of ice in Polar Regions and flooding being experienced in some parts of the world. Coastal areas of economic importance are eroded while water that could have meant for drinking is contaminated as a result of salination.
In 1982, Ogunpa flood claimed several lives and destroyed properties worth million of naira. Also in 1989, in Sudan, 200m of rain fell in less than 24hrs and more than a million people were rendered homeless. The incidents go on and on. In contrast to this, in 1990, portion of Uruguay and Argetina remained dried for 12 years, leading to failure in agriculture. The cluster of islands that make up Samoa, and the neighbouring US territory of American Samoa, appear to have been worst hit- Samoan villages destroyed as magnitude 8.3 earthquake strikes between islands. Other countries with perceived climate change impacts include: New Zealand, Japan, and Australia. Threatened by starvation, and agricultural losses, large numbers of people are now being forced to move within and between countries of the world. The UK and Netherlands, together with the World Bank, has just announced funding of up to £3 million (Euro 4 million) for a new research study that would support developing countries to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Control Steps taken in the Past and Action Planning for GHGs Reduction in Nigeria
Before it became a global issue, the problems associated to GHG on the environment had earlier on been felt in the developed countries of the world. Then, the efforts made by these countries to control the menace of GHG in their regions included: disposing of fairly used materials to developing countries. These include smoky vehicles, refrigerators that produced chloro fluoro carbons (CFCs), air-conditioners, television, computers and many other out-dated electronic gadgets. In Nigerian context, these are popularly tagged as 'TOKUNBO'. At the same time, government of these countries introduced mass car transit like long buses and trains to reduce number of individual cars that plied their roads and therefore minimize the vehicular emission of CO, CO2 and other GHGs. Because of poverty and ignorance that ravaged in most African countries, some shipping companies connived with government of advanced countries to dump containerized toxic wastes in some African countries. This action was considered inhuman and condemned environmental conscious people through out the world. Then, who can adequately estimate the quantity of toxic wastes that might have been dumped in ocean and major water ways in the universe by these perpetrators?
To be straight forward, the global efforts to reduce and control the amount of GHGs generated in the world have been focused more on industrialization and economic growth; the impacts of culture and other aspects are being undermined. The strategy to reduce green house gases should be holistic. All the contributive factors and human activities should be treated with equal attention, using up-down and bottom-up approaches. The cultural activities that contribute to GHGs emission should be replaced by those ones that prevent them. Nature building and conservation should be encouraged. Researches should be funded to investigate new territory for heat and light energies generation through solar, wind and hydro-electric power development. Vehicular emission can be reduced by recycling crankcase ventilation air into the engine or changing the properties of gasoline and redesigning the engines. Conflicts and miss-understandings at both local and international scenes should be settled through bargaining and constructive dialogue at United Nation forum instead of going into warfare. Wastes of all natures, both hazardous and non-hazardous, should be properly managed in environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. In fact, if properly managed, methane gas can be produced from organic fraction of waste stream. The use of charcoal and firewood in making fire for domestic cooking can be replaced by energy produced from wastes. Also, in African countries, mass transit buses should be encouraged to reduce vehicular emissions.
The recent increase in the levels of Green House Gases (GHGs) and incidents of subsequent climate change disasters has become a major global issue. The present concern about the green house effects began with the realization that human activities are upsetting the natural balance by increasing the amount of CO2 and similar gases in the atmosphere. All heat retaining gases are referring to as GHGs. They are CO, CO2, CH4, O3, NOx etcetera. Global warming occurs whenever the levels of these gases in the atmosphere increase or much of deadly ultraviolet ray escapes from the sun into the surface the earth when ozone layer in the atmosphere is depleted.
In essence, all factors that contribute to GHGs production and emission are directly related to human population and their activities. The production also involves individual house hold, communities, and national and international societies, in general. When the human population was very small, the quantities of these gases were far below the threshold limits and effects were hardly felt. However, the sporadic growth in world population in the eighteen century and the current dispensation- of up to 20 billion has definitely increased atmospheric level of CO2 and the associate gases. What is particularly worrisome is the total absence of national plan for reporting and controlling the level of GHGs in Nigera, as in many other developing countries at the moment.
Causes
The causes of GHGs in the environment range from human respiration to major activities performed to sustain and maintain livelihood. For instance, every living creature contributes CO2 into the atmosphere through respiration. Farming, transportation, industrialization, urbanization, as well as economical growth and development are another major cause GHG emission. In addition to this, the causes due to civilization and changes in cultural practices cannot be undermined. The number of vehicles on the roads increases at alarming rate. The fact is that more and more CO and CO2 gases are produced by vehicles during traffic hold up on urban highways. Consider how long such hold ups persist in most African countries where everybody wants to move in his or her own car on the very narrow and usually un-motorable roads. With power outage and erratic supply of electricity in the country, the use of generator and electric power plants of different sizes compounds the problem further.
Many things that God created as natural defensive mechanisms to remove the excess GHGs are constantly being removed by man as he struggles to make advance in technology at an alarming rate. In many cases, big trees that are supposed to reduce the level of CO2 in the environment are cleared during major developmental projects like building, road construction, and, oil exploration and exploitation exercises. Unchecked deforestation has promoted the avoidable desertification of green lands especially in Africa. Desert is now moving from arid to savannah land at jet speed! The impacts of aero planes and ultra-modern jets on GHGs production on air cannot be overemphasized. Poor management of mountain heaps of refuse especially in urban cities, including, open burning, uncontrolled incineration, sea dumping are potential source of environmental pollution and GHGs generation. Studies have showed that abattoir wastes including carcass, blood, and animal dung and so on, if not properly managed, can produce GHGs in a manner that can pose treat to public health. The advent of sophisticated weapons, including nuclear and atomic bombs and their use during the civil wars and those that were used in the recent military attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq cannot be dissociated from current GHG effects in the world.
Effects
No doubt, excess GHGs in environment lead to global warming and this leads to climate change. Climate change has brought loss of rainfall (as much as 30%) in some areas of the world with corresponding problems to agriculture, food supplying, drought, soil nature, drinking water supply and so on. On the other hand, other areas in the universe have gained up to 60% in annual rainfall. Environmental catastrophes like heavy storm, hurricane, flooding, agricultural losses, earthquake and other public health problems are rave of the moment. In this case, any country that depends on one crop or agricultural produce as a foreign exchange earner may face serious economic problem at soonest future. Global warming brings increase in temperature of oceans, leading to melting of ice in Polar Regions and flooding being experienced in some parts of the world. Coastal areas of economic importance are eroded while water that could have meant for drinking is contaminated as a result of salination.
In 1982, Ogunpa flood claimed several lives and destroyed properties worth million of naira. Also in 1989, in Sudan, 200m of rain fell in less than 24hrs and more than a million people were rendered homeless. The incidents go on and on. In contrast to this, in 1990, portion of Uruguay and Argetina remained dried for 12 years, leading to failure in agriculture. The cluster of islands that make up Samoa, and the neighbouring US territory of American Samoa, appear to have been worst hit- Samoan villages destroyed as magnitude 8.3 earthquake strikes between islands. Other countries with perceived climate change impacts include: New Zealand, Japan, and Australia. Threatened by starvation, and agricultural losses, large numbers of people are now being forced to move within and between countries of the world. The UK and Netherlands, together with the World Bank, has just announced funding of up to £3 million (Euro 4 million) for a new research study that would support developing countries to prepare for the impacts of climate change.
Control Steps taken in the Past and Action Planning for GHGs Reduction in Nigeria
Before it became a global issue, the problems associated to GHG on the environment had earlier on been felt in the developed countries of the world. Then, the efforts made by these countries to control the menace of GHG in their regions included: disposing of fairly used materials to developing countries. These include smoky vehicles, refrigerators that produced chloro fluoro carbons (CFCs), air-conditioners, television, computers and many other out-dated electronic gadgets. In Nigerian context, these are popularly tagged as 'TOKUNBO'. At the same time, government of these countries introduced mass car transit like long buses and trains to reduce number of individual cars that plied their roads and therefore minimize the vehicular emission of CO, CO2 and other GHGs. Because of poverty and ignorance that ravaged in most African countries, some shipping companies connived with government of advanced countries to dump containerized toxic wastes in some African countries. This action was considered inhuman and condemned environmental conscious people through out the world. Then, who can adequately estimate the quantity of toxic wastes that might have been dumped in ocean and major water ways in the universe by these perpetrators?
To be straight forward, the global efforts to reduce and control the amount of GHGs generated in the world have been focused more on industrialization and economic growth; the impacts of culture and other aspects are being undermined. The strategy to reduce green house gases should be holistic. All the contributive factors and human activities should be treated with equal attention, using up-down and bottom-up approaches. The cultural activities that contribute to GHGs emission should be replaced by those ones that prevent them. Nature building and conservation should be encouraged. Researches should be funded to investigate new territory for heat and light energies generation through solar, wind and hydro-electric power development. Vehicular emission can be reduced by recycling crankcase ventilation air into the engine or changing the properties of gasoline and redesigning the engines. Conflicts and miss-understandings at both local and international scenes should be settled through bargaining and constructive dialogue at United Nation forum instead of going into warfare. Wastes of all natures, both hazardous and non-hazardous, should be properly managed in environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. In fact, if properly managed, methane gas can be produced from organic fraction of waste stream. The use of charcoal and firewood in making fire for domestic cooking can be replaced by energy produced from wastes. Also, in African countries, mass transit buses should be encouraged to reduce vehicular emissions.
Minggu, 24 September 2017
Green Technology - A Method To Protect Our Planet!
Living in this 21st century has forced people to get involved in the clean technology that is known as the Green Technology. This technology is the blend of environmental science and latest technology to protect the environment and resources to alleviate the bad impact of human action on the earth. green technology is focused on best development that is not only done to the planet, but also to make our business more productive. It is a great approach to bring great innovations that can bring changes to our lives. It is in a progress to dominate services and products that do safeguard the planet, but also fulfill the needs of consumers. The growth of "Save the Planet" awareness has brought some great development and researches in technologies that can make this earth a better place to live.
Goals of Green Technology:
Green Technology is the next generation method of our modern society because it is really damaging to use technologies those having bad side effects on our planet. Every living being depends on the planet to survive and look for best way for the future. For this it's our responsibility to care the earth and find methods to protect it. Greentech is the best alternative to conventional technologies and the best thing is that it brings positive effects to our earth. It's time to promote recycling and spotlighting on recyclable and reusable products. Waste and pollution reduction will help humans better and also will make the future better.
Lets here have some idea on different types of Green Technology:
• Power - This is the most imperative issue that needs to interfere by green technology. Fossil fuels, oil production are some of the traditional way of power generation. This brings lots of pollution during combustion and extraction. Conventional power generation is the basic cause of air pollution that is dragging our planet to global warming and change of climate. Within no time fossil fuels will be depleted from our earth and there will be limited resources left for the human race. Therefore, adopting greentech methods should be our first priority and to develop renewable energy sources.
• Building - Construct and design buildings to preserve natural resources are also a wonderful way in greentech. Today, in the market you can get great products like building retrofits and blinds. These products will help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Nanotechnology - Green Technology plans to expand novelty on the laws of nanotechnology.
• Favored Purchasing - Greentech believes to put techniques those are safe to the environment and have the slightest negative impact. Due to the huge amount of advancement, there are many companies those have launched eco-friendly products and services.
Goals of Green Technology:
Green Technology is the next generation method of our modern society because it is really damaging to use technologies those having bad side effects on our planet. Every living being depends on the planet to survive and look for best way for the future. For this it's our responsibility to care the earth and find methods to protect it. Greentech is the best alternative to conventional technologies and the best thing is that it brings positive effects to our earth. It's time to promote recycling and spotlighting on recyclable and reusable products. Waste and pollution reduction will help humans better and also will make the future better.
Lets here have some idea on different types of Green Technology:
• Power - This is the most imperative issue that needs to interfere by green technology. Fossil fuels, oil production are some of the traditional way of power generation. This brings lots of pollution during combustion and extraction. Conventional power generation is the basic cause of air pollution that is dragging our planet to global warming and change of climate. Within no time fossil fuels will be depleted from our earth and there will be limited resources left for the human race. Therefore, adopting greentech methods should be our first priority and to develop renewable energy sources.
• Building - Construct and design buildings to preserve natural resources are also a wonderful way in greentech. Today, in the market you can get great products like building retrofits and blinds. These products will help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Nanotechnology - Green Technology plans to expand novelty on the laws of nanotechnology.
• Favored Purchasing - Greentech believes to put techniques those are safe to the environment and have the slightest negative impact. Due to the huge amount of advancement, there are many companies those have launched eco-friendly products and services.
Senin, 04 September 2017
Skepticism and Resistance to Living Green
This blog is about "Living to think green, a skeptic's journey".
Definition of "Skepticism"
(a) an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object;
I've been very curious about how to lower my skepticism and resistance to living green. Living green means taking the time to appreciate our planet and understand how we can make our personal green contribution to this beautiful place called earth. I'm almost blown away as I just typed those emphatic feelings that are now my reality. I believe my intentions to be available for any sign I can find that will direct me to do the right green things are showing up in spades.
I've set intentions to:
1. Attract others who have a sense of urgency to live green and sincerely care about taking action.
2. Monitor my Greendar, my version of radar, to catch news that might help YOU, feel empowered to take green baby steps.
3. Lower my resistance. In other words, don't judge a movie by its book.
For example, anytime in the past when I would see a politician talking green, I would shut it down. Not interested. Today, I was viewing the New York Times and ran into the "Clinton Climate Initiative".
First response, "Oh God, BORING!". After all, we're talking about a former President doing the humanitarian post -presidential pattern of saving the world. My mindset shifted when I really stopped to watch and hear our Mr. Clinton share statistics of what trouble we're in and how fast we need to move to make life promising for many generations to come.
I'm not really interested in being a bystander to the green movement.
In other words, I will never view a green video the same again. When I clicked a green YouTube video, I seriously was thinking, "not a video on state-of-the-art energy-efficiency building technology, like super-insulation, high-performance glass and natural ventilation systems".
Seriously, I really think most of us, maybe not you, but most of us turn a deaf ear to what's happening all over the world when a philanthropic message passes our eyeballs. What does it matter to me anyway, right? How can I make an impact? If we maintain an attitude of skepticism and negativity anytime we hear green reality, we're bound to remain skeptical. You see, this really is a mindset shift, a process that can open your heart and help us all find a way to take action. People tend to take action when they feel invested, or when they can get something in return. Here's the return:
Mr. Clinton pointed out:
"By taking an integrated approach to solving both urbanization and climate change the solutions we create will drive innovation and transform our cities."
In the video, Mr. Clinton speaks about his new program. What is this new program?
It will help support 16 large-scale urban re-development projects on six continents, including the London Development Agency's $2.4 billion Elephant & Castle regeneration and San Francisco's long-standing plan to put thousands of new housing units on the decommissioned naval base on Treasure Island.
He said "It's one thing to put up a LEED-certified building, but quite another to develop an entire urban community with enough energy-efficient bells and whistles that its on-site emissions are actually less than zero."
When he replicates this winning green formula, many more communities will see....
* High rise buildings that create more clean energy than they use
* Waste that heats our homes instead of polluting our land
* Water treatment systems that don't waste a drop
We're talking about
* Designing ultra high performance green buildings
* Turning garbage and sewage into heat and power
* Eliminating methane from landfills on site
* Reusing grey water
* Prioritizing low impact transportation such as walking, biking and public systems
Urgency is always a good motivator. Not a moment to waste in our race against global climate change and there's no better time to act than now.
Definition of "Skepticism"
(a) an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object;
I've been very curious about how to lower my skepticism and resistance to living green. Living green means taking the time to appreciate our planet and understand how we can make our personal green contribution to this beautiful place called earth. I'm almost blown away as I just typed those emphatic feelings that are now my reality. I believe my intentions to be available for any sign I can find that will direct me to do the right green things are showing up in spades.
I've set intentions to:
1. Attract others who have a sense of urgency to live green and sincerely care about taking action.
2. Monitor my Greendar, my version of radar, to catch news that might help YOU, feel empowered to take green baby steps.
3. Lower my resistance. In other words, don't judge a movie by its book.
For example, anytime in the past when I would see a politician talking green, I would shut it down. Not interested. Today, I was viewing the New York Times and ran into the "Clinton Climate Initiative".
First response, "Oh God, BORING!". After all, we're talking about a former President doing the humanitarian post -presidential pattern of saving the world. My mindset shifted when I really stopped to watch and hear our Mr. Clinton share statistics of what trouble we're in and how fast we need to move to make life promising for many generations to come.
I'm not really interested in being a bystander to the green movement.
In other words, I will never view a green video the same again. When I clicked a green YouTube video, I seriously was thinking, "not a video on state-of-the-art energy-efficiency building technology, like super-insulation, high-performance glass and natural ventilation systems".
Seriously, I really think most of us, maybe not you, but most of us turn a deaf ear to what's happening all over the world when a philanthropic message passes our eyeballs. What does it matter to me anyway, right? How can I make an impact? If we maintain an attitude of skepticism and negativity anytime we hear green reality, we're bound to remain skeptical. You see, this really is a mindset shift, a process that can open your heart and help us all find a way to take action. People tend to take action when they feel invested, or when they can get something in return. Here's the return:
Mr. Clinton pointed out:
"By taking an integrated approach to solving both urbanization and climate change the solutions we create will drive innovation and transform our cities."
In the video, Mr. Clinton speaks about his new program. What is this new program?
It will help support 16 large-scale urban re-development projects on six continents, including the London Development Agency's $2.4 billion Elephant & Castle regeneration and San Francisco's long-standing plan to put thousands of new housing units on the decommissioned naval base on Treasure Island.
He said "It's one thing to put up a LEED-certified building, but quite another to develop an entire urban community with enough energy-efficient bells and whistles that its on-site emissions are actually less than zero."
When he replicates this winning green formula, many more communities will see....
* High rise buildings that create more clean energy than they use
* Waste that heats our homes instead of polluting our land
* Water treatment systems that don't waste a drop
We're talking about
* Designing ultra high performance green buildings
* Turning garbage and sewage into heat and power
* Eliminating methane from landfills on site
* Reusing grey water
* Prioritizing low impact transportation such as walking, biking and public systems
Urgency is always a good motivator. Not a moment to waste in our race against global climate change and there's no better time to act than now.
Jumat, 18 Agustus 2017
Valuable Homes and Their Luxury Design Features
There are undoubtedly overflowing options when you are planning to invest on the contemporary real estate industry. While most home owners prefer to have their investment in the conventional scale, others prefer more luxurious and costlier features for their homes. If you are making this vital investment, then it is basic to learn and understand some of the luxury design features the property must have.
In most conventional cases, homes ought to deliver two of the most primary and fundamental objectives which include function and comfort. However, in the cases of houses which are highlighted with their luxurious features, it surpasses all conventional purposes. For instance, it offers much more elegance and flair than the usual and gives you the surefire promise to wow.
There are actually two characteristics on luxury homes depending on the site or location where it is basically constructed. If it is situated in a crowded city, it is most likely to be a sophisticated abode yet with a limited or confined space located in an exclusive and well developed community. For luxury houses which are located in venues that are more spread out such as suburban or rural areas, it is more likely to sit on expansive acres of land or a rather sizable square footage.
Wherever you want to build or construct your new luxury homes, there are vital and basic things you need to consider and ensure.
For instance, it ought to have the most advanced and latest trends in home ideas or concepts today. There are indeed refreshing ideas on home development and construction which include the fundamental features such as spacious master bedroom, lavish bathrooms, gourmet kitchens and even have outdoor kitchens and living rooms. In more elaborate designs, some luxury houses even have fitness rooms, indoor pools, lanais and so much more.
In the modern concepts and ideas for luxury homes today, properties used as retreat venues such as those that promote healthy and laid back lifestyle are becoming highly preferable and surging. Homes which are themed to cater to providing this healthy retreat are designed to provide the atmosphere as well as the facilities such as those found in conventional resorts.
Hence, most luxury houses nowadays are built with spa-like treatment and features, fitness rooms and master suites. Bathrooms have steam showers, heated floors, deep soaking tubs and towel warmer among others. Other features under this category include massage center, lap pool and the refreshment venue.
Homes with luxurious designs are likewise the ones which have high technology features which include the integration of the controls designed for home entertainment, security, appliances and even for the heating and cooling system. There are also automatic controls for the lighting features of the house for aesthetic value and security functions.
Lastly, those who wanted to make their real property investment more luxurious than usual must also seriously consider green living as part of their design. Making your house sustainable and green is a fast growing industry in modern homes and this includes using nontoxic building materials, energy efficient appliances and systems and all other amenities and features that advocate the green movement.
In most conventional cases, homes ought to deliver two of the most primary and fundamental objectives which include function and comfort. However, in the cases of houses which are highlighted with their luxurious features, it surpasses all conventional purposes. For instance, it offers much more elegance and flair than the usual and gives you the surefire promise to wow.
There are actually two characteristics on luxury homes depending on the site or location where it is basically constructed. If it is situated in a crowded city, it is most likely to be a sophisticated abode yet with a limited or confined space located in an exclusive and well developed community. For luxury houses which are located in venues that are more spread out such as suburban or rural areas, it is more likely to sit on expansive acres of land or a rather sizable square footage.
Wherever you want to build or construct your new luxury homes, there are vital and basic things you need to consider and ensure.
For instance, it ought to have the most advanced and latest trends in home ideas or concepts today. There are indeed refreshing ideas on home development and construction which include the fundamental features such as spacious master bedroom, lavish bathrooms, gourmet kitchens and even have outdoor kitchens and living rooms. In more elaborate designs, some luxury houses even have fitness rooms, indoor pools, lanais and so much more.
In the modern concepts and ideas for luxury homes today, properties used as retreat venues such as those that promote healthy and laid back lifestyle are becoming highly preferable and surging. Homes which are themed to cater to providing this healthy retreat are designed to provide the atmosphere as well as the facilities such as those found in conventional resorts.
Hence, most luxury houses nowadays are built with spa-like treatment and features, fitness rooms and master suites. Bathrooms have steam showers, heated floors, deep soaking tubs and towel warmer among others. Other features under this category include massage center, lap pool and the refreshment venue.
Homes with luxurious designs are likewise the ones which have high technology features which include the integration of the controls designed for home entertainment, security, appliances and even for the heating and cooling system. There are also automatic controls for the lighting features of the house for aesthetic value and security functions.
Lastly, those who wanted to make their real property investment more luxurious than usual must also seriously consider green living as part of their design. Making your house sustainable and green is a fast growing industry in modern homes and this includes using nontoxic building materials, energy efficient appliances and systems and all other amenities and features that advocate the green movement.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)