Google Grants $3 Million to U.S. Green Building Council
There was a big announcement today at the Greenbuild conference, the world’s largest conference dedicated to green building, which is taking place in San Francisco this week. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that Google awarded them a $3 million grant in “an effort to transform the building materials industry and accelerate the creation of healthier indoor environments.”
“Healthy, non-toxic building materials are a critical component in green building,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “Fostering awareness of the materials we put into our buildings is of paramount importance, since many materials can link to a host of environmental and health issues. Working with Google enables us to broaden our efforts in the materials industry as we prepare for the next version of the LEED green building program, LEED v4. This updated rating system will paint a more complete picture of materials and products, enabling project teams to make more informed decisions.”
“The idea for this project emerged from our own work at Google, where we’re committed to creating the healthiest work environments possible that help employees perform at their best,” said Anthony Ravitz, Google’s Green Team Lead. “USGBC has a deep background in spearheading research, developing a rating system spanning the globe and engaging with the many stakeholders in the building industry, making them the perfect partner to help spur real change on the healthy materials front.”
According to Archdaily, “The new initiatives will be developed over the next two years.”
Some of our favorite projects
Storm Meadow
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
Most young kids have a hard time understanding the importance of being energy efficient. Yes, we teach them to put their containers in the recycle bin instead of the trash can, but turning off the lights is a harder message to convey. For some reason when it comes to reducing the consumption of electricity in the homes, kids are missing the mark.
Designer Danny Taylor hopes to help conserve energy in the home with his “Dimmer Switch.” According to Taylor, “This simple ‘dimmer switch’ humanises an ordinarily ubiquitous object to help the child form a relationship which they will want to participate with and affect. The act of turning the light on creates a ‘sad’ face, and turning it off contrastingly makes the character ‘happy’.”
So next time your kids leave the room without turning out the lights, tell them to turn the frown upside down.
How do you teach your kids about the importance of sustainability?
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently announced “that more than 20,000 homes across the U.S. have earned certification through the LEED for Homes program.” The LEED for Homes program “provides guidance and verification that homes are designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient and healthy for occupants.” This is quite an accomplishment for sustainable design. According to USGBC, “since the launch of LEED for Homes in 2008, more
than 20,000 residential units have certified with nearly 79,000 additional units in the pipeline. Over half of all LEED-certified homes are in the affordable housing category.”
Nate Kredich, Vice President of Residential Market Development, USGBC says, “LEED for Homes is moving the residential market further and faster towards high-performing, healthy homes that save residents money.”
To learn more about LEED-certified homes visit usgbc.org.
Trilogy believes that “a sustainable home not only nourishes the planet, it nourishes the soul.”
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
We were saddened to hear the news that Ray Anderson, founder of Interface Carpet, lost his battle with cancer this week. Anderson was regarded by many as a visionary business leader who helped champion sustainability. He founded Interface Carpet in 1973 and helped transform an entire industry with his “eco-epiphany”.
Ray shared with Metropolis Magazine that his “late-night encounter with Paul Hawken’s seminal book, Ecology of Commerce, changed his life.” Ray was so inspired by Hawken’s words that he set a goal for Interface, in which he called “Climbing Mount Sustainability”, of zero environmental impact by 2020.
It was only fitting that Paul Hawken deliver a eulogy at Anderson’s memorial service yesterday in Atlanta.
“People called Ray a dreamer. To be sure, he was, but he was also an engineer. He had definitely seen the mountain, but he also dreamed in balance sheets, thermodynamics, and resource flow theory. He dreamed a world yet to come because dreams of a livable future are not coming from our politicians, bankers, and the media. For Ray, reimagining the world was a responsibility, something owed to our children’s children, a gift to a future that is begging for selflessness and vision.”
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
Trilogy Partners Use Sustainable Passive Solar Technology in Home Design
Trilogy Partners is committed to sustainable and energy efficient custom home design, incorporating passive solar technologies, renewable energy resources and solar orientation in the design of custom Colorado mountain homes. Site selection and building placement is critical to the successful energy efficient passive solar home.
When a family is planning to build a new custom home, it is advantageous to include the custom home designer very early in the site selection and home design phase in order to plan ahead for passive solar technology. Passive solar is based on the orientation of the building relative to the sun at different seasons of the year.
A few of the more common solar energy design tools are the use of natural daylighting to light interior spaces, cool air flow through the house at night to modify temperatures, thermal heat storage in masonry walls, thermal insulation, and proper solar orientation for north and south facing facades.
One of the most beneficial and aesthetically pleasing solar technology design strategies is to use large south facing windows for custom homes in seasonally cold climates. An example of this form of passive solar design is utilized by Trilogy Partners in the custom Colorado mountain home, shown to the right. For additional information about passive solar design in custom Colorado mountain homes, contact Trilogy Partners by calling 970.453.2230 or visiting the Trilogy Partners Website. Trilogy Partners is located in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Some of our favorite projects
Storm Meadow
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
NAHB Green: HGTV’s Mike Holmes opens National Green Building Conference & Expo
Mike Holmes
Mike Holmes is on a mission — a mission to teach people about green homes and high-quality homebuilding.
Holmes, host of Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection on HGTV, talked about his drive to create a ripple effect in the homebuilding industry that makes top-quality, energy-efficient green homes the norm when he delivered the opening keynote session Monday at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) National Green Building Conference & Expo in Salt Lake City. The conference was at the Salt Palace Convention Center May 1-3.
Holmes began by talking about his childhood in Canada and how as a young kid he watched his dad, Jim Holmes, a self-proclaimed “jack of all trades” working on homes.
“I thought he was superman. He took down walls,” Holmes said. “He cared and I think that was the difference. Every family on the street said, “hire Jim, hire Jim.”
Holmes began working with his dad early on.
“I was six when I rewired the entire second floor of the house under his supervision. I was 12 when I finished the entire basement,” he said.
At age 19, he started his own contracting company and, at age 21, founded his own renovation company. During that time, he kept finding mold in the walls that he tore down and wanted to know why.
Holmes told the audience of about 200 people, the majority home builders, along with some architects, that he is determined to educate people about green homebuilding because he’s seen so many homes built so badly. Going back to some of the old ways and combining them with new technology is the way to build a home.
In discussing passive solar in response to a question from the audience, he said, “this is old technology, this is not new technology.”
He compared it to canopies used over windows in the past and how people used the canopies in the appropriate seasons to either block or allow the sun to shine into their homes.
Education is the key to making green homebuilding widespread, he said.
“How can we incorporate old technology with new technology? Using solar passive, this is old stuff. But we threw it out the window a long time ago and I don’t know why. Solar passive design is brilliant, and we should be using it more.
“We’re all seeing green. We’re all talking green. I was talking to the [Canadian] prime minister a few years ago and I said, ‘but who’s teaching green?’ It’s not being taught. We’re still teaching the same things in school – minimum code and minimum code sucks.’ What I said to him was, ‘we need to start changing the education.'”
As a result of his need to create homes that meet more than the minimum building codes, Holmes’ company, The Holmes Group, launched a quality-control program in Canada called Holmes Approved Homes that gives approvals to builders who go beyond industry standards. Calgary is the first Holmes community.
By creating his own program and working on high-profile projects such as reconstruction in Haiti, New Orleans and other locations where disaster has struck, Holmes said he hopes to create a ripple effect by throwing the first pebble into the pond. He said he’s already looking to Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami and Alabama, the site of where tornados plowed through the state.
“Tornados wipe out Alabama. This is opportunity, isn’t it? I know, people got killed and that’s a shame. But this is an opportunity for people to get together and say, ‘we can build tornado proof homes that tornadoes can’t tear down. Round homes that winds go around,'” Holmes said.
Holmes talked about struggles he’s had with city governments in trying to get homebuilding codes to change.
“I’m not going to give up,” Holmes said. “Let’s work together, let’s make this great together and let’s not give up.”
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
We always like to hear about what’s going on with the LEED program here at Trilogy Partners. Recently, we learned that the historic Gragg Building of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department achieved LEED Gold status after undergoing a $16 million, two year renovation process.
The Gragg Building
The department director, Joe Turner, said in a statement that when the renovation project began, the department asked the architects to preserve the Gragg Building’s historic significance while updating it so it can continue to be used for years to come. “By being responsible stewards of the Gragg Building and its history we hope to serve as an example of how historic preservation can go hand in hand with sustainability and green design,” he said.
The Gragg Building is very significant to Houston, as it was home to NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center from 1962 to 1964. It was purchased by the city of Houston in 1976. Its recent renovation involved reusing the entire original shell of the building and bringing in natural light into about 82 percent of its interior, The Houston Chronicle reports. Additionally, reclaimed mahogany paneling from the original building was reused when possible, and the new materials used in the renovation were either made of recycled materials.
We think the Gragg Building’s renovation and achievement of LEED Gold status is great proof that green, LEED-certified renovations and remodeling is possible!
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
by Bill Sutton | Green architecture is definitely not black and white. Green architecture is inherently organic and integrated. There are currently many varying approaches and schools of thought behind this. I am no architect but I do have a huge appreciation for the art. I thoroughly enjoy the very few times in my day job as a construction manager when I’m able to sketch out details in the field or use my architectural drawing skills to get my idea across to the team.
I have started to notice the following trends in the green architecture arena.
1.) Passive Design – Orienting the building so that it is able to use the natural warmth and light from the sun. Just as important is the proper insulation of the building so comfort is preserved throughout the day. Another critical item is to make sure that the most efficient windows are used on the exterior of the building. The passive house (haus) system has become widely popular and they are able to use these methodologies to save over 80% energy usage when compared to conventional design. Here is a link to their website:http://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.html .
2.) High Performance Design – High performance design includes pushing the limit in all areas of the building. This includes the most efficient and typically most expensive envelope (exterior skin of the building), mechanical system, the electrical system, the lighting system, and even the plumbing system. ASHRAE publishes a truly great resource called High Performance Magazine which spotlights these types of buildings throughout the world, for more information visit here: http://www.hpbmagazine.org/
3.) Smart Design – Smart design refers to the proper sizing of the building and it’s systems to fit the needs of the occupants. Traditionally buildings and their systems have been grossly oversized when compared to their actual needs and functionality. We are starting to see more homes and commercial buildings being built with this simplistic approach which can have major benefits for the environment and energy usage. My favorite local example of this is the Lofts at 909 –http://loftsat909.com/lofts/ . They used an old abandoned school and converted it into ultra modern, compact urban apartments. They look really awesome.
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
If you haven’t heard of green architecture, you might be living under a rock, which is actually a pretty green way to live, taking advantage of the natural coolness of a rock-formed shelter. And if you’ve heard more than enough about eco-conscious, environmentally friendly and green stuff, test your knowledge and see if you’re retaining the information or are still green behind the ears. To take the quiz go here.
Some of our favorite projects
Storm Meadow
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
A couple of months ago we told you about a huge milestone the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reached with one billion square feet of LEED-certified space. Recently, the USGBC announced that over 10,000 homes in the nation have attained LEED certification through the LEED for Homes program.
Nate Kredich, vice president of residential market development for the USGBC, said “Reaching this milestone signifies the continued transformation of the home building industry towards high-performing, healthy homes that save home owners money. Market leaders across the production, multifamily, affordable and custom home segments have recognized that there are green homes, and then there are LEED Homes, and they are acting accordingly.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Salishan 7 project took place earlier this year. The Salishan 7 project was the 10,000th project to receive certification through LEED for Homes.
Green Building Pro reports that since the program’s launch back in 2008, 10,161 homes have been certified. The 10,000th home to earn LEED certification was the Tacoma Housing Authority’s 91-unit development, Salishan 7. That project was also the first federally funded HOPE VI Redevelopment project to achieve LEED Platinum status.
This is a huge moment in the LEED for Homes program and Trilogy Partners is thrilled to have contributed to over 10,000 homes becoming LEED-certified!
The Rocky Region’s best and boldest example of Western – Mountain – Asian fusion. A one-of-a-kind 6000 square foot home with a totally authentic 800 square foot Japanese Tea House surrounded by gardens and a hot springs spa.
This home was another unique collaboration between owner (an engineer with decades of construction experience) and Trilogy Partners. Trilogy was entrusted as Design Build Project Manager and retained bhh Partners for basic architectural design.
Perched in a sublime setting at the base of Three Peaks along The Raven golf course at 9000 feet in elevation, this mountain getaway was created for Denver-based clients who love the mountain lifestyle.
This modern marvel has some of the best views in all of Summit County of the 10 Mile and Gore Ranges. A multiple grand award winner at the 2016 Parade of Homes, bhh Partners served up the principal architecture.
This castle is truly a tribute to energy conservation. Modeled to be Breckenridge’s (and the nation’s) first luxury Net Zero Energy slope side home, at 9000 square feet, the owner refused to compromise on either aesthetics or energy conservation.
