Green Miami

National Geographic covers ‘Saving Energy’

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:06:47 +0000

National Geographic’s March 2009 issue…

…”SAVING ENERGY, it starts at home“.

and interesting information.

FSU Track out of the blocks and in the LEED

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:43:48 +0000

WCTV reports, “FSU’s Track And Field Facility Exceeds ‘Green’ Standards“. And, “Thanks to its state-of-the-art McIntosh Track and Field Building, The Florida State University can add “silver” and “green” to its garnet and gold. The new facility has earned a LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, which means it meets or exceeds the high standards of green-building design and performance.”

What exactly did they do?

FSU used local or regional materials to save on transportation and trucking, energy-efficient lighting and mechanical systems. They also used low-flow water fixtures, sorted or recycled construction debris, and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and other eco- and sustainable finishes.” Interesting.

What kind of programs are happening here at University of Miami?

Well, to find out visit University of Miami’s Green U?

Green Eco Sys brings Green Energy home

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:39:37 +0000

Miami-based Green Eco Sys issued a press release today introducing it’s products and opening its doors to the American public. They are a leader in innovative green product distribution for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

Their products include wind energy systems, mobile solar cubes, water treatment systems, potted planting products, and fertilizer alternatives.

The Green Eco Sys website is clean, simple, informative, and has excellent renderings or photos of it’s products.

South Miami ‘Greens’ 1950′s Building

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:18:35 +0000

An interesting video produced by L.E.E.D. Depot, Inc. featuring the “The Greening of Chamber South”. They retrofit a 1950′s building to make it enironmentally safe and energy efficient.

Take that junk and shread it

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:57:12 +0000

The Miami Hearld reports, “South Florida’s post-office box customers should be finding it easier to recycle their mail. Post offices now have 23-gallon recycling bins with a slim opening that are kept locked. Once customers have checked their P.O. Box mail, they can recycle anything they don’t want to take home. Contents of the recycling bins are shredded.”

The Postal Service has a long history of environmental stewardship and they even have a Post Office Green Page now. They are committed to using alternative fuel-capable vehicles. They also support recycling programs and offer eco-friendly products and services.

Florida Hotels go ‘Green Lodging’

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:11:18 +0000

Marriott issued a press release today stating “Tampa Airport Marriott Becomes First Marriott in Florida to Receive Two Palm Status in Florida DEP’s Green Lodging Program“.

What is the Florida DEP Green Lodging Program?

The State of Florida’s website describes it as “The Florida Green Lodging Program was established in 2004 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with the intent of recognizing and rewarding environmentally conscientious lodging facilities in the state.”

Are there really benefits to get the designation?

Yes, there are, and they include:

Saving Money and Reducing Utility Costs
Conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources
Marketing to a New Audience
FREE ADVERTISING

Are there any hotels in Miami that have the “Two Palm status”?

Yes, and that hotel is the InterContinental Hotel Miami.

CLICK HERE to see other hotels in Miami that are participating.

It’s a Jungle out there! Miami plants trees

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 04:01:01 +0000

Known for its lush, jungley vegetation and tropical, balmy weather, Miami plants and trees are in a year-round growing season! And the Magic City is doing it’s part to add a lot more green to the landscape.

The Miami Herald reports that, “Miami Beach plans to have 5000 new shade tress planted by 2010. So far city workers have planted approximately 2500 including at least 50 varieties of trees, such as mahogany, live oak, wild tamarind, royal poincianas, buttonwood and sea grapes.”

The City of Coral Gables currently has more trees than people at over 50,000 planted and counting! This has helped make it a “Tree City USA” for 14 consecutive years.

When planting around your own home or business, remember to always plant the right tree for the right place and when planting around power lines or potentially buried wires, check with Florida Power & Light (FPL) .

Can South Florida mansions be “Green”?

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:51:39 +0000

The Wall Street Journal had an interesting blog post titled “Can a 15,000-Square-Foot Mansion Be “Green”?

Well, they site an “example, just outside Palm Beach, Fla., in Manalapan, is called Acqua Liana. It is 15,000 square feet of Tahitian and Fijian architecture priced at $29 million. It also is expected to be LEED certified…” and also say “the term “eco-mansion” always struck me as a contradiction in terms. If someone really wanted to be green, would they build a mansion?“

Well, that question has crossed our minds as well.

Take a SLIDESHOW of the property.

Miami’s TUUCI company recycles – shade?

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 00:03:22 +0000

TUCCI issued a press release announcing the redesign of its website at TUUCI.com. TUUCI states that they focus “on environmental sustainability including extensive recycling efforts within its manufacturing process, energy conservation and the integration of recycled materials into its products, packaging and supplies. Outdoor cafés and many of the world’s leading resorts and hotels have selected TUUCI because of the combination of beauty, durability and function its products provide.”

Hey, cool beach parasols TUUCI!

The New GREEN Standard – USGBS

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:54:23 +0000

You may have never heard of them, but the US Green Building Council is setting the standard for how we will guide our nation’s transition to greener pastures.

They developed the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications, now used as the industries standard.

Working quietly over the past 15 years, this non-profit “community of leaders” strives to help “make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.”

The South Florida Chapter of USBGS has over 600 members and details over 300 local LEED buildings, mostly from new construction.