global briefs
Lower Overhead Green Energy Reduces Utility Costs
Cincinnati has contracted with the energy company Dynegy to purchase 100 percent renewable energy to operate most of its municipal facilities through at least 2021. The green energy will power police and fire stations, health clinics, recreation centers and most administrative buildings, including city hall. The city’s greenhouse gas emissions will be cut by more than 9 percent and its utility rates by more than $100,000 annually. The deal will bring the city closer to its goal of running on 100 percent renewable energy by 2035.
Quick Quarters
Simple Eco-Houses on the Upswing A new Ukrainian homebuilding startup called Passivdom uses a 3-D printing robot to produce parts for tiny houses. The machine can print the walls, roof and floor of the company’s 380-square-foot model in about eight hours. The windows, doors and self-contained plumbing, sewage and self-electrical systems are then added by a human worker. Solar energy is stored in a battery. Filtered water collects from humidity in the air. Prices start at $64,000 per house (Passivedom).
M.A.DI., in Italy, produces prefabricated A-frame houses in five sizes that can be set up anywhere. The ba- sic model is rated an energy class B, but can be upgraded with an option of adding solar panels to make the struc- tures energy-independent.
Homes made by Lifehaus blend low-cost, off-grid appeal with holistic living and luxurious details. The Lebanon company is pioneering energy-neutral dwellings made from locally sourced and recycled materials. Green home dwellers will also be able to generate electricity and grow their own food.
Click on a
Campsite Website Opens Up Private Land
to Campers A Portland startup on- line at
LandApart.com is expanding the share- economy Airbnb-model concept to private land- owners and campers. People that want to camp or rent a cabin in a beauti- ful area can pay a private landowner for access.
8 Austin Edition
AustinAwakenings.com
CEO Ven Gist says the move is in part a response to sometimes crowded public lands that often cannot be reserved. He says, “We’re basically collaborating with land- owners to open up new wild spaces that people can find and book for truly secluded, unique outdoor experiences.” Prices average between $30 and $40 per night. Find an introductory video at
Gust.com/companies/ landapart.
Independent Action Mayors Worldwide
Sign Climate Charter At the North American Climate Summit in Chicago last December, more than 50 mayors from around the globe signed the Chicago Climate Charter, intended to guide cities to- ward reaching greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals similar to the Paris climate accord. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says each mayor will pursue a customized plan, noting, “We’re all going to get to the same destination in our own way.” President Trump’s intended exit from the Paris agreement has sparked an uproar from leaders worldwide, especially mayors in cities long committed to reducing emissions.
Dozens of cities are committed to 100 percent clean and renewable energy goals and pledged to promote clean transit through using zero-emissions buses. Eman- uel believes, “Climate change can be solved by human ac- tion.” Cities’ actions now may well pay off in the long run.
photo courtesy of
passivdom.com
Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com
somchaij/
Shutterstock.com
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