Neenan Company Interviews IBE's Brian Dunbar

Neenan Company recently sat down with Brian Dunbar, the Executive Director here at the Institute for the Built Environment (IBE) for an interview titled Embodied Energy and the Build Environment: An Interview With Brian Dunbar. In the interview, Dunbar discusses embodied energy. Neenan Co. creates innovative buildings using " Archistruction" and are based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Here is a preview of Neenan Co.'s interview with Brian Dunbar:

Q: How would you describe the relevance of embodied energy to design and construction today versus 10 years ago?

“Some in the engineering and design profession caught on to the concept over 30 to 40 years ago during the energy crisis. I think it became a relevant topic then but it wasn’t until about 10 years ago that the conversation ramped up with increased interest in energy modeling and material selections in projects.”

Conitnue reading here.

Eight Sustainable New Year Resolutions

Although the year has already begun, have you started or considered a New Year resolution yet? It isn't too late to start one, or add more things to your current resolution! Start off 2013 with being green and keeping sustainability in mind.

Check out the article 8 Green New Year Resolutions by Mark Lallanilla. Try a few of the simple ideas like line drying your sheets and towels, changing one light bulb to a LED, or establishing a habit to use reusable bags.

"Promises are made to be broken, and we all know how hard it is to keep your New Year resolutions -- by February, it's back to business as usual. These green New Year resolution ideas, however, are easy to keep, and in many cases, they'll even save you money." - Marc Lallanilla

You can continue reading article and its 8 green New Year resolutions here.

When the staff at IBE was asked what are other easy green New Year resolutions, they suggested:

1.  Start composting orvermicomposting!
2.  Use a reusable coffee mug – and get a discount when you buy your daily coffee!
3.  Buy a share in a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)

  

Enjoy and Happy New Year!