abstract

presentazione stl

Video

ANTARTIDE (Centro Studi e Comunicazione Ambientale)

Il Centro Antartide trova la sua origine nelle attività di divulgazione ambientale promosse, a partire dal 1984, dall’Univeristà Verde. Dal 1992, agisce nel campo dello studio, dell’educazione, della comunicazione ambientale e sociale intervenendo in particolare sui temi del risparmio idrico, della mobilità sostenibile e della sicurezza stradale, dei rifiuti, dell’energia, della qualità urbana, dell’educazione civica.

Si occupa di educazione, comunicazione ambientale e sociale.

Lo spettro delle attività è ampio: campagne di sensibilizzazione, tesi di laurea, laboratori didattici nelle scuole, visite guidate a scopo didattico, indagini, mostre, concorsi, editoria, rassegne cinematografiche, eventi spettacolari…

L’impianto di Vedelago (Provincia di Treviso) non gestisce la frazione umida e utilizza solo sistemi meccanici, grazie all’accoppiamento di diversi impianti che lavorano in serie, è in grado di rendere riutilizzabile circa il 99% del rifiuto conferito derivante sia dalla raccolta differenziata residenziale porta a porta (proveniente dai Comuni del circondario) sia rifiuti industriali di commercianti ed artigiani; grazie a questi impianti il centro è in grado di portare all’industria una materia prima-seconda riutilizzabile in ulteriori cicli di produzione.

http://www.centroriciclo.com/

Simply Sma è un supermercato situato vicino a Brescia e il primo in Italia in cui  tutto, ma proprio tutto, è stato progettato in un’ottica di sosteniblità. In questi giorni a Brescia città ne verrà inaugurato un altro.

Carrelli e cestini realizzati con plastica riciclata dai tappi delle bottiglie (4.500 tappi circa per un carrello e circa 1.200 tappi per i cestini), banchi del pane e della gastronomia in legno riciclato, piastrelle rivestite da vetro ricavato da neon esausti, shopper biodegradabili, tetto dotato di impianto fotovoltaico, impianti di refrigerazione avanzati i cui divisori sono realizzati con plastica totalmente riciclata al 100%, vasche per la raccolta di acqua piovana per irrigare il verde circostante, prodotti sfusi e a “KM zero”. Un insieme di soluzioni che garantiscono un risparmio energetico totale di oltre 220.000 KWH (Kilowatt/ora).

Water Stewardship and Sustainable Communities: The Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia (i.e. ‘the Action Plan’) provides a partnership umbrella for on-the-ground initiatives that are promoting water stewardship across the province, and that are also informing Provincial policy through

Water Save Tool Kit for British Columbia ;Water Bucket Website ;Water Balance Model for British Columbia ;Green Infrastructure Partnership ;Convening for Action initiative ;Water-Centric Planning

The goal is to influence choices and encourage action by individuals and organizations so that water resource stewardship will become an integral part of land use and daily living.

August 4, 2008, the City of Grand Rapids Brownfield Authority approved a plan amendment for a brownfield redevelopment project at 607 Dewey, NW. The project will be a continuation of investment made by others in the area, including Jonathan Rooks and Bob Isreals. But, what does that mean? It means, 607 Dewey, NW will be getting a much needed face-lift.

607 Dewey, LLC’s owner, True North, would like to relocate its headquarters from Belmont, Michigan to this downtown location. By occupying the newly constructed third floor, the redevelopment will provide an opportunity for True North to showcase its architectural, construction and development capabilities, in close proximity of I-196. Located in an area of Northwest Grand Rapids that is a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses, the newly approved brownfield redevelopment plan includes construction of a 3rd story on the existing two-story structure, renovations to bring it up to code and improvements to the parking area. The $1.9 million project will bring 12 professional jobs to the area and recruiting other complementary tenants will also bring in high-paying professional jobs. In addition to basic improvements, the structure will also be “wired” to accommodate improvements that will include the construction of a green roof and installation of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and micro wind turbines.

“The presence of the professional jobs and redevelopment of this structure will provide a significant contribution to the revitalization of this area,” said Kara Wood, City of Grand Rapids Economic Development Director. “This investment will also continue revitalization of this neighborhood and provide a redevelopment showcase for urban revitalization and sustainable design.”

“As a design and construction firm, True North is committed to sustainable development which balances the interests of people, profit and planet. Envisioning a new life for an obsolete building is the ultimate expression of sustainable development. We’re delighted that the Grand Rapids Brownfield Authority shares our vision for 607 Dewey,” said Dan Henrickson, True North, CEO.

This is the first step in the approval process. The next step is for the City Commission to hold a public hearing on the brownfield plan amendment, consideration of a Renaissance Zone Extension and that will ultimately require approval by the City Commission, consent from the County and approval by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board.

Waterfront Toronto, the innovative and ambitious plan to revitalize Toronto’s old harbour, has led to the development of Sherbourne Park, a new $28 million storm water treatment facility that will also function as an accessible public park. It’s a prime example of green infrastructure in action. The Star writes: “The idea that everything we build in a city should do double- (even triple-) duty is one whose time has come.”

Arizona State University (ASU) and the New America Foundation hosted a panel on U.S. energy independence at the National Press Club. Michael Crow, President of ASU, said while there’s been a lot of discussion on the idea of energy independence, the goal was to outline the “revolutionary steps” needed to actually achieve energy independence.

ASLA created a new online resource guide on using low-impact materials in sustainable residential landscape architecture. The guide contains lists of organizations, research, concepts and projects related to plants and sustainable landscape architecture, and includes sections on: permeable materials, certified woods, reclaimed and recycled local materials, recycled content, reflective materials, and adhesives, paints, coatings and sealants. Developed for students and professionals, the resource guide contains recent reports and projects from leading U.S. and international organizations, academics, and design firms.

This sustainable residential design resource guide is the third in a new four part series. See earlier guides in the sustainable residential design series: increasing energy efficiency,  improving water efficiency and maximizing the benefits of plants. 

The guide is separated into five sections:

• Permeable Materials
• Certified Woods
• Reclaimed and Recycled Local Materials
• Recycled Content
• Reflective Materials
• Adhesives, Paints, Coatings and Sealants

As an example, the section on “permeable materials” includes Chicago’s Green Alley handbook, as well as studies from the U.S. EPA and city of Portland on using permeable pavements to manage stormwater. There are also links to projects that have successfully incorporated these concepts in a residential context.