California-based startup Watershed Materials, with support from the National Science Foundation, has spent the last four years researching and developing a concrete alternative. Currently, their studies have produced a masonry created with natural, mineral based geopolymers, that has incredible strength and very low-carbon footprint.
green
Earthbag Tidal Lagoon will Produce Green Energy
“The government has given planning permission for the world’s first tidal lagoon: the most ambitious green energy scheme ever seen in the UK. Here’s how the company behind the project wants it to work.”
Earthbag Wall Bracing Overview
Our sister site, Earthbag Structures.com, has lots of good information about building with earthbags in disaster prone areas. Click on the link to read the full article. This blog post is just a summary.
$300 Solar Heater
A Fredericton-area man says his heating bills are decreasing thanks to a solar furnace that cost him $300 to build.
Vaulted Roof Technique
“The vaulted roofing system using conical tile has been developed and used by Centre of Science for Villages, Wardha, Maharashtra for the last four decades. The roof is easy to construct and uses local materials and skills.”
e-khaya
“e-khaya is a fireproof shack replacement system for informal settlements. Fire is deadly in these crowded communities and an e-khaya will protect lives and possessions. It is easily community built, low cost, thermally and acoustically insulating, durable and attractive. And we are currently working on the concept of an additional level that can be added as a family’s needs grow. Sanitation, fresh water, lighting, hot water, simple cooking facilities and ‘urban farming’ are all either incorporated already or will be in the future.”