Green Building Expo Offers Numerous Special Events
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Aug. 12, 2007) – The annual gathering for those passionate about the environment, Green Building Expo has announced its lineup of special events during the 2-day event, occurring October 5th and 6th, 2007.  More »

10th Annual Green Building Expo Announces Details
The 10th Annual Green Building Expo is scheduled for October 5th and 6th, 2007 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.  With more than 6,000 people expected to attend, this year’s Expo is shaping up to be an exciting two days filled with a wide array of activities for all ages. More »

ASU grad student takes extra steps for eco-friendly standards
When new owners eventually move into Philip Beere's renovated home, they won't smell a new-house smell.
Beere, a recent graduate of Arizona State University master's in real-estate development program, is renovating the 1960s Phoenix house to meet Earth-friendly LEED standards. More »

New Report Details Potential Devastation of Sea Level Rise
SUNDANCE, UTAH – A coastal impact study issued by Architecture 2030 makes clear that without a moratorium on coal, the United States will be unable to avert the dangerous impacts of climate change. Ed Mazria, founder of Architecture 2030, released the report at the Sundance Summit in Utah, a gathering of more than 40 mayors from across the country who are gathered to discuss the science behind and the local solutions to global warming. The study includes new visual imaging and reveals that, beginning with just one meter of sea level rise, many areas of the US will experience devastating consequences.
The report is available at www.architecture2030.org/current_situation/coastal_impact.html

Green Building Expo supporters in the news
On an early morning at the Lost Dog Wash Trailhead, the desert's stillness is broken only by the sound of birds, the crunch of hikers' boots as they hit the trail and, in the shade of the recently completed trailhead building, the pleasant whoosh of a breeze and the low rattle of the corrugated metal roof as it expands under the sun's rays. More »

Green bandwagon will need brakes
From azcentral.com: "Many of us have worked diligently for years to raise green building and environmental degradation into the public spotlight. Now, that spotlight is shining bright green. It is a time of great opportunity for positive change and for realizing a return on an investment of years, or even a lifetime, of career effort." More »

Scottsdale embraces a natural look
From the East Valley Tribune: Few municipalities in the Valley embrace nature like Scottsdale. From the McDowell Sonoran Preserve’s heights down to the dirt where native plants are protected, this is a city where the environment is more than just simply scenery. More »

City of Scottsdale Earns Coveted LEED Gold Certification
The U.S. Green Building Council recognized the City of Scottsdale’s Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, with the coveted LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification during a special dedication ceremony Tuesday, May 15, 2007. More »

Scottsdale receives Governor’s Award for Energy Efficiency
Scottsdale’s Green Building Program received the Award of Excellence for large cities Tuesday during the annual Governor’s Award for Energy Efficiency. The award recognizes Scottsdale’s landmark effort to conserve energy and pioneer renewable resources through construction. More »

Green Homebuilding Reaching Tipping Point
A newly released SmartMarket Report on residential green building published by McGraw-Hill Construction provides a positive outlook for the residential green building marketplace.  More »

Practical Tips for Building a Healthier Home
Builders can make conscious decisions that will lead to building-related illnesses, including allergies, childhood asthma and other ailments. More » (362 KB PDF, requires Adobe Reader.)

Scottsdale Develops New Green Building Standards
The new checklist addresses regional issues by rating the environmental impact and health of a home in the categories of site, energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and material resources. More »

Governor's Energy Office Honors Scottsdale Green Building Program
Scottsdale's Green Building Program is the recipient of the Governor's Award for Energy Efficiency, awarded on behalf of Gov. Janet Napolitano by the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office. News releases »

Top Five Strategies in Greening for Businesses

1. When purchasing new company cars, make them alternative-fuel vehicles.
2. Buy “smart surge protectors” or "smart strips" that automatically shut down computers, power, etc. when not in use.
3. Add motion sensors and automatic wall switches that shut lights off when people leave the room.
4. Install waterless no-flush or ultra-low flush urinals for men. Most use a safe chemical instead of water.
5. Choose “duplex” as the default setting on office copy machines.

Top Five Strategies in Greening for Parents or Expecting Parents:

1. Recycle baby/child items by visiting freecycle.org, where you can literally post giveaway items you no longer need.
2. Install alternatives to conventional water softeners, such as chlorine-free systems or filtration systems
3. Use natural cleaning products instead of toxic solutions. Mix 1 part water with 1 part vinegar you have a solution that will clean most areas of your home.
4. Buy rechargeable batteries for electronic toys.
5. Engage children in greening practices at an early age – teach kids to turn off lights and faucets, keep exterior doors closed, recycle, etc. Also, emphasize hands-on learning with a camping trip, visit to the Zoo or Botanical Garden to connect them with nature at an early age and save money over more commercial forms of consumptive entertainment.

Top Five Strategies in Greening for Residential Homes:

1. Install alternatives to conventional water softeners, such as chlorine-free systems or filtration systems.
2. Use renewable products such as cork instead of hardwood for flooring.
3. Install a hot water demand controlled recirculation pump for water heaters for a 20 to 30 percent reduction in water use.
4. Install a dual-flush option on your toilet. One button for liquids, another for solids!
5. Get your air ducts tested for leaks. Leaky ducts are one of the largest sources of energy loss in your home.