Build it and apparently they will come.  Songdo is South Korea's newest sustainable city that offers a lifestyle that even Leo couldn't dream up. Designed by KPF Urban Design Principles, this waterfront global business hub is located in Incheon and sits on 1,500 acres of reclaimed land.   The 100 million sq ft, yes I said 100 MILLION, of commercial, residential, retail, hospitality and public space is the home of one of the largest economies in the world.  Songdo is the largest LEED for Neighborhood Development project outside of North America to participate in the pilot program.  Check out SONGDO.

Stimulus Funding for Energy: Where Is It Now?
The US government is willing the public, media and lawmakers to be patient. We must remember that jobs and energy savings are the goal of the Stimulus, and they can't be achieved if the public gives up just as funds begin flowing.

Efforts to ramp up weatherization have been backed by large increases in funding, from an initial $450 million to $5 billion. To learn more about the Weatherization Assistance program, and what to expect in the near future, read the full article.

New Construction Code Aims to Unify and Expand Green Building Standards
The first version of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) by the International Code Council (ICC) has been released to the public.

This code attempts to reconcile and encompass a number of green building standards already in place. The USGBC, AIA, and a number of other vital construction-focused organizations partnered with the ICC to create this comprehensive code that gives flexibility to municipalities and local government to tailor it to their regions green building strengths. To learn more about the code and find where you can read the IGCC and give your feedback, continue reading.

The World's first engineered bamboo dimensional lumber has arrived: Lumboo brought to you by Cali Bamboo. Replace traditional dimensional lumber with a stronger more durable wood that is stronger, sustainable and affordable.

Lumboo is made from 100% compressed bamboo. Large bamboo poles are shredded into strips and configured into a matrix optimized for structural integrity. Once the bamboo matrix is built a low VOC (volatile organic compound) resin is added and the bamboo is placed into a hydraulic press which compresses the material at several hundred thousand pounds of force. The result is an extremely dense bamboo block and is nearly indestructible. The bamboo block is then milled and sanded to create the world's first dimensional bamboo lumber.

Bamboo fencing is also available and makes a beautiful new fence project or dresses up a worn out yet still functional fence. Our Stinson project's old fence recently got a bamboo upgrade.


Other bamboo products are available such as flooring, decking, plywood, poles, paneling, slats, edging, blinds, rugs and matting. See all the Cali Bamboo products.

STEP Warmfloor
Did you know radiant floor heating has been around for 2,000 years?  Neither did we.  Back then, radiant floor heating could only be afforded by the rich and the privileged in bathhouses and palaces.  Today, STEP Warmfloor, a Montana based company, makes it possible for all to enjoy a comfortable, environmentally friendly and energy efficient radiant floor.  This low voltage, even heat, self-regulating system product has been used worldwide for over 25 years and it's usually half the price of other radiant floor systems.

Sustainable Spinning
- two words you don't hear in the same sentence often.  Well, Steve Nash's Sports Clubs are making it happen.  If you are not a basketball fan, Steve Nash plays for the Phoenix Suns and also happens to love green design.  His 38,500 sq ft gym is the first sports club in Vancouver, Canada to follow the LEED rating system for Commercial Interiors.

The sports club features floors made from recycled tires, bamboo locker panels, energy efficient lighting, and our personal fav - pedal powered electricity produced by spin bikes which powers some of the facilities lighting.  Who knew, working out is good for the environment too.  Check out Steve Nash Sports Clubs.