Connect: Green Building

Imagine being able to power your appliances via solar paint? And we all thought that the best way to go green with paint was sticking with zero VOC’s!

According to the Huffington Post, developers at the University of Notre Dame believe that green homeowners may be able to say hello to a new paint that can generate electricity via ‘power-producing nanoparticles.’ The paint looks no different than any other type of paint and may be able to be made in large quantities at a low cost. When hit by light, the particles are believed to produce small amounts of electricity that researchers hope can be magnified enough to power home appliances. Although still far behind the efficiency of solar panels, if improved, can this 'Sunbelievable' paint be a new wave of the future? Only time will tell.

Read the full article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/22/sunbelievable-solar-power-paint_n_1166357.html?ref=green

In an article written by Chris Keenan on greenbuildingelements.com, we can learn about the large benefits of solar power on our environment. Although the market is dominated by solar power on a smaller-scale installation, these installations can affect us largely overall. The future of solar power is likely to keep growing and therefore decreasing the use of fuels such as gas and oil.

By now we could probably all have guessed that anything having to do with a “green” kitchen would be in the top building trends of any category, especially kitchens, but have you ever thought about having the ability to control your oven via the internet or your cell phone? That’s right, you can control your kitchen remotely!

Check out the article below by Julia Layton on howstuffworks.com. She tells you about the top 5 trends in kitchen design, from customizable concrete countertops to installing a high-def tv on your fridge. Kitchens aren’t just for cooking anymore!

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/construction/planning/5-kitchen-building-trends.htm

Allegrone Construction Co. is currently installing composite slate shingles at the new office location in Lenox. These slate shingles are rated with an SRI Index greater than 78, contributing to LEED credits pertaining to the Heat Island Effect. 

Incorporating a reflective roof or green roof will help to reduce cooling loads, thereby lowering energy consumption and making for a more comfortable space.

The Stormceptor storm water treatment systems slow incoming storm water to create a non-turbulent treatment environment, allowing free oils and debris to rise and sediment to settle.

This storm water treatment technology will be used at Allegrone’s new office location at 150 Pittsfield Road in Lenox.

Read more about the Stormceptor at http://www.stormceptor.com/en/products/stormceptor-classic-systems/inlet-stormceptor.html