Industry News

Post Earthquake, Microgrids Supplied Power to Empty Schools

Ten microgrid systems installed in schools in Puerto Rico were put to the test recently after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake caused massive power outages. The systems survived and successfully powered critical loads in each school, according to Rocky Mountain Institute, which championed the installations along with Save the Children and the Kinesis Foundation, after Hurricane Maria. However, other issues stood in the way of taking full advantage of the back-up power—at least in the short Read more…

By JR Homes, ago

At this new net-zero energy McDonald’s, on-site solar provides 100% of the power

At a new McDonald’s restaurant that just opened at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (with COVID-19 protection measures in place), solar panels covering the roof—and solar glass panels throughout the building—are designed to generate enough energy that the restaurant can run on 100% renewable power. Running fully on renewable power, or reaching a goal of “net zero” energy use, “is still sort of at the technological edge for buildings,” says Carol Ross Barney, principal Read more…

By JR Homes, ago

What’s the Difference Between Frugality and Minimalism?

A post in which we examine the differences (and similarities) between two terms. “Frugality” and “minimalism” are two words that appear frequently in Treehugger articles. But they tend to be confused in many corners of the Internet, and even used interchangeably, so I thought it might be helpful to take a closer look at what each one means. What Is Frugality? Frugality refers to a conserving of one’s resources, usually financial, though it can also Read more…

By JR Homes, ago

Rising from the Rubble

As Hurricane Irma bares down on Florida after devastating the Caribbean and the wake of the devastation left in Texas by Harvey and the earthquake in Mexico our prayers go out to those in the midst of  the storms and chaos.  Losing everything can be devastating and we in no way want to trivialize the experience of those who have survived these major events, however, we do want to take this tragedy and turn it Read more…

By builder, ago