From Teatulia COO – Linda Appel Lipsius

I recently attended a lecture on Sustainability hosted by the University of Denver and I want to share information presented by John Powers of The Alliance for Sustainable Colorado. The Alliance is a collaborative building and virtual building for non-profits, many of whom are focused on the environment. But what struck me most was the building itself – a LEEDS Gold & Silver and US EPA Energy Star Leader – that serves as an example for us all to follow as we attempt to green our environment.

Notable Points:

Of total US Energy consumption, 48% goes to Buildings, 27% to Transportation and 23% to Industry
Of total US Electricity consumption, 76% goes to Buildings, 1% to Transportation and 25% to Industry

The Alliance building has incorporated the following sustainable technologies (mostly pretty low-tech!):
- Toilets: Consume only 1 gallon per flush – Mansfield Plumbing
- Urinals: Water-free – Falcon
- Faucets: Water-efficient, self-generating, run on hydropower – TOTO
- Faucets: Aerator and flow-restrictors to produce foamier, “wetter” water – Whedon Products Inc
- Showerhead: Aerated shower head that delivers less than 2 gallons/minute
- Landscaping: Xeriscaped native greenery – Xeriscape Colorado
- Temperature Control: Computerized Direct Digital Controls – LONWorks
- Insulation: Recycled blue jeans – Bonded Logic
- Flooring: Biodegradable, recyclable floor tiles – Interface FLOR
- Entryways: Walk-off mats to keep toxins out
- Drinking Fountains: Unrefrigerated – Halsey Taylor
- Lights: Intensity control – Axis Technologies Inc
- Windows: Insulated glass to keep heat in in winter and out in summer
- Window Treatments: Sun shades to control sunlight – Ecoveil
- Power: 100% windpower

Amazing technologies that we can all consider when we undertake our next fix-it project!