January 2009 Special Release |
A New Solar Wave
By: Timothy Boe, NCARB, AIA www.eco-tects.com Unprecedented in the history of the United States, the 44th President, Barack Obama made numerous references to a nationwide commitment for developing sustainable technology as part of a Presidential Acceptance Speech. In the same historic window of time, some of the largest shopping center companies and developers of commercial, retail and residential properties in the world have made similar commitments. In the shadow of this activity a nation stunned by the economic collapse of 2008 are responding to the challenge to "dust themselves off and pick themselves up." Buoyed by a sense of unity of high purpose, the US has now become a committed participant in the global mission for the creation of a sustainable society. Hard hit by the financial calamity of the past year and unable to obtain credit or loans for construction, the building industry is in a swoon. Cascading down from this sputtering industry, demand for goods and services across the entire spectrum of the trades and occupations have slowed to a halt. Echoing across this bleak landscape, the call for sustainables is now being clearly heard. These demands for 21st century solutions to our economic and environmental conundrum are now emanating from board rooms and even the steps of Congress -- hands firmly locked with the White House and Capitols of other nations. Technology is responding to the call. The prestige once given the quest for alternative energy sources, solutions and systems has now reached an all time high. Energy companies are stepping up -- even those that built their fortunes on non-renewable energy sources are staking their futures on the development of breaking edge, clean, renewable energy technology. The building industry is now pondering revolutionary approaches to building and community design never before thought possible. This shared vision is being fed as the latest in sustainable technology spills from the drawing boards to become available for their use. One concept, unattainable as recent as last year, has now become feasible -- that of the SPB -- Solar Powered Building. Recent announcements and product demonstrations by RSi Energy Group has heralded the arrival of Solar Powered Windows, 350 watt Photo-Voltaic panels, and an energy storage system for retaining the captured energy during off-peak hours. These products are quietly revolutionizing the design industry, as buildings can now become self contained generators of power -- not parasites feeding off the grid. In optimum situations SPBs can even give back the excess energy they produce to help satisfy the energy needs of their neighbors. In looking at the business model this prospect presents, building owners may now anticipate an entirely new income stream, in place of a previous operating cost. Add to that equation the environmental relief offered by this solution and these truly become the "smart" buildings of the future that designers have long dreamed of. In the December Edition of Eco-Tips Magazine an article titled "Windows to an Energy Future" explored the potential of Solar Powered Windows. That story focused on the announcement by RSi Energy Group that they had the world's first solar windows ready for delivery in the United States. Now today with the announcement of 350-Watt, 160% power output solar panels and an energy storage system, the picture is complete. Click here to view the press release. RSi will be demonstrating these revolutionary products at the Go Green Expo in Los Angeles. RSi Energy Group will be located in booth # 641. Running Friday through this weekend, the Go Green Expo will feature many products that are geared to help the sustainable movement flourish and prosper.
For more information about the Go Green Expo, click here. Managing Director, Timothy Boe is an architect and founder of BOE ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL. With almost forty years of experience in the design and building industry, Mr. Boe brings a vast knowledge of numerous building types, as well as a considerable body of experience in urban design and planned communities. During his long career, Mr. Boe has been involved in numerous environmentally related projects, including several that have been bestowed awards for thoughtful re-use of "brownfield" properties, innovative planning solutions and adaptive re-use of properties involving lead base paint, asbestos abatement, site clean-up, wetlands enhancements and the creation of wildlife sanctuaries for threatened species. Mr. Boe has also served continuously since 1989 on the Board of Directors for Windwalker International... a sustainable alternative energy company. |
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Published by BOE Eco-tects, a division of BOE Alliance International |
