Hi janeAnne,  how about advance framing techniques to reduce construction waste?  A 20 year project?  WOW!!  That is intriguing.

All of the green building happening...I find extrememly exciting.  :)  Can't wait to see it all 3 years from now.

I loved the article about the Ford facility in Deerborn.  Our governor is very visionary in her understanding of how our economy in Michigan can be transformed to an economically viable and sustainable one utilizing the manufacturing facilities which are increasingly vacated right now to create a new kind of job.  It's truly exciting.

Hi janeAnne - the more I read about things green, the more they really just seem like good old common sense to me.  The things in the list you wrote above really just make a ton of sense that builders and developers would pay special attention to.

Ann

Wow JaneAnne ~ You have spoken many times about the dynamics of William McDonough. Listening to his talk brought it home. Mr. McDonough makes a great point in his presentation of softening the truth by inflecting some humor....that humor that allows one to cover up the silliness of reality with laughter. 

This is a very impact full and truthful way of looking at what is truly going on in our world. True visionaries and people who act on their beliefs and are not afraid to share those visions with others can impact out future tremendously. Thank you for the link to Mr. McDonough's speaking engagement! Truly worth the 20 minutes!

I have been to LiveRoof in Spring Lake, Michigan for a tour. What a great system these roofs are! It is disheartening to read by-laws of communities that disallow by design, things like Live Roofs. Unfortunately, many site planners will not take efforts like these into effect until it is mandated. I choose to work with those who have foresight otherwise and will help teach people like myself "status quo" is not working. Thank you for bringing this to light!  

HI JaneAnne - I got sidetracked there with the Live Roof because of the connection to Rogue River Plant!!!

• Site and Landscape: healthy outdoors by using erosion control and saving existing trees
• Water Efficiency: lower water bills by using high efficiency irrigation and plumbing fixtures
• Building Envelope: lower utility bills by using high efficiency windows and insulation
• Heating and Cooling Systems: higher comfort with efficiency equipment and sealed air ducts
• Appliances and Lighting: lower utility bills by using Energy Star appliances and lighting
• Indoor Air Quality: a healthy interior with non-toxic finishes and minimizing mold
• Materials: a low maintenance home using durable, local, and recycled content materials

I think you have covered so much...Like Mr. McDonough says, we need to adapt change. Simple is good. I LOVE Mr. McDonough's goal..."a delightfully diverse, safe, healthy and just world, with clean air, water, soil and power - economically, equitably, ecologically and elagantly enjoyed"

 Is that really too much to ask for???

I'm in love with Williams McDonough..!?! 

Stephanie~

You suggested "advance framing techniques to reduce construction waste,,," and I'd like to learn more about that. Any links you might share?..or suggestions for web sites to visit? Thanks for your comment!

Lola~ 

Having grown up in the Detroit area, I was especially interested to be informed of William McDonough's work with FoMoCo. To see it happen is amazing. I didn't know about the governor of Michigan, however. THX for the news!

Ann~

Some  may call it "horse sense" down here in horse country (I'm smiling)...but you call green building and innovation " good old common sense"  and that sounds  about right  to me. It is an economy of thoughtful practice that provides quality of life as its outcome...a double win ...

Mary~

I am thrilled that you set aside time to listen to the talk William McDonough gave. He is such an attractive speaker with humor and style...and he is one of the great GREEN visionaries of our time...

As I said......Listen here to  what he has to say, and decide for yourself. My take: Definitely inspiring for real estate professionals, no matter where you live, or if you live in "interesting " times.

Alex~ 

Did you get a chance to listen to his lecture? He's an amazing person...I'm in love with his courage, vision and the energy he has to create the most positive impact imaginable upon this world....Here's the link to his talk in case you missed it...Great hope for the future...Listen here to  what he has to say,

thanks for your comment!

Hi janeAnne,

ToolBase is a neat site for building resources..  Advanced Framing Techniques

There is also PathNet 

Something else that is also interesting is by placing the studs further apart (if one was to choose that method) there is less air infiltration and better insulation.  The weak point is where the insulation meets the studs, unless you use a spray foam.  More insulation is always good. :)

I saw a container home yesterday and they are almost finished with it...they just started their 7th Bag of trash.  WOW!  That is normal trash bags.