L.L. Bean goes L.L. Green

For over 90 years, Outdoor Lifestyle retailer L.L. Bean has offered apparel and accessories marketed toward those with an appreciation for nature. In an effort to maintain their relationship with their eco-savvy clientele, they have opted to transform their retail spaces into educational environments by sharing their initiatives in creating a sustainable atmosphere in addition to their green business structure. The first store to undergo this transformation was their Mansfield, Massachusetts location with a design by Bergmyer Associates of Boston. This 30,000 square-foot space is part of USGBC’s LEED for Retail-CI pilot program, which today is still going through many revisions because of the unique needs of retail spaces. A rising concern with renovations, regardless of whether or not sustainable materials are being utilized, is the amount of waste produced by demolition of old interiors. L.L. Bean saw to it that as much of their renovation bi-products were recycled as possible. The end result: only about 25% of their debris ended up in landfills. Their commitment to preserve the outdoors inspired them to take advantage of using reclaimed wood for fixtures and wall panels to maintain a natural feel throughout the store.

From the ceiling to the floor, this space contains technologically advanced and sustainable elements. Light sensitive fixtures work with motion and daylight so that the energy is only utilized when an area is occupied. Additionally, flooring is made of recycled content and rubber. Low VOC adhesives were used throughout the space. Though L.L. Bean has 6 registered LEED retail stores, this is their first to earn a Silver award. 

Ford to Generate Electricity…from Paint!

If ever there was a time to stand in awe of the world of science, it is now, in this burgeoning age of clean tech geniuses coming up with fascinating (if not mind-blowing) solutions to the energy and environmental challenges with which we’re faced.  One such remarkable solution is being launched by U.S. automaker Ford, whose own team of such geniuses have come up with a method of harnessing the electricity-generating potential of VOC’s in autobody paint.  To be launched at their Oakville, Ontario plant, the process called Fumes-to-Fuel involves the sequestration of VOC’s in a 2,000 gallon vat of carbon beads, where they are absorbed.  The carbon beads are then processed themselves, to release the VOC’s for conversion into fuel for a 300 KW fuel cell that will power the plant itself.  According to Ford, the electricity generated by the fuel cell is enough to power about 150 homes, and the process will result in an 88% reduction of carbon dioxide and elimination of nitrogen oxide, two negative aspects inherent in autobody painting.

By utilizing VOC’s for good, Ford has set the stage for other automakers to take up a similarly progressive clean tech mantle.  Reducing noxious gases and CO2 within their plants, and converting paint fumes to power their own facilities, are no small feats, however the automaker still must strive to quickly develop super-efficient vehicles in the same progressive vein.  In fact, it must do so to survive, as Japanese and German (VW and BMW) automakers are already making strides in alternative fuels and fuel efficiency.  Nonetheless, Ford’s Fumes-to-Fuel program is surely a sign of things to come, as more and more companies push the envelope, and emerge with the right solutions to our energy dependent world.

Ford

Ford’s media announcement on Fumes-to-Fuel program

Why is it so Hard to Build a Small a House?

(Image courtesy of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company)

With the economy on the verge of a recession and the urgency to lessen environmental impact at an all-time high, it’s no wonder many people are turning to smaller homes. Marty Pieroni, a developer from Kuna, Idaho, has dealt with consumers that are seeking smaller spaces due to financial restrictions or just a need to simplify their lives. Although he signed a contract for 1,400 square foot houses with the City of Kuna, he recently requested to build 20 houses that were 1,250 square feet, 150 square feet less than his minimum. The City Council turned down the request, saying that they want to increase the value of housing in the area and attract buyers. Their fear is that Kuna would soon be known as a city with inexpensive starter homes that would deflate values of surrounding, established properties. However, Pieroni told them this wasn’t the case. He emphasized that with the help of sound material choices, a smaller house can appear aesthetically similar to a more traditional larger house, but with 695 square feet less space than the average house last year. And in using better quality and long-lasting materials, less maintenance would be required on the part of the owner, and ultimately environmental impact would decrease - even more so, with the integration of on-site solar, wind, and/or geothermal power.

What are the actual benefits of a smaller house, anyway? Quite simply, it is better for the environment and more economical at the same time, counter to the reflexive notion that all things green building-oriented are more expensive. Furthermore, a small house encourages simplified living, which results in less waste, less clutter, less use of electricity, and less water consumption. The less space that’s available for habitation, the less power is consumed for heating and cooling, therefore removing fewer overall resources from our ever depleting supply.

City of Kuna 

Small House Society

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

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Nicole Maccarone is an Ecolect Super Intern based in the East Coast office in Providence, RI.