From Austin Energy, here’s a good overview of a variety of sustainable construction technologies. Much of this is Austin-centric, but the reading references and overviews are broadly applicable. For example, here’s the start of the graywater systems page: In Central Texas, any opportunity to reuse water should be taken because we are using up more […]
I’ve heard this workshop provides a good overview of home efficiency upgrades, including lots of ideas for DIY projects: Austin Energy Green Buildingâ„¢ holds its one-day Green by Design workshop four times a year. Austinites preparing to build, buy, or remodel a home can learn how to improve energy and water efficiency, increase comfort, and […]
Tonight, Austinites can check out a cooperative community event: In addition to the retro White Ghost Shivers’ music, I’m excited to check out the Austin Time Exchange Network, South Austin Food Co-op, and Black Star Co-op…
They’re not Make or Craft, but a few other magazines do have a healthy sprinkling of DIY projects among their archives. Here’s a good one from Homepower: Passive Solar Retrofit… In A Weekend (pdf). As I find sustainable projects, especially those that are lower-tech, I find it interesting to look at any disadvantages and think […]
The first wave farm is open for biz, er, waving… The world’s first commercial wave farm went live at the end of September in Agucadoura, located off the coast of northern Portugal. Designed by Pelamis Wave Power, the farm employs three Wave Energy Converters – snakelike, semi-submerged devices that generate electricity with hydraulic rams driven […]
“Human Pump” by Gunwook Nam attempts to solve the global water crisis by capturing kinetic energy generated by human foot traffic in order to power a large system of pumps to move clean drinking water to the earth’s surface in the form of a waterfall. Some very nice renderings of the design at the link […]
I spotted this different take on a vertical-axis wind turbine at Maker Faire Austin last weekend: I haven’t found any further documentation on Rusty Forbes’ design online, but the Makers’ site claims this will work in winds from 5 to 90 miles per hour. Any takers to try and document building one? Also, check out […]
