Commercial Remodeling: May 2008 Archives

Not all solar installations have to be on the rooftop...or even permanent in one place.  Take this new desk design:

The SOLo Lounge Table might change the working habits of teckies. Built into the surface of this roll-around table are solar panels that charge up its internal battery and power your devices. It can connect to a variety of devices and there’s a drawer for storing and charging your gadgets. The SOLo alse features Bluetooth connectivity for system monitoring in addition to the included System Monitor display/device. More info here.

True smart water management technology is the most effective way to achieve LEED certification (by USGBC)  for outdoor water conservation.

Although a wide range of irrigation technologies are marketed as being smart, genuine smart water management systems are differentiated by:

• No people involvement, because all irrigation activity is determined and executed by the system
• Low maintenance costs, unlike systems based on sensors and temperature gauges
• Ideal for both new construction and retrofitting, since they don't require the implantation of sensors, gauges or other in-ground equipment.

Beyond providing a straightforward path to LEED certification for outdoor areas, smart water management technology delivers a full complement of business and environmental benefits.

• Water savings for cost reduction
• Water savings for environmental impact
• Reduced risk by not damaging or creating slippery surfaces on hardscapes.
• Healthier landscape plants with scientifically scheduled watering to protect living assets

According to WeatherTRAK, landscape irrigation systems based on this technology are 30 percent more efficient than traditional low-tech watering systems, speeding payback and eliminating infrastructure investments.

In California, AB 2717 and AB 1881 mandate that new construction include a weather based smart controller by 2012 and that cities/municipalities adopt smart irrigation by 2010.  Other Southeastern states heavily impacted by recent droughts and water shortages are following California's legislative approach.