Hurricane Recovery: Reconstruction Design & Technologies

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has a Web site of cost-effective, durable and energy-efficient building reconstruction to highlight topics and techniques for rebuilding in the wake of recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region. The application of proven building technologies and designs can make a long-term difference in areas vulnerable to natural disasters, resulting in safer, healthier, more economically viable communities that are less susceptible to disaster.

Cashing in with Green Buildings

An excerpt from a story in Small Business Times:

For years, environmental activists have advocated the construction of "green" buildings, instead of conventional buildings, to conserve precious natural resources. However, an increaing number of bottom-line driven busineeses are constructing green buidlings or renovating older buildings to make them more "green." In an era of skyrocketing energy costs and dwindling supplies of fresh drinking water, it pays to be green. "Absolutely, it can save you money," said Kenneth Peintka, chief operating office of Madison-based Planning Design Build Inc.