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Green Building Survey: 70% of Executives Believe Green Buildings Make Better Schools

In a survey commissioned by Turner Construction Company, one of the leading general builders in the U.S., the results show that green building costs less than the general public thinks, but this misconception is still the primary obstacle to mass acceptance.This year’s Market Barometer took a snapshot of the views of senior executives on the benefits and costs of Green buildings, with a focus on Green educational facilities – K-12 and higher educational facilities. Green buildings were defined as buildings which use design and construction practices to significantly reduce or eliminate negative effects on the environment and occupants. More K-12 school districts and higher educational institutions recognize that Green facilities provide a more effective learning environment. The interest in Green educational facilities is part of a broader recognition of the critical importance of the physical environment to the health and performance of students and teachers. Large percentages of executives at organizations involved with Green K-12 facilities rated them more highly than traditional facilities on a range of benefits: Ability to attract and retain teachers (74%) Reduced student absenteeism (72%) Student performance (71%) Which Green features of K-12 facilities are most important? 49% cited improved indoor air quality as most important, […]

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Nearly Two-Thirds of Americans Have Tried Organic Foods and Beverages

Just after the third anniversary in late October of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) implementation of the National Organic Program, which mandates a national standard for the production of organic foods, an annual survey released today reveals nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of Americans have tried organic foods and beverages, jumping from just over half (54 percent) in both 2003 and 2004. The market for organic foods continues to grow, with 27 percent of respondents indicating they consume more organic foods and beverages than they did one year ago. Ten percent consume organic foods several times per week, up from just seven percent last year. According to the 2005 Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq: WFMI) Organic Trend Tracker, Americans are buying organic foods and beverages for a variety of reasons. The top three are: avoidance of pesticides (70.3 percent), freshness (68.3 percent), and health and nutrition (67.1 percent). More than half (55 percent) buy organic to avoid genetically modified foods. Also, more than half of all respondents agree that organic foods and beverages are “better for my health” (52.8 percent) and better for the environment (52.4 percent). The survey shows significantly higher taste and quality ratings from Americans who regularly consume […]

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Weekly Clean Energy Roundup:November 17, 2005

News and Events Ford Launches Hybrid Taxis in New York City Massachusetts and Illinois Support Large Renewable Energy Projects Wal-Mart Launches Second Energy-Saving Store in Colorado Idaho School District to Switch to Biomass FuelSite NewsDOE Launches Web Site for “Easy Ways to Save Energy” Campaign Energy ConnectionsDOE Report Projects Huge Growth in Coal-Fired Power Plants Ford Launches Hybrid Taxis in New York CitySix Ford Escape Hybrids took to the streets of New York City last week to serve as the city’s first hybrid electric taxicabs. The hybrid taxis are the first to serve the city since the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission approved eight hybrid models in mid-October. Although the commission was spurred to action by an act passed by the New York City Council in July, the commission is now encouraging taxicab owners to switch to hybrids. According to the commission, the average New York taxi travels nearly 100,000 miles each year, and of the 13,000 taxis in the city, about 2,000 are due for retirement next year. See the press release from the Ford Motor Company.Meanwhile, Japanese automakers have been rolling out their 2006 hybrid models. In early November, Lexus introduced a front-wheel-drive version of its […]

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