Aqua in Chicago, has been named the skyscraper of the year by Emporis, beating out other fantastic green skyscapers all over the world.  CBS Reports:


“You could say things are really looking up for a Chicago skyscraper.


On Tuesday, Emporis, the global building database, will officially name Aqua its Skyscraper of the Year for 2009.


The award is given every year to a building 100 meters tall or higher that was completed within the award year.


Aqua, a mixed-use residential tower located at 225 N. Columbus Dr., won the award for “its fascinating shape, whose appearance changes dramatically depending on the perspective,” Emporis said in a news release.


Emporis also lauded the precision of the building’s construction, as well as its environmentally-friendly design.


“Situated in a large lakeside development, Aqua intersperses undulating balconies with flat glassy planes to create a wavy facade in keeping with its nautical theme,” Emporis said.


Aqua architect Jeanne Gang compared the exterior of the building to the striated limestone along the Great Lakes.


Aqua is also the third-tallest building in the world designed by a woman, and the tallest such building in the United States.


But Aqua wasn’t the only Chicago building on the list. Trump International Hotel & Tower at 401 N. Wabash Ave., now the city and nation’s second tallest building after the Willis Tower, ranked fifth in the contest.


The full list for Emporis’ Top 10 Skyscrapers in 2009:
1. Aqua, Chicago
2. O14, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3. The Met, Bangkok, Thailand
4. Torres de Hércules, Los Barrios, Spain
5. Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
6. The Red Apple, Rotterdam, Netherlands
7. Bank of America Tower, New York
8, Almas Tower, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
9, Millennium Tower, San Francisco
10. William Beaver House, New York”


Keep up the good work guys! Click here for a full listing of other Green Skyscrapers!

The developers of Symphony Park in Las Vegas Nevada felt that the residents of Sin City have been missing something for a long time – Urban Living. They seek to change that with the development of Symphony Park, which sits on 61 acres of previously unused land just a couple miles North of the Las Vegas Strip.


Symphony Park is the only development in Nevada which has been accepted into the LEED Neighborhood Development (ND) Pilot Program. The development was likely accepted because of the vast amounts of green features and eco-friendly building principals which it will embrace. When all is said and done, the project will conserve enough energy and gas to power 2,100 homes and save over 124 million gallons of water on an annual basis.


Symphony park will be divided up into districts, with each one focusing on a different aspect of urban life. There will be a Civic District with a performing arts center, a Specialty District with hotels and entertainment, a Medical/Office, and a Residential District. Overall Symphony Park will feature about 3,000 urban style homes which include highrise units, mid-rise units, condos, townhomes, and live/work lofts.


You can read all about Symphony Park , and other green developments on our Green Housing Website.

According to a recent report by the American Institute of Architects, there has been a 50% increase in the number of cities in the US with a green building program, since 2007. The total number of cities with such a program is now 138. More impressive is the fact that 24 of the 25 most populated metropolitan areas in the United States have a green building program in place to promote eco-friendly building practices.


The increase in green building wont come as a surprise to many, since it seems like the logical next step towards making the planet more energy efficient. What is surprising however, is the fact that the movement has seen such a boost during what is otherwise, a horrible economic period for builders. It could be viewed as counter-intuitive that programs would be formed, which impose stricter standards, during a time when builders can use all of the help that they can get.


Historically, policy changes often have the best luck getting off of the ground during an economic slowdown. In fact, this may be the best time for a green movement to take place, since everyone is collectively looking around at each other and asking the question “Ok, so what do we do now?”. Going green and building smarter buildings is one answer to that question.


The western states are still the best representatives for going green. 56 of the 138 total programs are located in just 6 western states. From our research, many of the best green residential buildings are happening on the west coast. But, make no mistake, the west is not alone in their pursuit of green building. Cities like Austin, Chicago, and Charleston are green building hot spots, with wonderful green residential projects in the works. In fact, we have found some great green communities in just about every city we have looked, whether they have a green building program in place or not.


What is nice is that there are a few nationwide green standards for those who build in cities who don’t already have any green building policies in place. LEED, NAHB Green, and Energy Star all set national standards, which responsible builders can use. As the movement continues, we hope to see every city adopt a green building program. Providing support and incentives for such a good cause is a refreshing activity in which to see municipalities partaking.

Ever wonder what happens to all of the rainwater after a new street or parking lot is paved?  Well, generally, all of that water, which used to be getting absorbed into the ground, is now heading into a storm sewer.  From the storm sewer the water makes its way either directly back into a stream (full of pollutants), or through a retention pond, and then slowly back into the ground.  There are a few problems associated with this model. They include:

• Plants and trees with roots near the pavement no longer get the amount of water they need to survive
• Small streams and creeks are overloaded with excess rain water and cause localized flooding
• Runoff from non-porous pavement is concentrated and polluted, leading to unhealthy water

Porous pavement solves all of these problems and we are glad to see that it is being used in many of the green communities which we have reviewed.   Porous pavement is essentially pavement made with cracks or large stones where water can easily run through and reach the ground.  The pavement can be concrete, asphault, gravel, grass, or many other combinations or these.  Underneath the pavement is generally several layers of stones, which act as a natural filter for the water, removing impurities, making sure the ground absorbs healthy water.


Porous pavement is more expensive than asphalt by the square foot, but costs can be deferred due to the reduced need for storm water systems.  Benefits of porous pavement include the nurturing of natural trees which are near streets and sidewalks, healthier water infiltration the ground around homes and neighborhoods,  and a much more stable water table.


Here are a few communities which we admire, which have made a choice to feature porous pavement:

• Oak Terrace Preserve – Charleston, SC - Using permeable walkways, bio-swales, and rain gardens to minimize rain water impact.
• Pringle Creek – Salem, OR - The largest residential community in the United States using porous streets and sidewalks!
• High Point – Seattle, WA – All porous sidewalks and streets make this already extremely eco-friendly community even greener.

Check out the communities above and let us know your thoughts on the use of porous pavement.

The United States Department of Energy currently sets national energy efficiency standards for nearly every appliance in the United States. This includes many appliances which are at the center of the green movement, such as; dishwashers, clothes dryers, ceiling fans, light bulbs, and many more.


Until now, the U.S. DOE has always applied its standards to all manufacturers across the United States, regardless of region. Well, there are several powerful lobby groups, which represent both energy efficiency advocates and manufacturers, who are urging the U.S DOE to set regional standards when it comes to HVAC systems.


HVAC Systems differ widely in usage depending on the climate of the location. A heating system in Arizona, for example, would be used much less often than one in Wisconsin. The same is true in reverse for air conditioners. So what these groups are advocating, is that there should be stricter requirements for the heater in Wisconsin and the AC unit in Arizona, due to the fact that they are more often used.


It is yet to be seen whether this means making standards stricter in the higher use regions, or loosening standards in the lower use regions. Manufacturers argue that it is not cost effective to install a super efficient furnace in Key West, Florida, where it might be used just a few times a year. Free market enthusiasts would tend to agree, going even further, and saying that energy efficiency standards don’t really need to exist at all, and that the marketplace (and the rising cost of energy) should determine how efficient of systems someone wants to install.


What do you think about the idea of regional energy efficiency standards?

EcoRock is a new eco-friendly drywall which was recently invented by the team at Serious Materials. The drywall uses 80% less energy to produce than standard gypsum drywall and emits 60% less dust and no airborn mercury, which greatly increases indoor air quality. The best part? EcoRock costs the same as standard drywall.


Kevin Surace, the CEO of EcoRock, spoke at the TED conference last February, introducing the innovative new material. It is made from 80% recycled materials, mostly from steel and cement plants. EcoRock is also recyclable at the end of it’s life, either as an additive to soil, or as a raw material for more EcoRock.


We at Green Housing Developments, feel that EcoRock is a welcome change to the building industry, and we expect to see it in many green projects in the near future. Currently, EcoRock is scheduled for availability in the United States in 2010. Initial demand is stated to be very high, so put your orders in now!

Here is a wonderful speech from James Kunstler regarding the changes that will need to be made in order to help America get through the energy crisis.  He humorously covers the deterioration of a “sense of place” caused by suburban sprawl and questionable architectural practices over the past few decades.  He recognizes that the changes which need to be made in America go well beyond inventing alternative fuels, but rather they begin with a candid examination of the way in which we live and build today.

We at Green Housing Developments are big supporters of green communities and buildings which are within convenient walking distance of most of ones everyday needs. For that reason we have added a new feature to our reviews of every eco-friendly community. It’s called Walk Score. Walk Score is a rating system that gives an address a score from 1-100 depending on the proximity of things like restaurants, coffee shops, parks, schools, pharmacies, grocery stores, and many more. Generally speaking, a maximum score is assigned for residences which have all conveniences within .25 miles of the address.  Ratings fall into the general categories of: Walkers Paradise, Very Walkable, Somewhat Walkable, and Car Dependent.


A more walkable neighborhood has many benefits which include reduced carbon emissions from automobiles, the added health benefits of walking, and the increased socialization and sense of community that comes from being out and about with neighbors.


Many of the green communities found on our site have extremely high Walk Scores.  Check out Olive 8 and VEER Lofts in Seattle and 340 on the Park in Chicago.