Green Buildings around Hoboken, Jersey City & New York

Posted on September 23, 2009 by itees

Thoughts about who’s using “Green Building” technology…

There’s construction going up all along the New Jersey side of the Hudson River, some of which I can see out of my windows from Jersey City’s “Heights” section and I’m concerned about the land they cleared away to build these new condominiums and hotels. I can see across the Hudson to the construction in NYC and I’m wondering whether these buildings on both sides of the river are using green technology.

Here’s part of what Wikipedia says about “green design” & “green building”:

“A sustainable building, or green building is an outcome of a design philosophy which focuses on increasing the efficiency of resource use — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal. Though green building is interpreted in many different ways, a common view is that they should be designed and operated to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment.”

According to “Green-Buildings.com” Mayor Jerramiah Healy wants to “Green” Jersey City.

“The Mayor has proposed several ordinances which include an incentive for private developers. Developers of new construction or retrofitting/upgrading existing structures would be eligible to apply for the incentive which includes offering partial refunds on building permit application fees ranging from 10% – 25%. The refund amount depends on which level of LEED certification is achieved by the developer. 10% refunds would be available for the minimum “LEED Certified” and 25% would be available for the highest level of certification, “LEED Platinum.”

Garden Street Lofts, Hoboken, NJ

“Garden Street Lofts by Del-Sano Contracting Corp., is the first LEED-certified building in Hoboken, targeting a LEED Gold rating. This is achieved through an intergrated design process that includes a variety of sustainable measures. To read more about this building, visit Garden street Lofts.”

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Bank of America & Durst Organization have built a “green skyscraper” in NYC and here’s a video about their efforts to help the climate crisis.

Here’s a YouTube Video:

Here’s my question for today. How “green” is a skyscraper, building or hotel when the space could have been a park? Perhaps we should call these buildings “energy efficient” “sustainable.” I’m not sure I can go with the term of a building being “green.”

About “Green” Design & Sustainable Printing

Posted on September 21, 2009 by itees

Wanting to do my part (as President Obama has reminded us), I have always been attracted to organizations and green initiatives that will help our planet. When I design print marketing materials such as brochures, postcards, posters, and other signage, I make sure to select a printer who cares about the same “green” issues and will use recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks as much as possible. In talking with “green” printers (for my other blog with Mary Jo Rhodes) FROGS ARE GREEN, we want to make sure we are producing a fine product and one that won’t harm the planet.

Beautiful image of young leaves in a forest from istockphoto

I have researched various printers and organizations because I think it’s important to read about them, and see just what they are or aren’t doing. My goal is to use only USA printers and brands.

Here’s a bit about what some of them are doing:

Green Press Initiative

Mission: The mission of the Green Press Initiative is to work with book and newspaper industry stakeholders to conserve natural resources, preserve endangered forests, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize impacts on indigenous communities.

Green Press Initiative

Mission: “The mission of the Green Press Initiative is to work with book and newspaper industry stakeholders to conserve natural resources, preserve endangered forests, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize impacts on indigenous communities.”

Monroe Litho – Sustainable Commercial Printing

“For over 60 years, Monroe Litho has been on the cutting edge of printing technology—and today, we’re leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainability. From pre-press, printing, and binding to mailing and fulfillment, Monroe Litho has the people, the equipment, and the processes to bring your next project to life—maximizing your impact on customers, and minimizing your impact on the planet!”

Design It Greener

“Designitgreener is an all-inclusive resource for the graphic, packaging, industrial, interior and architectural design industries. At designitgreener.com, we’re helping designers stay informed and educated on the latest and greatest in all realms of green design by providing news, tips and advice, a glossary of common green terms and a green design gallery where designers will find inspiration to help begin and continue to make green choices a part of their everyday design practices.”

Riding my bicycle on the Greenway in NYC

Posted on September 20, 2009 by itees

Yesterday was a bright, clear day, the air was cool and just perfect for a long bicycle ride. The Greenway runs all along the Hudson River, from Battery Park to the George Washington Bridge. I took my camera along because there are a few gardens that I love to circle a few times, and I sometimes stop and admire the beauty.

One of those gardens is in Battery Park and somewhat hidden if you didn’t know about it. It even has a lily pond, but I didn’t see any Frogs. There are gardens all along the Greenway, one near Chelsea, and another of my favorites further uptown, at Riverside Park (91st Street Garden & Crabapple Grove).

Here’s a sample photograph from Riverside Park, to see the complete gallery, click here.

riverside4-post

As I was riding, I was taking it all in, the sounds of crickets, birds, and the river water against the rocks, the butterflies here and there, sail boats out on the water, the Circle Line, people out in kayaks, and the beauty of the surroundings. I’ll never understand why someone would choose to ride and wear earphones, talk on a cell phone or even text. Aside from the dangers of not wearing a helmet and not paying attention to the others on the road, they’re just missing it all.