Check out our recent feature story in the San Bernardino Sun!

 

This little community, nestled in the picturesque San Bernardino Mountains, just east of Lake Arrowhead is looking for some green, in more ways than one. The Old Fire of 2003 put Cedar Glen on the map when most of the 650+ homes lost in the devastating fire where situated within the canyon that Hook Creek calls home.

Some passionate home owners and residents are excited about the prospects of building green, and working with the recently formed Redevelopment Agency to regain the charm Cedar Glen once had. “The trees where a huge part of Cedar Glen and there were areas along Hook Creek, and particularly where our home was, that the canopy completely shaded the forest floor.” Wayne J. R. Bowser, a former resident who lost his home 3-1/2 years ago in the Old Fire says Cedar Glen is in a perfect position to Do it Green. “The big trees are gone in some of these areas, which will now provide a perfect opportunity to install solar power on most of the burned out property.”

A small group is now forming to promote a Green Cedar Glen and to encourage growth, the RDA has funds available. Visit the San Bernardino’s web site at http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/rda/cedar_glen.htm to learn more. Contact us here at WJRB Consulting & Design if you are interested in helping Cedar Glen get back on the map with its green goals and together, we can make Cedar Glen Green again.

All this talk about the Global Warming Theory (GWT) is confusing, but one thing is for sure; temperatures are rising. Is it a natural phenomenon, or are we really the cause? Is the warming due to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, or is the increase in carbon dioxide emissions due to the increase in the earth's temperature? Things that make you say, "hmm".

The U.S. Conference of Mayors has adopted the 2030 Challenge, a program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, by reducing energy consumption for all buildings. The resolution calls for carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030. This, in effect, encourages Architects, Designers, Developers and Builders to be the catalyst for change. It's a daunting task to change the way we've always built things, but it's being done slowly but surely. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a big part of that change by working with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to establish consistent standards for Green Building and working to integrate them into the Health and Safety Code.

What does this mean for consumers and building owners? It means better built buildings, with healthier indoor environments. It means lower utility bills, less maintenance and fewer repairs. Everyone will benefit from Green Building and the challenge is for everyone to do their research, ask questions and don't take no for an answer. It's not all about the GWT, it's about sustainability and creating a world for future generations.

For more information visit http://www.architecture2030.org/open_letter/index.html

With the beginning of the racing season in full force, the Indy Racing League is taking the lead with environmentally friendly race cars. Powered by 100% fuel-grade ethanol in all its cars for the 2007 season, Honda has had to make a few adjustments to their motors. One of them was to increase the displacement from 3.0 to 3.5 liters. A real kick, to boost power and speed! This also creates less stress on the engines, making for greater reliability, better gas mileage and less cost to the teams.

How much greener can you get?

For more information visit http://www.indycar.com/tech/ethanol.php