“Green” trend of the past week (20–26.04.2009)

The last week has gladdened those who are interested in preserving the environment and green building. The first “solar” state and a chameleon-house, which can alter its exterior depending on the surroundings, have been announced to appear.

Vatican will become the world’s first state completely powered by solar energy. A 100-megawatt solar power plant, the largest in Europe, will be built here. The construction cost of the project will exceed $650 million.

Beside that local authorities consider switching the popemobile to electricity, the Vatican cafeteria will soon be equipped with a solar heating system to provide heating and cooling, and even the Pope’s summer residence will be powered by natural gas extracted from horse dung.

One of the US largest retail chains, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has decided to equip 20 of its malls, located in California, with solar batteries. Currently 18 Californian stores of the chain are tooled up with such batteries. Wal-Mart also plans to power 5 retail centers in Puerto-Rico with solar energy and equip 50 stores in Texas with wind farms.

A chameleon-home has been built in Michigan, it is covered with semi-transparent film made from recycled polyethylene. By virtue of the film the home’s walls reflect surroundings and gain color similar to them. From the inside the building is fronted with wooden panels that increase the energy-efficiency level.

Germans, possibly preparing for the consequences of global warming, have come up with an environmentally-friendly floating home called “The Silver Fish”. The home is equipped with composting toilet, independent canalization, solar panels and a tank designated for rainwater harvesting. Windows and floor structures are wooden, hemp and wood fibers are used as insulation.

The global financial crisis has impacted Prince Charles’s green plans. A large-scale project of “eco-villages”, that is under the auspices of the Prince, is threatened by it. The anchor investor, a company from Kuwait, has decided to refrain from investing half-a-billion euro in the project, due to unfavorable economical conditions in the world. Prince Charles is currently looking for new investors, also from Mid-east.

Author: Alexey Lahov