The Science
To be sustainable, businesses must comply with basic scientific principles, such as the laws of thermodynamics.
Why Worry About What’s In Our Buildings?
For all of you architects, designers, builders, building owners, and others: why worry about what’s in our buildings? There are many reasons! Take a look at the infographic below, and then go to our Resources page to download your free technical bulletin with more detailed information and analysis of the subject. Share this Image On
Climate Change is a Job Killer – NOT!
According to a report released Monday by a Boston consulting firm (reported by Bloomberg Business), the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which is a carbon dioxide cap-and-trade program that covers emissions from Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont, generated $1.3 billion in benefits over the past three years,
Future-Fit Business Benchmark, Second Draft
Back on November 25, 2014, I wrote about a new standard that is being developed in the public domain known as the Future-Fit Business Benchmark. Well, now the second draft of this document has been made available and the authors (Bob Willard and Geoff Kendall) are looking for another round of input. A number of
A Potential Shortage of P
One of the primary inputs to our modern agricultural system is artificial fertilizer, containing basically varying amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Although there is a debate as to the ultimate form of the sustainable agricultural system, and what inputs it may or may not require, at the moment that’s the way it is. Phosphate
Circular Economy Workshop
The workshop will examine the potential for companies to manufacture products in a sustainable manner to advance a 21st century economy that operates most efficiently and effectively, similar to nature where materials cycle and flow, and nothing is wasted. We will explore how sustainable manufacturing can be developed and flourish in the Detroit area and
What We Have in Common With the Ants
In “The Social Conquest of the Earth,” E.O. Wilson (distinguished American biologist and Harvard professor, 1929 – ) discussed “eusociality” as being the most advanced state of social behavior, demonstrated by ants, wasps, bees, termites, and humans. Eusociality refers to a society in which group members span multiple generations and are prone to perform altruistic
Your Junk is My Treasure!
We have talked before about how, in the circular economy, “Waste equals food.” This is admirably demonstrated in the Kalundborg complex that was discussed last week as the epitome of industrial ecology. Byproduct synergy is a term that is coming more and more to the fore. According to the United Stated Business Council for Sustainable
Engineering the Great Lakes Region Circular Economy Workshop
Green Advantage Consultants and Sustainable Manufacturing Consulting will present a workshop on “Engineering the Great Lakes Region Circular Economy” on January 22, 2015 in Detroit. Attendees will gain an understanding of what the circular economy is, how their organization can participate, and what the benefits are. Registration is now live at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/engineering-the-great-lakes-region-circular-economy-tickets-14993712598. Don’t miss your
A New Year’s Perspective
Things are looking up, and I think that 2015 is going to be a good year for all of us! What I am gleaning from various media is that sustainability trends are accelerating, and powerful forces are coming to bear to move us in the right direction. Some of the many things that are going
The Watchman’s Rattle
I recently read a very interesting book entitled “The Watchman’s Rattle: Thinking Our Way Out of Extinction” (Rebecca Costa, 2010), which offers an evolutionary explanation for modern problems such as government gridlock, terrorism, obesity, the decline in education, violence, etc. In the book, Costa discusses reasons why the global stage may be set for collapse,
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