Aluminum Use Grows in Sustainable Design & Construction

CHICAGO — The Empire State Building, constructed in 1930 to 1932, was the first building to make major use of aluminum. Since then, the use and value of aluminum has increased drastically in green design and sustainable construction. Not only does it cost less than contemporary construction materials like steel and concrete, it reduces sustainability costs and increases a building’s efficiency.

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Orange County Plans Sustainable Jail

ORANGE COUNTY, N.C. — Orange County recently selected Moseley Architects of Charlotte, N.C., to design the new Orange County Detention Facility. The new jail aims to improve both energy efficiency and mental health care for inmates.

While design is still in its earliest phases, the new jail will likely include a number of sustainable features and cost approximately $20 million. It will replace the current Orange County Jail, which was originally constructed in 1925.

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Colorado Firm Helps the World Cup Go Green

BOULDER, Colo. — Two World Cup host stadiums have partnered with Boulder-based green energy firm Renewable Choice Energy in an attempt to achieve LEED green building certification. The stadiums, Arena Pernambuco and Estiod Beire Rio will purchase a combined total of 10,145,850 kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits (RECs) in order to offset energy use associated with their operations, earning the stadiums EAc6 Green Power Credit.

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