Blocks created using naturally occurring microalgae

AZURE Media delves into our Bio-Block Spiral installation with Prometheus Materials in its latest issue, highlighting its role as a zero-carbon alternative to conventional concrete masonry units. The blocks are created using naturally occurring microalgae combined with water, sunlight, and CO2 in a patent-pending process to create a material chemically similar to coral reefs and oyster shells. "Coral reefs occupy only a tiny fraction of the ocean floor, yet they…


Our legendary OBEX CORTEX 0500FR ISM (Interface Sealing Membrane) has officially achieved Passive House Certification

We're pleased to announce that our 0500FR is now among the elite ranks of products that meet the rigorous, energy-efficient standards required for Passive House certification. This milestone is not just a win for us, but another step forward towards more sustainable construction and design. https://bit.ly/3V5qqnc Why does Passive House matter? Passive House is more than just a standard; it's a commitment to energy efficiency, comfort, and reducing ecological footprints.…


Five Case Studies on Drone-assisted Enclosure Surveys

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs, are important tools for many industries and sectors in today’s world. Applying this technology to building enclosures requires understanding the advantages and disadvantages of this tool beyond the casual backyard drone operator. Hear from a UAV Pilot-in-Command and a Building Enclosure Consultant on their experiences using drones to capture various types of building enclosure survey data to meet various building owner-driven goals. Presented at no…


First-Ever All-Electric, Net Zero, Carbon Speculative Industrial Building Development in Ontario

The facility in Milton, Ontario, also includes an enhanced envelope and precast panel insulation to reduce air leakage. Credit: BGO Fifth Line Business Park in Milton, Ontario, features the first all-electric, net zero, carbon speculative industrial building. This 234,061 ft2 industrial building offers state-of-the-art net zero carbon specifications including an all-electric HVAC system that is 200%-300% more efficient than standard systems and a 500 kW rooftop solar array that negates 100%…




Geothermal Energy Capacity Could Increase 20-Fold, DOE Says in Latest Report

The Department of Energy this week released the latest iteration in a series of reports on the potential of next-generation geothermal energy. The DOE said the report, Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Next-Generation Geothermal Power, shows how advanced geothermal technology could increase the United States’ geothermal energy production by a factor of 20. The report is the ninth installment in the DOE’s Liftoff series that was introduced in March 2023. Continue…


A New Surge in Power Use Is Threatening U.S. Climate Goals

Utilities in some states are proposing new natural gas plants to keep up with rising electricity demand. “I can’t recall the last time I was so alarmed about the country’s energy trajectory,” Tyler Norris, a power systems expert and PhD student at the Nicholas School of the Environment told The New York Times. Norris wrote a policy brief last year that provides an example of an innovative regulatory solution that…


Increasing the Supply of Affordable Housing: Economic Insights and Federal Policy Solutions

The Biden-Harris Administration believes that every American should have access to safe and affordable housing (White House 2023a). Where people live determines their available housing quality and amenities, such as labor market access, transportation options, schools, protection from crime, environmental quality, and social networks—all of which affect their quality of life and intergenerational economic mobility (Chetty and Hendren 2018). Continue Reading



The Catskill Project: Net-Zero Nirvana

One of the major appeals of buying a home in the Catskills is building a healthier, more sustainable life. The mountain air is cleaner, there’s quick access to hiking trails, biking, fishing and more, and you finally have the space to garden and keep your kitchen in a steady supply of heirloom tomatoes and squash all summer long. Continue Reading


New York can add affordable housing without raising taxes. Here’s how

Most agree there is a housing crisis in New York State. According to the New York State Comptroller, housing costs went up 68% in the last decade. Housing accounts for roughly 40% of total household expenses in New York City, where many residents spend on average $30,000 a year for housing. How can we all work together to address the housing crisis without raising taxes? Continue Reading