Although there are some quality natural alternatives for finishing walls on the market today it seems that the most natural and longest lasting alternative is clay plaster.  American Clay, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has developed a beautiful suite of clay finishes and colors that seem to bring out a look, feel and texture that paint could never achieve.

One of the amazing characteristics of clay plaster is the fact that the material is incredibly dense and that it aids in maintaining a higher level of negative ions within a structure.  It seems that all things electronic emit positive ions creating a less natural environment.  Just the simple addition of a clay wall finish could help to counteract the negative effects of all of the electronic gear we find so essential today.

American clay has a nationwide network of trained applicators.  For those of us who want to do it ourselves there are numerous opportunities to learn the basic technique of clay application.

This article was first published on Build and Rebuild. To continue reading, please view the original post at Natural Clay Finishes From American Clay.

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I imagine that if you are reading this blog you are already well aware that reducing CO2 emissions requires much more than just a few less miles in your SUV.  In fact, restructuring our transportation economy, which accounts for only 27% of US energy consumption, is only a quarter of the solution. The real culprit is the US building sector, which accounts for a startling 48% of US energy consumption. What we  really need in order to slow and stop global warming is a complete revolution of the US building economy.

At least, that is the case presented by Architecture 2030, and I am inclined to believe them. According to Architecture 2030, “Seventy-six percent (76%) of all power plant-generated electricity is used just to operate buildings.” That percentage is a startling percentage. Therefore, in order to keep global warming under 1 degree centigrade, Architecture 2030 is encouraging everyone to adopt “The 2030 Challenge.”

The challenge is simple:

“All new buildings, developments and major renovations shall be designed to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.

“At a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area shall be renovated annually to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.

“The fossil fuel reduction standard for all new buildings and major renovations shall be increased to:

• 60% in 2010
• 70% in 2015
• 80% in 2020
• 90% in 2025
• Carbon-neutral in 2030 (using no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate).

“These targets may be accomplished by implementing innovative sustainable design strategies, generating on-site renewable power and/or purchasing (20% maximum) renewable energy and/or certified renewable energy credits.”

But the word challenge is operative here. Unlike LEED, which sets a standard, has a means of measurement, and provides ratings and certification, The 2030 Challenge asks only that you adopt the challenge and strive to reach it. The list of adopters and supporters is impressive, with the mayors of Chicago, Miami, and Seattle, the state of New Mexico, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the EPA among others. You can add your name to the list by adopting the challenge here and pursuing the set standards in your personal building projects.

I tend to be a bit pessimistic about lofty endeavors with high-goals and limited practical advice, such as Architecture 2030. It has plenty of prescriptions for energy efficiency and carbon neutrality levels, but offers little information on how to get there. However, if you are looking for the highest benchmarks for your next remodeling or building project, Architecture 2030 is the place to go. And with or without practical advice, Architecture 2030 is right, the only way to US energy sustainability is through revolutionizing our building sector.

This article was first published on Build and Rebuild. To continue reading, please view the original post at Architecture 2030: Revolutionizing the Building Sector.

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