The nation’s capital isn’t just the epicenter of the U.S. government, it also leads U.S. cities and states in green building, new data show.
The Obama administration requires new federal buildings meet higher energy-efficiency standards, and one result is that Washington now has far more green-building space per capita — 25 square feet — than any of the 50 states, according to the private U.S. Green Building Council. The 2010 data refer to commercial and institutional space (not residential) certified by its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program.
So far, among states, California, Texas, and New York have the highest number of LEED-certified buildings, but none of them made the top 10 list based on certifications per capita. Which ones do?

Nevada takes that top spot, with nearly 11 square feet per capita of LEED-certified space. It’s followed by New Mexico (6.35 square feet) New Hampshire (4.49 sf) Oregon (4.07 sf) South Carolina (3.19 sf), Washington (3.16 sf) Illinois (3.09 sf) Arkansas (2.9 sf) Colorado (2.85 sf) and Minnesota (2.77 sf.)
“Using per capita, versus the more traditional numbers of projects, or pure square footage, is a reminder to all of us that the people who live and work, learn and play in buildings should be what we care about most,” Scott Horst, LEED’s senior vice president said in announcing the finding.

Other data from his group show the nation’s capital also has more LEED projects (799 registered and certified as of Jan. 11) than any other U.S. city, although New York is a close second with 792. They’re followed by Chicago (739); Houston (518); San Francisco (497); Seattle (415); Atlanta (408); Los Angeles (401); San Diego (329) and Portland (310.)
The U.S. Green Building Council says there are many notable newly-certified projects in 2010 such as the Frito Lay manufacturing site in Jonesboro, Ark., Wells Fargo Center in Denver, Colo. and the two renovated International Monetary Fund headquarter buildings in Washington, D.C.
Its data come as other research indicates that despite an overall weak construction sector, green building is projected to continue its growth. Another green-building program, run by the National Association of Home Builders, announced last week that it just certified its 2,000th project – a 42-site residential development in Cecil, Md.

LEED, which also rates commercial, educational and other institutional facilities, is a much bigger program. More than 40,000 such projects and nearly 45,000 homes have registered for its certification.

Via: USA Today

The lawn care industry is undergoing a revolution. People who are concerned with the safety of their children and pets, as well as concern for the environment, are increasingly turning to organic lawn care practices. Many municipalities are mandating the use of non-toxic, natural fertilizers and soil conditioners on their soccer and baseball fields.

Instead of using toxic chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, the use of Compost Tea on lawns is becoming increasingly popular. As seen on “This Old House,” Harvard University has been using Compost Tea on Harvard Yard instead of chemical fertilizers and has much healthier and better quality turf as a result.

What is Compost Tea?

Compost Tea is a liquid containing the micro biology that your lawn needs to thrive. That micro biology is extracted from suspended compost in large water drums, while adding oxygen and nutrients to grow huge numbers of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The addition of Compost Tea to your soil improves tillage and soil structure. Compost Tea adds the necessary biology to build soil structure.

Chemical based pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers negatively impact beneficial microorganisms in the ecosystem. Compost Tea improves plant nutrition by increasing nutrient availability in the root system. Microbial interactions increase plant available nutrients in exactly the right place, time and amounts that the plant needs.

Properly conditioned, your lawn will develop a stronger, deeper root system. As a result, your turf will be more drought and heat resistant, and better able to pull nutrients and oxygen from the soil. This stimulates lateral growth, creating a thicker lawn that is better able to crowd out weeds, and needs less frequent mowing.

Naturally maintained lawns:

*Need less frequent watering

*Need cutting less often

*Grow thicker, crowding out weeds

*Are pest resistant

Which adds up to savings for you, and a safe and healthy lawn for your children and pets!

From: SanFranciscoBayAreaToday.org