Eco Factor: Prototype printer creates buildings from natural materials.
Designer Enrico Dini has created a prototype D-Shape printer that can create buildings made of stone and eventually moon dust as well. The process that initially sounds like science fiction starts with a thin layer of sand. The printer then sprays the sand with magnesium-based glue from hundreds of nozzles that binds the sand into rock.
Eco Factor: Bicycle sheds harvest solar energy to charge electric bikes.
Sanyo has announced the installation of two “Solar Parking Lots” that incorporate solar panels, lithium-ion battery systems and provision of 100 electric hybrid bicycles. This installation in Tokyo eliminates the use of fossil fuels and clean power generated from the solar panels mounted on the shed’s roof.
Eco Factor: USDOT prototype aims to replace highway infrastructure with an intelligent highways system.
Solar Roadways has announced the development of the first prototype solar road that is designed to replace the nation’s deteriorating highway infrastructure and crumbling power grid with an intelligent highway system that pays for itself by generating renewable energy. The road is made from structurally engineered solar panels that are driven upon.
Eco Factor: Portable water purifier encourages users to consume tap water.
According to statistics about 29.8 billion plastic water bottles are purchased every year and about 80 percent of that ends up in landfills. Plastic takes thousands of years to decompose and recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60W light bulb for six hours. Indian design firm Kiba Design has unveiled a solution for both the developed and the developing nations in the form of a portable water purifier dubbed the H2Go.
Eco Factor: Robotic fish for rescue work and maritime research powered by fuel cells.
Researchers at the Osaka City University’s Faculty of Engineering have developed a one-of-its-kind robotic fish that is designed to be powered by a solid-polymer fuel cell dubbed the Power Tube. The 10cm long fish can not only swim but can also dive and rise, courtesy a joint at the front end.
Eco Factor: All terrain vehicle powered by electric motors.
Polaris Industries have unveiled their new whisper-silent all-electric Ranger ATV that travels through the brush and backcountry without leaving any trace on the environment. The ATV boasts some impressive specifications with the use of a 48V electric motor.
Eco Factor: Environmentally-friendly skyscraper featuring a green roof.
Brazilian architect Felipe Campolina has unveiled the designs of a futuristic skyscraper that is composed of hundreds of mobile living units. The skyscraper deals with both environmental and social issues with the living units starting from a modular system scaled from the standard OSB plate.
Eco Factor: Proposed residential development with terrace farms.
Modern residential architecture needs to do much more than simply provide a shelter to live. Most architectural firms are proposing designs that are green and generate renewable energy as well. Designer Greg Chung Whan Park is proposing an ecologically conscious residential development that features vertical farms.
Eco Factor: Lighting concept powered by the wind.
The Flow is a concept lighting solution for far-flung places, especially sea shores where sourcing grid electricity is not that easy. Designers over at Igendesign have come up with a sustainable solution in the form of a biodegradable light that harvests wind energy for illumination.
Eco Factor: Charging station for electric vehicles.
A team of design students over at the Folkwang Universität have developed the Plug – a public charging station for electric vehicles. The product has been developed at the Volkswagen Design Center Potsdam and supports the rise in the number of electric vehicles and the current direction of the auto industry.
Eco Factor: Zero-emission concept superbike powered by electric motors.
The Hornet is a concept zero-emission superbike by designer Liam Ferguson that has emerged as the winner of the prestigious VACC competition. What sets the superbike apart from the crowd is not just its single-wheeled frame, but its ability to turn around on a dime. The bike is powered by dual 74hp in-wheel hydrogen fuel cell six-phase neodymium-iron electric motors.
Eco Factor: Eco-friendly charger for notebook computers.
Muzatch has unveiled the MZH-SP-6500 /SP-6000 renewable energy charger for notebook computers. The device also incorporates the company’s intellectual adaptable patented technology that can adjust different voltage and electric currents.
Eco Factor: Concept low-emission yacht made using lightweight materials.
The Event Cat by Coste Design & Partners and Blue Coast Yachts is a concept that according to the designers marks the future of luxury yachting. The yacht has been made from lightweight and high-grade materials for a fuel-efficient cruise. The Blue Coast 203’ Event Cat stands out from the crowd with its 62m length and a wide beam of about 22m.
Eco Factor: Sustainable development maximizes energy conservation and generates renewable energy.
Oppenheim Architecture + Design has designed a Campus Center for the Miami Dade College located in downtown Miami. The proposed LEED certified structure will maximize energy savings and generate renewable energy to help power the campus. Designed in the form of an extruded quadrangle, the building is carved to maximize openness and provide a view through the large center.
Eco Factor: Mobile clinics made using recycled shipping containers.
Massachusetts-based nonprofit Containers to Clinics (C2C) along with Anshen + Allen Architects is developing a prototype portable health clinic constructed from industrial shipping containers. The clinics are outfitted with the latest in equipment, medicine and staff and will be delivered to underserved parts of the world to administer primary health care to children and women.
Eco Factor: Window glass generates renewable energy.
Dutch company Peer+ has unveiled the latest in BIPV technology in the form of Smart Energy Glass for windows that generate renewable energy and give you the desired privacy as well. Similar to the upcoming LCD glass treatments, these windows let you change their transparency level at the flick of a switch and feature a “Privacy Mode” where the glass is at its darkest.
Eco Factor: Energy-efficient way to produce hydrogen from waste energy.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a novel way to generate hydrogen by breaking bonds of water using waste energy in the form of noise and stray vibrations. The scientists grew nanocrystals of two common crystals zinc oxide and barium titanate and placed them in water. When pulsed with ultrasonic vibrations, the nanofibers flexed and catalyzed a chemical reaction to split a water molecule into its constituents.
Eco Factor: Sustainable pavilion designed for Shanghai World Expo 2010.
Canadian engineering and construction company SNC-Lavalin Inc has unveiled the designs of the Canada Pavilion for the Shanghai World Expo 2010. The sustainable pavilion has been designed by Cirque Du Soleil and will feature an exhibition themed “The Living City.”
Eco Factor: Concept air purifier monitors and removes pollutants.
The Green Ring is the brainchild of designers Park Jun Seok and Kwon Hye Rim and has been designed to keep tabs on the air you breathe and help purify it as well. Shaped like a tree trunk, the device can easily be mounted on the wall and comes with a variety of LED lights and filters.
Eco Factor: Sustainable off-grid development generates renewable energy.
The Eco City Montecorvo is a masterplan for a sustainable city by MVDRV envisioned on the two small hills of Montecorvo and La Fonsalalda. The development uses the south facing hills to provide beautiful views of the city and also maximize the use of both passive and active solar energy.