The Middleton Group » Blog

Green Roof Outfitters

Blake Middleton — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:59:58 +0000

We met these guys at the Sustain SC conference last week and were really impressed with their green roof product. Basically, they manufacture small trays out of 100% recycled content that get planted with native drought tolerant plants. These trays sit directly on top of whatever roof you want to use, as long as the structure is strong enough to hold the extra weight.

The world is realizing the importance of having more sustainable practices, achieving greater environmental performance and efficiencies, and producing less of an environmental impact. The GRO Modular green roof system is a modern, cutting edge system of applying green roofs to most any situation. Green roofs have many benefits alone, but used in conjunction with the GRO Modular technology, the benefits increase exponentially, and can weigh heavily in a Cost-Benefit Analysis.

Unlike traditional green roofs, GRO Modular green roof systems offer easy installation and an instant green roof. This lightweight modular system arrives pre-planted and ready for placement. The all-inclusive GRO Modules include: a 100% recycled content container with a built in drainage & reservoir system, filter fabric layer, lightweight growing media and established hardy plants. Each component of this modular system is engineered to work synergistically with one another, creating an optimal environment for the green roof to thrive.

Building with a Shade of Green in North Charleston

Blake Middleton — Sat, 15 May 2010 13:05:48 +0000

The future of construction is focused on a color we’ve all heard a lot about. The Sustain South Carolina 2010 conference is focused on all things green from reusable material to better building practices. Tim Kottyan is the green design manager for Harris Construction. “The core philosophy is doing it right. Doing it sustainable and justifying the cost up front for the savings in the end,” he said. “Green building and changing the environment we live in cannot start with one building. Although it’s a start, this needs to be part of a community effort,” said John Hansen who helped organize the two day event. He says countless jobs will also be created though the green building movement.

Via ABC News 4.

Residental LEED Projects Already Surpass Commercial Projects in Total Certifications

Blake Middleton — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:03:36 +0000

Interesting that LEED for Homes is outpacing the commercial version.

I noticed a while back from the USGBC updates that residential certifications were quickly catching up to their commercial counterparts. A USGBC Update from 03.11.10 there are now 5,000 ‘residential’ certifications and 4,890 commercial projects in existence, though there are still slightly more commercial registered projects… amazing growth considering the first LEED-NC system was released over ten years ago while LEED-Homes was only launched in April of 2009…

(Via Real Life LEED.)

6 Prefab Houses That Could Change Home Building

Blake Middleton — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:09:13 +0000

Affordable prices, cool design, easy delivery. What’s not to like?

(Via EcoHome: Alternative Building Materials.)

5 Markets Expected to Fare Best in 2010 – Yahoo! Real Estate

Blake Middleton — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:42:18 +0000

Good news for the Charleston area. Let’s hope it results in more business for everyone!

After a dour year where housing prices fell more than 12% nationwide, will 2010 bring sunnier tidings?

The short answer: only a tad in a select few places but overall not really.

The five areas that Moody’s foresees home prices performing best in 2010 are: Tacoma, Wash., (an increase of 2.44%); Memphis, Tenn., (up 0.99%); Pittsburgh (up 0.89%); Charleston, S.C. (up 0.18%); and Seattle (decline of 0.50%). (These five markets are culled from data on Moody’s Economy.com and based on the largest 100 metro areas.)

(Via Yahoo.)

Recycled Countertops Offer Alternatives to Mainstream Products

Blake Middleton — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:20:14 +0000

Recycled countertops are like the students in your high school class everyone envied: they are blessed with stunning good looks and amazing social skills, too. Recycled surfaces offer the benefits of being socially conscious without sacrificing style.

(Via EcoHome: Most Read Product Reviews.)

Product Review: Decking

Blake Middleton — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:44:07 +0000

A guide to eco-friendly options among wood, composite, and plastic decking.

(Via EcoHome: Most Read Product Reviews.)

Green Product Picks: Reclaimed Materials

Blake Middleton — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:40:56 +0000

ButterflySha

Salvaged building products offer a sustainable, one-of-a-kind touch to eco-friendly homes.

(Via EcoHome: Most Read Product Reviews.)

SIPs Provide Efficient, Fast Building Alternative

Blake Middleton — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:19:24 +0000

Though they still make up a small share of the market, structural insulated panels provide an alternative to stick-building that’s efficient during and after construction.

(Via EcoHome: Most Read Product Reviews.)

Green Building Can Be Sensible and Cost-Effective

Blake Middleton — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:18:40 +0000

Sustainable building experts at PCBC provide tips for going green without breaking the bank.

(Via EcoHome: Alternative Building Materials.)