Highlights in Sustainable Design at the 2019 Greenbuild Expo
The recent trade show for green-building professionals showed the possibilities for products, materials and techniques
Becky Harris
December 3, 2019
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
Thousands of green-building professionals came together recently in Atlanta for the 2019 Greenbuild International Convention and Expo. The purpose of the Nov. 19-22 conference was to help pros learn about and find cutting-edge solutions to improve resiliency, sustainability and health in buildings, cities and communities. On the expo floor, contractors and designers mindful of sustainability could check out a wide variety of materials, new tech tools and online resources. Here are some highlights from the expo.
1. Seeing How Things Are Recycled, Reclaimed and Upcycled
One of the coolest things about a show like Greenbuild is being able to see displays like this one at Mohawk Flooring. The company has the largest integrated plastic bottle recycling facility in the world. In addition to showing off some of its products, Mohawk helped attendees understand the process of turning recycled plastic bottles into carpet fibers.
One of the coolest things about a show like Greenbuild is being able to see displays like this one at Mohawk Flooring. The company has the largest integrated plastic bottle recycling facility in the world. In addition to showing off some of its products, Mohawk helped attendees understand the process of turning recycled plastic bottles into carpet fibers.
2. Experiencing a Tiny House
Another highlight of attending the Greenbuild expo was getting to experience a tiny house. Though Houzz has featured some great examples, I was skeptical about them. But touring a tiny house on display at Greenbuild, I was pleasantly surprised to see just how livable it seemed. While I was in it there were seven people inside, and though it was tight, it wasn’t uncomfortable and we could pass by one another. The picture window and clerestory made it feel much more expansive than it was. And this model had a full range and fridge, as well as a tub-shower.
The tiny house was presented by Georgia nonprofit MicroLife Institute. This organization is “dedicated to building walkable, sustainable ‘micro-hood’ communities while educating individuals, groups and cities about the positive impacts of micro living.” Depending on zoning, tiny houses can serve as adaptable dwelling units and increase much-needed affordable housing stock.
Could You Live in a Tiny House?
Another highlight of attending the Greenbuild expo was getting to experience a tiny house. Though Houzz has featured some great examples, I was skeptical about them. But touring a tiny house on display at Greenbuild, I was pleasantly surprised to see just how livable it seemed. While I was in it there were seven people inside, and though it was tight, it wasn’t uncomfortable and we could pass by one another. The picture window and clerestory made it feel much more expansive than it was. And this model had a full range and fridge, as well as a tub-shower.
The tiny house was presented by Georgia nonprofit MicroLife Institute. This organization is “dedicated to building walkable, sustainable ‘micro-hood’ communities while educating individuals, groups and cities about the positive impacts of micro living.” Depending on zoning, tiny houses can serve as adaptable dwelling units and increase much-needed affordable housing stock.
Could You Live in a Tiny House?
3. Imagining Residential Applications for Commercial Products
A lot of the products shown at Greenbuild were geared toward large-scale projects. But these products can inspire residential builders and designers. For example, this three-dimensional modular trellis system from Greenscreen is most often used to add plants to the sides of tall buildings, to pretty up mundane structures like parking garages and to serve as lush living fencing. It’s easy to make the leap and imagine how they could transform the facade of a home.
A lot of the products shown at Greenbuild were geared toward large-scale projects. But these products can inspire residential builders and designers. For example, this three-dimensional modular trellis system from Greenscreen is most often used to add plants to the sides of tall buildings, to pretty up mundane structures like parking garages and to serve as lush living fencing. It’s easy to make the leap and imagine how they could transform the facade of a home.
4. Discovering New Sustainable and Healthy Products
One product that got a lot of attention at the show was the 4-by-8-foot Verdure live moss wall ecosystem. The moss wall has a misting bar that periodically slides up the wall to keep the moss healthy. And the recirculating water pump in the bottom sounds like a babbling brook. Recent testing of the product in a 1,176-cubic-foot space showed that the unit reduced carbon dioxide by 225 percent and reduced harmful 0.5-micron airborne particulate by about 4,000 percent.
One product that got a lot of attention at the show was the 4-by-8-foot Verdure live moss wall ecosystem. The moss wall has a misting bar that periodically slides up the wall to keep the moss healthy. And the recirculating water pump in the bottom sounds like a babbling brook. Recent testing of the product in a 1,176-cubic-foot space showed that the unit reduced carbon dioxide by 225 percent and reduced harmful 0.5-micron airborne particulate by about 4,000 percent.
There were many beautiful products made from recycled content or sustainably harvested materials, including countertops made from recycled glass, paper and plastic as well as stunning cork and bamboo flooring. A standout at CaraGreen was its Organoid natural surfaces. This company’s wallcoverings are composed of natural materials, including hay, wildflowers and seeds, that were harvested in the Austrian Alps. A wonderful part of cruising the expo was being able to see, touch and even sniff these products in person.
Read about more innovative home products spotted at Greenbuild
Read about more innovative home products spotted at Greenbuild
6. Learning About Ways to Conserve Resources
Adding a skylight or light tube can help cut down on the energy you use. The solar light tubes seen here are Sky Tunnels from Velux. Because they have an integrated solar-powered night light inside, the product and installation qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit on purchase and installation of solar electric equipment through Dec. 31, 2019. (The tax credit value drops to 26 percent starting Jan. 1, 2020.)
Adding a skylight or light tube can help cut down on the energy you use. The solar light tubes seen here are Sky Tunnels from Velux. Because they have an integrated solar-powered night light inside, the product and installation qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit on purchase and installation of solar electric equipment through Dec. 31, 2019. (The tax credit value drops to 26 percent starting Jan. 1, 2020.)
This Sky Tunnel has decorative diffuser options that make it look like an electric ceiling light. These models also have an integrated LED light so they can be used to illuminate a room at night. This is handy in a tight space — one fixture is more pleasing to the eye than the clutter of a light tube and a separate ceiling light. And whether the sun or the grid is providing the light, it is dimmable.
Smaller purchases also can help homeowners save energy. Bosch exhibited a dishwasher with a third rack that allows you to fit in more dishes and utensils. This can help users save water and electricity by running fewer loads. Similarly, Bosch’s Fresh by Design refrigerator keeps food fresh longer, reducing food waste and the number of gas-guzzling trips to the grocery store.
7. Finding Helpful Online Tools and Resources
The expo presented many new technological tools and online resources for building greener. This image is from Carpet America Recovery Effort, a joint industry-government nonprofit organization whose mission is “to advance market-based solutions that increase landfill diversion and recycling of post-consumer carpet, encourage design for recyclability and meet meaningful goals.”
The Construction and Demolition Recycling Association is an organization that “promotes and defends the environmentally sound recycling of the more than 500 million tons of recoverable construction and demolition materials that are generated in the United States annually.” These materials include concrete, asphalt, asphalt shingles, gypsum wallboard, wood and metals.
Another resource represented at Greenbuild was Mindful Materials, a free product library that lists information about them all in one place. Each product has been vetted by experts and includes aggregated information on human health and environmental impacts.
Project development and construction group Skanska partnered with Microsoft to create a new open-source tool that calculates embodied carbon for projects. The EC3 calculator measures the emissions associated with building construction, including extracting, transporting and manufacturing materials.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about sustainable design
Find a local green building pro
The expo presented many new technological tools and online resources for building greener. This image is from Carpet America Recovery Effort, a joint industry-government nonprofit organization whose mission is “to advance market-based solutions that increase landfill diversion and recycling of post-consumer carpet, encourage design for recyclability and meet meaningful goals.”
The Construction and Demolition Recycling Association is an organization that “promotes and defends the environmentally sound recycling of the more than 500 million tons of recoverable construction and demolition materials that are generated in the United States annually.” These materials include concrete, asphalt, asphalt shingles, gypsum wallboard, wood and metals.
Another resource represented at Greenbuild was Mindful Materials, a free product library that lists information about them all in one place. Each product has been vetted by experts and includes aggregated information on human health and environmental impacts.
Project development and construction group Skanska partnered with Microsoft to create a new open-source tool that calculates embodied carbon for projects. The EC3 calculator measures the emissions associated with building construction, including extracting, transporting and manufacturing materials.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about sustainable design
Find a local green building pro
We care about your home construction project needs as much as you do. We believe in conducting business with... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
We care about your home construction project needs as much as you do. We believe in conducting business with... Read More
Related Stories
Modern Architecture
How to Improve the Comfort of Your Midcentury Modern Home
By Colin Flavin
You can maintain the era’s signature style in your home while improving its thermal performance
Full Story
Architecture
The Passive House: What It Is and Why You Should Care
If you don’t understand passive design, you could be throwing money out the window
Full Story
Traditional Homes
Houzz Tour: 1950s Cape Cod-Style House Gets a Sustainable Update
By Becky Harris
A designer renovates a Maine waterfront cottage to emphasize energy efficiency, storytelling and vintage charm
Full Story
Green Decorating
7 Eco-Friendly Updates to Help Cool Your Home
Consider these energy-saving ways to reduce indoor temperatures on hot days
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: New Zero-Energy Home Filled With Natural Light
By Julie Sheer
A green-leaning design-build firm creates a LEED Platinum-certified family home near Portland, Oregon
Full Story
Earth Day
12 Pros Share the Top Sustainable Features They’re Using
Design, building and landscape pros discuss the ways they’re creating comfortable, efficient and eco-friendly homes
Full Story
Modern Homes
Houzz Tour: Modern Vineyard Retreat in Under 1,800 Square Feet
In Oregon wine country, an efficient, earthy house inspired by simplicity, sunshine and soil blends into the landscape
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
6 Tips for Making Your Remodel or New Build More Sustainable
Four architects reveal how to reduce the environmental impact of your home project
Full Story
Architecture
6 Ways to Make Your Remodel or New Build More Sustainable
Create a sustainable sanctuary without breaking the bank with these must-know tips from architects
Full Story
Kitchen Makeovers
Kitchen of the Week: Row House Refresh Adds Vintage Character
By Becky Harris
A designer repaints cabinets, replaces hardware, adds marble and textural tile — and donates discarded items for reuse
Full Story
Oh thankyou and Happy New Years to you and yours! I will check theses out!
Becky very cool that you (used to ) go these things and the. Write about them! Very cool.
Pre covid we had a home builders show in WPG too, but not specifically green. I’d like that.
@squirrelyq, this event moves every year. I lucked out — it was in my hometown and I got to see a former president speak there! It looks like they are going to have the September 2021 Greenbuild in San Diego, but because the virtual events during 2020 were so popular, they are offering more virtual events this year as well. I suggest checking out the Greenbuild website as you can attend those from wherever you are.