Hemp Architecture

Hemp, a non-intoxicating and nutritious crop dominant in the health market, is being incorporated into building construction. Binding it with with lime creates a concrete like insulating wall material. As it grows and in walls, it removes toxins and carbon from the surrounding environment. And now legislation is offered that may allow farmers to grow this versatile and sustainable crop. Read more in a Winter 2015 Feature - Cash Crop Gains Ground in the Old Dominion

Photo: Hemp Wall Panel System by Hempitecture

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach is Officially Open. Designed for "Living Building Challenge" certification, the bar for efficient and sustainable use of resources is set incredibly high. Not only are local and eco friendly products and practices required during construction, project owners must provide data over the course of a year showing that there is a net zero operational impact. Rooftop solar PV panels and 2 wind turbines will power to the 9,000 sq. ft. structure. Rainwater will be harvested and grey water treated naturally on site. More on Green Building.

Nature at Work

Reestablishing natural habitat in urban enevironments enhances biodiversity and protects infrastructure. Read more about initiaves to rebuild services in coastal and marine ecosystems.

Image: Seattle Seawall and Salmon Habitat Restoration Project

Brooklyn Grange, Rooftop Farm in New York City

Ecological infrastructure provides many environmental and societal benefits. Read about the innovative ways it is being incorporated into the built environment in the Summer 2014 Features section.

DIY Solar Vintner Tour - Virginia - TidewaterCurrent.com

Adapting to Rising Seas with Aquatecture

Rather than retreating from inundation prone low elevations, the solution, in some situations, may be to look for ways to make accommodations to the built environment. Amphibious or floating architecture or aquatecture is one potential coping strategy.

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Will the Green Reality of Hemp Tempt Domestic Production? - TidewaterCurrent.com.

Hemp is a nontoxic, renewable and biodegradable material. One of the largest potential growth sectors for the product is the construction industry. Goods including, fire and termite resistant, mold and mildew free panels, shingles, bricks, insulation, and a poured lightweight masonry material called hempcrete are being incorporated into upscale green homes.

Extreme Green Design Edging into the Mainstream - TidewaterCurrent.com.

The Pacific Northwest is not the only green building corridor in the Nation. Within the Mid Atlantic and particularly the Chesapeake Bay region, the green construction movement is exploding. Pictured is a LEED Platinum Virginia Beach home designed by Watershed Architects.

Educational Endeavors Promote Eco Friendly Building - TidewaterCurrent.com.

Government support has certainly helped diffuse sustainable building principles, but credit must also be given to educational programs, particularly those that support environmental stewardship. Around the Bay Watershed, there are a number of non profits and learning institutions that are pioneering new territory in the field of green design.