Sparkflight Studios

We're excited to to see that the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce has a new initiative to support greening businesses. Here's the information from their website : Date: Thursday, October 1, 2009 Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Location: EMBARQ® Business and Conference Center at the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Take advantage of a brand new benefit at the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce ! The Chamber Green Roots program is a one stop resource for increasing the sustainability of your business. All of the information, tools and resources you need to begin and continue making green efforts at your company will be provided. Walk through the member tables at this mini green expo and get first hand, face-to-face, practical advice on how you can achieve a green business designation, increased exposure and recognition in the Chamber's online membership directory through participation in Green Roots. Email Lauren Boitel, lboitel@lvchamber.com or call 702.586.3893 for more information

Live greener and enhance your cash flow. The recent passage of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) opens the door to tax savings for energy efficient home improvements, commercial renewable energy development, and many other green choices. For homeowners, the new law increases the credit rate to 30 percent of the cost of all qualifying improvements and raises the maximum credit limit to $1,500 for improvements placed in service in 2009 and 2010. Examples of improvements include insulation; heating or cooling systems; roofs (metal and asphalt); and energy efficient exterior windows, doors or skylights. Qualifying standards for energy efficiency are increasing, so stay tuned. In the meantime, homeowners may continue to rely on Energy Star labels for exterior openings in determining whether product purchased before June 1, 2009 qualifies for the credit. Renewable energy improvements also are funded with the residential energy efficiency property credit as the pr...

There are several ways to make energy efficient improvements to your home, while improving your bank balance.  A few quick links follow: Federal tax credits NV Energy cash rebates NV Energy RenewableGenerations Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) rebates Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEM) EEMs are offered by federally insured mortgage programs (Federal Housing Authority and Veterans Administration) and the conventional secondary mortgage market (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac). More local information is available through Nevada Energy Star Partners .

In recent months, we've noticed a trend in retail packaging design: less is more! No longer limited to eco-boutiques, it's thrilling to see mainstream manufacturers and big box retailers adopting eco-friendly packaging practices. The goal: Less in the Landfill. What we're seeing out on the shelves: Elimination of plastic and shrink-wrap Smaller product labeling (recyclable & recycled, of course) Product labeling attached with biodegradable hemp or jute string (instead of plastic loops) Reusable packaging (paperboard and tins - for refills and repurposing) Compostable bags and clam-shells Flat packs Less on-shelf packaging means effort must be invested on the back-end with protective shipping design. However, this need can be met with recycled and biodegradable products such as Geami Protective Packaging System and compostable cornstarch peanuts*. Get in-depth info about reducing secondary packaging, and more, from the pros on Sustainable is Good . As a consumer, you...

Green Drinks Las Vegas celebrated its 2-year anniversary last Thursday at the Springs Preserve. It was a great turnout with more than 70 attendees, the new logo unveiling, and a preview of Green Living Nevada magazine. The coming year promises to be an exciting one with Green Drinks' vision to be the preferred hub for individuals and businesses to connect over a common green interest. Check out Green Drinks for yourself each 2nd Thursday of the month, 6:00-7:30 pm at the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck at the Springs Preserve . Or join the Facebook group. Logo design courtesy of Anne Johnson AIA .

As design professionals, building permits are a standard requirement for our projects. However, we sometimes have clients that question the utility and value of the process.  Getting a permit is worthwhile.  Consider the following reasons: A licensed and bonded contractor will get a permit if required by the work. Using a licensed and bonded contractor protects you through the Nevada State Contractors Board . A permit review helps to ensure that the construction meets current building codes*. Real estate transactions discover un-permitted work, resulting in requirements for retroactive permits prior to appraisal and sale.  Pay now or pay later. * Your design professional is also responsible to design to current building codes.

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