The West Coast Green 2008 design show in San Jose, Calif., last week featured technologies to help buildings use energy and natural resources efficiently. Many of the products displayed can win points in LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, from the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council.
A centerpiece of the conference was the "Harbinger" house, crafted from five shipping containers by SG Blocks for close to $150 per square foot, and featuring eco-friendly furnishings and smart lighting controls.
"Our goal was to try to produce a product that is economically feasible, and if you've got extra money to spend, you can make it a lot nicer," said architect Eric Heischmidt of the Lawrence Group of St. Louis, Mo.
Prefabricated and modular homes that recycle materials such as shipping containers are growing in popularity as sustainable alternatives to stick-built housing.
Photo by Elsa Wenzel/CNET
Caption by Elsa Wenzel
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