Resources
For the next issue, I would like to start an article on air conditioning systems that are commonly used in Southern New Mexico. We will begin with a brief explanation of how an evaporative cooler system works, how it can be improved and how it should be operated and the environmental costs of an air refrigeration system in comparison to an evaporative cooling system.
Radiant Floor Overview
Radiant heating systems convert a floor into a large-area, low-temperature radiator. In most modern systems, warm water is circulated through closely spaced plastic tubing that is embedded in the floor slab or attached to the underside of wooden sub-flooring. Under-floor insulation is a critical component. (more…)
A green building is any building that is sited, designed, constructed, operated, and maintained for the health and well-being of the occupants while minimizing impact on the environment.
Post-tensioning is a method of reinforcing (strengthening) concrete or other materials with high-strength steel strands or bars, typically referred to as tendons. Post-tensioning applications are commonly used in office and apartment buildings, parking structures, slabs-on-ground, bridges, sports stadiums, rock and soil anchors, and water-tanks. In many cases, post-tensioning allows construction that would otherwise be impossible due to either site constraints or architectural requirements.
The following is an excerpt from the Western Region Ash Group website: “fly ash is the very small particle mineral residue that results from the burning of powdered coal in utility boilers. The individual particles are very small, like talcum powder, and are carried up and out of the boiler in the flow of exhaust gases leaving the boiler after the coal is consumed. Hence the term “Fly Ash”. (more…)
High solar reflectance and high infrared emittance roofs incur surface temperatures that are only about 3°C (5°F) warmer than the ambient air temperature, while a dark absorptive roof exceeds the ambient air temperature upwards of 40°C (75°F).
Passive Solar Heating
Buildings designed for passive solar heating with natural sunlight to light a building’s interior incorporate large south-facing windows, skylights, and building materials that absorb and slowly release the sun’s heat. Incorporating passive solar designs can reduce heating bills as much as 50 percent. (more…)
Why should we do anything about sustainability?
The answer in all cases is to insure a decent, secure, healthy life for all species on this planet.
As consumers, we are frequently confronted with lifestyle decisions that can impact our environment. (more…)
The Foundation
We offer post tensioned concrete, using fly ash as an additive material to concrete.
(more…)
Energy Efficiency
The wholesale price of propane increased at 3.8% per year from 1990 – 1999. That is the lowest annual increase we are likely to see given:
- propane is tied to the price of petroleum and natural gas
- petroleum prices have increased and are likely to be unstable, and storage facilities for petroleum, and especially propane are limited
