Combat soaring energy costs with more efficient construction. Concrete sandwich wall construction, for example, combines the energy efficiency of high R-value insulation with the compressive strength of masonry. These panels are so strong, in fact, they can be utilized as load-bearing walls.

More effective than their older cousins because of their high-capacity voids, newly engineered drywells gradually leach contaminated water into the soil without saturating it. The "plastic container" drywells, able to hold up to 50 gal each, capture runoff before it has a chance to spoil the surrounding environment.

Mechanized tool manufacturers in Germany and Switzerland are leading the global charge with innovative, environmentally friendly, hand-held construction equipment. But what's different about the way European tools are being crafted? Today's focus falls on the environmentally friendly tool as evidenced by new laws assigning manufacturers with the responsibility of properly disposing and/or recycling all used tool parts.

If you're a contractor looking for a concrete slab buster that can both "pulverize" and "rubberize," you've come to the right place. This 1,130 lb hydraulic-cylinder-and-valve system attachment can be operated both vertically and horizontally. Its heavy-spring compression mechanism causes the 4 in., 388 lb impact bar "to fire" with such force that it demolishes flat reinforced concrete far faster than more traditional jackhammer methods.

With the Green, "Save-a-Tree" movement in full swing, metal roofing is fast becoming the popular choice for commercial complexes such as urban apartment towers, museums, and medical facilities. Aside from its environmental friendliness, metal roofing boasts outstanding aesthetics and low maintenance. It also eliminates shrinking seams and the cracking rubber normally associated with aging EPDM roofs.

It's something we rarely think about until it happens: power outage! Unless your office or apartment building is supplied with the right kind of emergency lighting, chances are you'll be fumbling in the dark. From decorative sconces to rechargeable fluorescent floodlights, here's the latest in high-tech, state-of-the-art, emergency lighting.

Believe it or not, New York City's Times Square is home to some of the most cutting-edge Green and LEED Certified construction projects in the world. Nothing exemplifies that new Green commitment than the 48-story Conde Nast Building located at Four Times Square. This multi-use glass-and-chrome steel structure sets the bar for "energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and indoor environmental quality."

...the NewPage Corporation, a producer of coated paper products. The award, presented by the Green Building Initiative, recognizes the company's new headquarters building for minimizing harmful air emissions, use of energy and water conservation strategies, and the integration of recycled materials.

Rise of the Vertical Farm

Las Vegas, the world's flashiest gambling capital, just might become home to the world's first vertical farm. This proposed $200 million, 30-story engineering marvel could feed an estimated 72,000 people per year. Its series of steel and concrete platforms will grow apples, winter squash, and other organic products. Even more interesting is the project's potential as a tourist destination. Word is, the millions it could make in tourist dollars will easily pay for projected operating costs.

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Engineering an Overpopulated Future

World population may exceed nine billion people by the year 2050. How will the design of future cities accommodate?