From the University of Toledo's EACT Incubator Web page :
The primary purpose of the incubator is to present and display very complex information about emerging technologies in ways that motivate, stimulate learning and application. [The] virtual Applied Technologies incubator contains working interactive models of alternative energy sources simulation models, display gallery and actual prototype buildings that have been constructed by our student/participants using sustainable alternative energy sources, materials, systems and practices.
Web pages and Web sites directly and indirectly related to EACT :
From the EACT Incubator Web site :
The incubator is multi-faceted in nature through its various functions which includes: applied research, computer laboratory, emerging technologies display gallery, skilled-trades workshop, prototype demonstrations laboratory, simulation studio, reference library and high-tech education and training classrooms.
These exhibits are housed at the University of Toledo's Scott Park Campus.
Photos and virtual tours exist at the EACT Incubator Web site.
Web page :
The virtual insight of the sustainable building models enables the community to collect information and data related to various energy efficient technologies and environment friendly building materials and products that can be incorporate into their residential, commercial, retail or office buildings.
The objective to provide the insight is to increase global awareness about the existing technologies that can reduce the energy bills and help to improve the comfort and style of living of the building occupants.
Web page :
EACT Conventional Experimental Prototype Model is constructed to simulate buildings and structures which are designed and constructed using the standard conventional technologies and practices which have been in existence for decades. These buildings do not focus on energy efficiency, environmental friendliness or promoting and maintaining a healthy living environment or lifestyle.
Most buildings are constructed on site which leads to high associated labor cost. Incandescent lighting, water heater storage tanks, manual operating flushing and high water consumption systems, non recyclable and low biodegradable materials and high energy consumption appliances are just a few of the standard technologies which one will find in these conventional buildings. Minimal air filtering and airborne containment removal practices. Minimization of the building’s sustainability and overall life cycle.
Features
Web page :
These buildings are designed and constructed with a focus on energy efficiency, minimizing fuel consumption and promoting environmental friendliness, while maintaining a healthy living environment and lifestyle. * Normally, they will outperform conventional buildings in many areas such as, but not limited to, fire resistance, termite control and R-value comparison. * These buildings incorporate the latest leading-edge technologies which upon application applied will maximize the building’s life cycle and sustainability.
Affordable Low to Moderate
Affordable Moderate to High Income
Web page :
The EACT E-House represents a variety of experimental applications of cutting edge technologies in all elements , components, materials, systems, processes and product innovations under study by various researchers. It reflects the emerging technological advancement in furniture, fixtures and equipment within the building. It also focuses on integration, application and convergence of individual technological innovations onto a standard template and with a common protocol.
Features
The Emerging technologies driving the EACT experimental models include the application of micro-chips, sensors, BIM (Building Information Modeling), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems) and Bio-Informatics.
Basic introduction to :
From the Smart Growth Online Web site :
In communities across the nation, there is a growing concern that current development patterns -- dominated by what some call "sprawl" -- are no longer in the long-term interest of our cities, existing suburbs, small towns, rural communities, or wilderness areas. Spurring the smart growth movement are demographic shifts, a strong environmental ethic, increased fiscal concerns, and more nuanced views of growth.
Excerpts from Toledo Working to Rebuild City with Mixed-Use, Pedestrian-Friendly Neighborhoods :
''In our country since the Second World War, we seem to have forgotten how to make great places, and smart growth is a challenge to raise the bar and to do better,'' said Chicago-based Farr Associates urban design and planning firm founder Douglas Farr, appearing with Toledo Mayor Jack Ford on the ''Editors'' TV program, hosted by Toledo Blade vice president-editor Thomas Walton.
The city hired the Chicago firm last year to help it envision mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly redevelopment of central neighborhoods, in conjunction with Toledo Public Schools' 12-year school construction program. ''Essentially,'' said Mayor Ford during the TV program, ''we're trying to change the look of Toledo and our neighborhoods in a reasonable, perhaps fashionable, way, also taking advantage of a unique period of Toledo history, where we're rebuilding or building 57 schools. All these things are just once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. We can do it, we just need to find how to do it right.''
Part of doing it right, observed Douglas Farr, involves ''green buildings and green schools,'' calling Toledo's move ''to anchor its new and redeveloping neighborhoods with healthy and green schools'' a powerful signal from city officials ''that they're leaders.''
[T]he Chicago expert led the ''Smart Growth in Brownfield Communities'' forum, part of the city's redevelopment planning project, funded with a $50,000 EPA grant. Most of the 70 officials, educators, planners, civic activists and others in the audience agreed that city threats include sprawl, infrastructure deterioration and suburban competition, while seeing its opportunities in linking the parks with walking and bike trails, redeveloping the Maumee riverfront, and making the city a tourist destination.
From the Greater Ohio Web site :
created by jr on Dec 06, 2007 at 09:25:21 amGreater Ohio is the citizens network promoting — through research, public education and grassroots advocacy — public policy to grow our economy and improve our quality of life through intelligent land use. To this end, Greater Ohio will work to promote redevelopment of existing communities, strengthen regional cooperation and protect the countryside and Ohio’s natural resources.
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current date: 03-Dec-2008 8:57 P.M.