Inflatable concrete homes: a California and Ontario case study

binishell-dome-homes.jpg

Across Ontario and California, builders are rethinking concrete housing through inflatable-shell design—an approach that replaces wooden formwork with air and innovation. A 1,000-square-foot low-carbon concrete shell, insulated with hempcrete, can be erected in a day and cost far less than conventional construction. Over time, the savings in energy, materials, and mortgage costs make this model a realistic response to rising living expenses and climate stress. With low-carbon cement, hempcrete walls, and renewable energy, inflatable concrete homes show how even the world’s most carbon-heavy material can become part of a sustainable future—if built smartly, and within local building codes.

Read more

Rewilding the Suburb: Lagoon Valley’s Profound Plan for Conservation Community in California–– An Interview with Developer Curt Johansen

lagoon-valley-green-build.jpg

Lagoon Valley developers have set aside a remarkable 85% of its total land for open space, trails, and protected habitats—a rare move in an era of unchecked development. This isn’t just a nod to green space; it’s a full embrace of a conservation community model, where nature isn’t a backdrop but a partner.

Read more

SpaceX and SETI Partner to Protect Alien-Hunting Telescopes—But What About the Rest of the Sky?

ata-29-simon-steel-bw.jpg

SpaceX has taken steps to address concerns, including darker satellite coatings and directional signal shielding. But critics argue that without enforceable global standards, voluntary measures may not go far enough. Meanwhile, scientists at SETI and other institutions continue developing tools to protect the last wild frontier: the cosmic spectrum.

Read more

PG&E’s $15 Billion Deal Could Mean Higher Energy Costs and More Blackouts for Californians

Ivanpah_Solar_Power_Facility_from_the_air_2014-scaled.jpg

A little-known $15 billion deal between PG&E and the Department of Energy is raising concerns for California residents. The agreement, which will expand hydropower, also includes shutting down the Ivanpah solar plant, which has been providing energy to 140,000 homes. Without this reliable source of clean energy, California's already overburdened power grid will struggle, leading to higher energy costs and more frequent blackouts. Critics argue that while PG&E benefits financially, everyday Californians will be left paying the price with increased bills and an even less reliable power system. Questions are also being raised about possible conflicts of interest with key players in the deal, making it even more controversial. We spoke with one of the main investors of the Ivanpah plant to learn more. 

Read more

Ivanpah’s Sunset: Why the Collapse of a $2.2 Billion Solar Dream Threatens the Future of Renewable Energy

ivampah-solar-energy-israel.webp

California is shutting down its Ivanpah CSP (Concentrated Solar Power) project, raising concerns about the future of CSP investments. Moshe Luz, a key scientist in the field, spoke to Green Prophet to address misconceptions and share insights. He argued that claims of bird deaths from CSP are myths and that Ivanpah's closure could hinder future renewable energy projects by discouraging investors from taking risks. Luz emphasized the need for bold investments to advance renewable technology.

Read more

Build a fire-proof home with hemp blocks

472531977_1132056505041884_7926993064406735540_n.jpg

Researchers tested the fire safety and strength of hemp blocks, a sustainable building material made from hemp, lime, and water. The study, published in the Journal of Building Engineering, found that Hemp blocks don’t catch fire with open flames but instead smolder slowly, producing very little smoke. In fact, walls made of hemp blocks stayed structurally intact for 2 hours during fire tests.

Read more

Are monster hurricanes and typhoons fueled by global warming?

screen-shot-2017-09-09-at-20306-pm.png

The full effects of Hurricane Irma have still to be realized; as this monster storm has already left a trail of unprecidented devistation in the Caribbean with small island communities being almost totally damaged. Huge “super typhoons” in the Pacific ocean basin have recently caused similar mayhem in the Philippines, Taiwan, coastal China and Japan. With all […]

Read more