Author Archives: Teresa

About Teresa

Teresa Burrelsman is a long-time sustainability advocate and consultant. She is the Principal of Eco Via Consulting. See www.ecoviaconsulting.com/bio for more information.

Ballard Rain Gardens – Success! Failure?

The Roadside Rain Garden Pilot Program in Seattle’s northern neighborhood of Ballard is in full swing. Part of CSO (combined sewer overflow) reduction efforts, the City installed 50 rain gardens in the area, aimed at mitigating 50,000 gallons of stormwater … Continue reading

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Speaking of Public Art & Plastic Bags…

Perhaps inspired by thoughts of art filled sustainable communities, I have to share this ingenious combo of pulic art, education and sustainability by artist Virginia Fleck. If you’re looking for more ways to reuse plastic bags (the ones you got … Continue reading

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Public Art in the Sustainable City

In 1971 Seattle created one of country’s first public arts commissions. In June of this year, we’ll celebrate the 40th anniversary of this visionary program. Starting with a modest budget to form an Arts Commission, Seattle’s Office of Arts & … Continue reading

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The New International Living Future Institute – More Than Buildings

Green building may be here to stay, but sustainability goes beyond individual buildings. The International Living Building Institute has morphed to acknowledge and support that reality. The International Living Future Institute will bring together the Natural Step, Ecotone Publishing, the … Continue reading

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US Slips to 61st “Best” Environmental Country

There are 44 countries in Europe, most of whom rank better on the eco scale than the U.S. Yet we are not only behind Europe, but a host of others as we slip from 39th best environmental country to a paltry … Continue reading

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Seattle’s New Energy Disclosure Ordinance

The challenge of short-term investment thinking when it comes to energy efficient design may have met its match. If potential buyers or tenants know what their energy costs will be, long term operations costs will become a bigger decision factor. … Continue reading

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Green Homes East, West, North & South!

The NW Eco Building Guild’s first Green Home Tour last weekend hosted an inspiring mix of new construction, remodels, expansions and even a neighborhood center. With just one day to visit the homes, I selected one area to focus on: … Continue reading

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Let the Stimulus Funds Stimulate!

So where did all those stimulus funds go, you know, the ones that were going to boost the economy, including the construction sector? A recent audit revealed that only 8.4% of the funds allocated to energy efficiency have been spent. … Continue reading

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Passivhaus – April 16 & 17th Seattle Area Tours

I missed Rob Harrison’s presentation on Passivhaus Calcualtions at Monday’s meeting of the Seattle Energy Design Roundtable; I was on vacation. However I heard good things and, now, back in Seattle and refreshed, I’m ready to catch up on the … Continue reading

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2009 Energy Code Pushes for Deep Green

Hold onto your energy saving hats folks! The 2009 Seattle Energy Code is here, it’s aggressive, and it’s aiming to push our city into some truly green territory. John Hogan from the City of Seattle Department of Planning & Development … Continue reading

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