Solartech . . . sun illumination systems

Solartech Illumination Inc. has designed a radically innovative and cost-effective solar illumination system. The patented technology complements a building's existing electric lighting system, providing dramatic energy cost savings by reducing, or eliminating the need for daytime electric lighting for a substantial part of the year.

Utilizing light concentrating mirrors, and by following the sun's path each day for optimal alignment, the patented Solartech daylighting system collects, concentrates and re-distributes sunlight for interior building Illumination. A concentrated beam with heat removed (akin to a cool laser) is transmitted over distance with no appreciable losses. Reflectors then redirect successive portions of the beam, providing natural light illumination through out the building.

The system can provide annual electric lighting energy cost savings of $50-$100 thousand each year in a typical 130,000sq.ft commercial or industrial building installation.

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Sustainable Building Systems

Sustainable Building Systems is a company dedicated to promoting sustainable building practices and the use of "green" building materials and renewable energy sources. They assist individuals, non-profit organizations, and businesses to design and build sustainable and comfortable:

In addition, they work at the state and national levels to educate and promote sustainable building practices and policies among government agencies, mortgage lenders, insurance companies, builders, and manufacturers.

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The Last Straw . . . journal about building with straw

Since 1993, the quarterly journal The Last Straw has been sharing news and developments from around the world about straw-bale construction and natural building. The journal includes diverse articles about projects and up-to-date techniques, written by and about those who design and build with natural materials, research them, live with them—and just plain love them.