Environmental architect Joseph Cory has designed a new way to make the most of the sun’s rays: by launching helium-filled, solar-panel-wrapped balloons into the sky, that will then transfer the absorbed energy to a power storage facility on the ground. It’s estimated that one or two balloons would be able to power a home, whereas strings of balloons (pictured above) would be able to generate enough energy to power apartments or other building complexes.

Inhabitat reports that the balloons are ideal for emergency situations, when generators aren’t sufficient for energy production, because of their quick set-up and high power returns. The entry-level balloons are estimated to cost $4,000, which is very reasonable compared to the same amount of energy being produced by a solar field costing nearly $10,000.

The balloons are unlikely to start popping up in cities or suburban areas anytime soon, but don’t be surprised if they begin popping up in deserts or other remote locations. Personally, I think they would be a pretty great visual attraction when you’re looking to the ground on a long flight.

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At an award ceremony being held today, The Palazzo Las Vegas will be deemed the world’s largest “green” building by the U.S. Green Building Council, and will receive a certificate declaring its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This is Las Vegas’ first eco-friendly building, and sets the standards for future construction of hotels and casinos in the area. For a city that is known to be lit up 24 hours a day, the LEED certification for the Palazzo stands out among its neighbours. The building takes advantage of water conservation, energy savings, and alternative modes of transportation for its guests.

The specific details of the Palazzo’s award winning environmental building are the following:

• Artificial turf, drip irrigation and moisture sensors in planted areas result in over a 75% reduction in irrigation needs.
• Swimming pools at The Palazzo are heated with an expansive solar pool heating system. In the summer, the excess solar energy not needed for the pools is directed to the hotel’s hot water system, reducing the need to heat water for guest suites.
• Air conditioning controls in guest suites that automatically setback by several degrees when guests are not present and reset to the desired temperature upon return.
• Team member service areas equipped with lighting occupancy sensors that shut off lights when no one is in the area.
• Interior plumbing fixtures use 37% less water than conventional buildings as a result of water-efficient showerheads, high efficiency toilets and low-flow lavatory faucet aerators.
• Moisture sensors monitor real time, site specific air temperature, humidity, rainfall and other factors to provide daily watering cycle
• adjustment.
• A waste recycling program implemented from demolition through completion diverted over 70% of waste from the landfill.
• The building’s structural steel averaged 95% recycled content, while the concrete averaged a 26% recycled content rate.

Maybe in this case, what happens in Vegas shouldn’t stay in Vegas.

Image courtesy of Wynn

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