Pittsburgh Highmark- I ask for forgiveness in advance as I proceed to laud a healthcare provider. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is unveiling a 22,000 square foot green roof on its facility in downtown Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh has a soiled reputation (pun intended) and a major problem with sewage overflow. Highmark’s green roof will reduce the company’s energy consumption by 12% and will absorb most of the 37 annual inches of rain instead of it ending in the local storm water system. According to John Schombert, Executive Director of 3 Rivers Wet Weather, a local non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of the region’s water quality, from May to September the areas waterways are contaminated. The roof contains over 25,000 plants in varied depths of between 6 to 18 inches. Highmark is involved in a variety of other environmental-friendly initiatives such as a Silver LEED certified Data Center in Hershey, PA, paper and utilities conservation measures and use of certified green seal cleaning products. I think it’s fascinating to see this type of project in a very unlikely place, it continues to demonstrate that every city is beginning to understand the benefits of ecology and science.
Only In LA- Fortunately for Hollywood hipsters another club is about to open. This one, Ecco, is claiming to be the first “ecco friendly ultra lounge”. Can someone please explain this term to me? It may even receive a LEED certification. Flushless toilets, free valet parking for hybrids and green energy provided by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power are just some of the features. Sounds like the perfect place to hang for all those Dodger fans that require wearing sunglasses at night ballgames.
Punch Drunk- It has been an abnormally long election cycle and the candidates are definitely getting spendy with taxpayer’s and Asia’s money. Obamessiah yesterday just couldn’t help himself and proposed an incentive of $50 billion to US automakers doubling the $25 billion already approved by Congress. I need to start a failing manufacturing or financial business quick, so I can get mine.
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