Costlier to construct, economical to maintain (AAC Concrete)

[gulfcoastliberal]

(I was watching a show about "future houses" on HD Discovery last night and was intrigued by this building material that's been used for some time in Europe and is just now being introduced here. Most manufacturers of AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) are in Florida. The material is very insulating, fire resistant, can be cut with handsaws, routers, etc, weighs a fraction of poured concrete, is extremely fire-resistant and seems like an ideal material for the Gulf Coast - or anywhere, really) If I ever build a house, it will be AAC rather than wood framed.

The only news article I could find about Green Buildings is something from India...

Green buildings may be expensive initially, but in the longer run these are cheaper because of low energy consumption

A green building is environment friendly, saves energy and is cost-efficient. Big deal, you think. That is the reaction most of us, who have not worked in in a green building, would have.

snip

“A green building is a high performance sustainable building, which has minimum negative impact on the environment. Therefore, a green building would use highly energy efficient electrical and mechanical systems, equipment, recycled materials, minimise use of virgin materials and recycle water,” says Vidur Bharadwaj, a Delhi-based consultant architect.

snip

For example, the building envelope is of aerated concrete blocks, which have a high fly ash content. This has good insulating properties, leading to lower heat gains and therefore reduced AC costs (both capital and operating). Various power and water saving design features are incorporated to ensure that the equipment respond to the varying occupancy loads, leading to lower consumption,” he elaborates.

http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=103638

Website explaining AAC:
http://www.toolbase.org/techinv/techDetails.aspx?technologyID=147

[LizMoonstar]

1. I love stuff like this, but then I get sad ----

knowing that I rent and will be doing so for some time, means that not only can I not get in on this, I can't even retrofit my current house (apartment, actually).

[gulfcoastliberal]

2. Have you considered getting into an "outsource resistant" trade?

Plumbers, electricians, linemen/women all make decent livings. I have a bachelors degree and I'm seriously considering going to linesman school. It costs around $7000 and lasts 5 months but once you graduate there are lots of jobs open and most start at least $15-$25 dollars/hr.

[LizMoonstar]

3. I appreciate the concern, but I'm renting for 'moveability'

not so much for financial reasons. I'm doing all right money-wise, I'm just waiting for Barak and Roll to finish school and figure out where he's going from here.


I am looking into going back to school in some form for either a teaching certificate, library science master's, or both - I figure it may be a thankless job, but they're always needed and can't easily be outsourced.