From the investor point of view, it’s probably the best moment to start investing in renewable energy. The source of solar energy is free, and for the time being its supplies are unlimited. If any company now announced retail sales of a 40% efficient solar cell, its share value would go through the roof.

The deadline to enter this year’s Postcode Lottery Green Challenge is 31st July 2010. They are mainly looking for new technologies and services that can contribute to an eco-friendly lifestyle and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

So, how do we approach green retrofitting of commercial buildings? Five simple steps here.

It was revealed that the leasehold price on this Lammas Eco Village plot would be £40,000. Although this is pretty much like our ancestors used to live, it will take some time for the general public to appreciate eco villages and consider slowing down and living in the rhythm of Nature.

According to Kevin Matthews, Editor in Chief of the Architecture Week, half of the buildings the US would have 25 years from now, have yet to be built. Builders and designers have a huge responsibility.

Have you ever dreamt about an eco lake house? How’s this for an inspiration? This house is using a ground source heat pump. Did you know that if you go for the pillar foundation you can incorporate the heat pump pipes in the pillars? Saves money.

The unusual Lammas community is working for a couple of years now. Their aim is to build a low impact eco village near Glandwr in North Pembrokeshire. It recently gained a long awaited planning consent and the job can start.

This green house project is conceived by Iñigo Ortiz Monasterio one of the leading green architects of Mexico. He thinks that Nature is an unbeatable master and it is better to be in harmony than try to split the natural shapes with straight lines and corners.

The Morrisville Renewable Energy Training Centre is a fine example of how green energy works for large buildings. They have a functioning 120 foot wind turbine producing 25 KWh of electricity every day. But you cannot surprise anyone with a wind turbine these days. How about an anaerobic digester – a system that turns manure and organic waste into clean methane?

There are many ways to approach green home design. Probably one of the cheapest and the most sustainable is to live in a dwelling provided by nature. Let’s get back in caves. Honestly, we are no better than the Neanderthal man – about the only difference is that we have learnt to use the internet

What is East Sussex up to? They plan to turn a crematorium into a power plant. Hastings Crematorium will have a £800,000 system installed that would convert the waste heat from filtering devices into reusable heat or electricity.

The general perception is that building green means higher operational cost and delays in schedules. This is just a perception and in most cases it is wrong. If you do it correctly and stick to the initial plan and budget, it can be quite beneficial in a long run.