View allAll Photos Tagged offthegrid

Dome Guys - Private living dome in California, constructed in 2007. This living space has green long-life cover, a bay window, and interior walls, which create separate rooms. This dome is off-the-grid.

 

Pictured: Standard door front entry

The Fort Knox energy team demonstrated during an Energy Security Project ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday the installation’s capability to operate independently of external power sources using natural gas from beneath the post’s surface – a first for a U.S. military installation.

The project was originally conceived to address mission readiness issues experienced in 2009 when an ice storm left Fort Knox and much of Kentucky without power for several consecutive days.

The harvesting of renewable methane gas on post in recent years and the installation’s six new energy substations that include gas generators now allow Fort Knox to continue 100 percent of its operations if power from the external utility provider is cut off. The post’s 3.7 megawatts of solar arrays and 6 million square feet of building space that is heated and cooled using geothermal energy has allowed the post to reduce its dependency on using other power sources, such as gas, as well.

“We’re giving back gold to the taxpayers,” said Garrison Commander Col. T.J. Edwards. “Our (Directorate of Public Works) estimates that we will save about $8 million per year from peak shaving.”

Peak shaving des-cribes another primary purpose of the Energy Security Project – switching to Fort Knox-produced power when energy demand strains the off-post energy utility, which is also when costs to purchase energy are at its highest. Com- bined with the savings achieved through geothermal heating and cooling, Fort Knox’s annual energy utility bill is projected to be $18 million less.

“Our energy team is special,” said Edwards. “We’ve won nine conse- cutive Secretary of the Army energy awards. But we don’t sit on our laurels. We’re constantly getting after it, asking how do we get better.”

Katherine Ham-mack, the assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, addressed the criticality for installations to maintain operating capability at all times.

“Energy security underwrites our unique ability to rapidly de- ploy, employ and sustain military forces around the globe, she

said. “And it’s for that

reason the Army is moving toward building resilience into our installations.”

Fort Knox’s ability to achieve this “resilience” was credited by the secretary and garrison commander as a result of Fort Knox Director-ate of Public Works, contracting command and legal officials working to establish partnerships with third parties whose expertise is in the energy field. As an example, Edwards singled out Brandon Marcum, an engineer and Harshaw Trane subcontractor for Nolin RECC, as a central figure in creating and developing the concept that became the Energy Security Project.

“We have authorities to work with third parties, leveraging core competency, capability and funding to enable us to meet our mission,” said Hammack. “The private sector partners have stepped up to help the Army in meeting our mission requirements.”

Nolin RECC staff gave the audience of about 150 area and military leaders, Fort Knox employees and area community members an inside look at its energy security bunker through a live video stream. Attendees were told how all of the systems function to achieve energy independence and peak shave. The built-in redundancies to prevent power failure – such as an off-site energy security bunker and the multiple, secured substations – were touted as well during the demonstration.

The formal celebration of the occasion involved a unique twist. Dignitaries and Army leaders didn’t cut a ribbon, they unplugged a ribbon. The ribbon was an LED cord, and when it was unplugged in the middle, the side connected to the Fort Knox power source stayed lit, symbolizing Fort Knox’s energy independence.

“Kentucky is very proud of the efforts here,” said Dave Thompson, Kentucky Commission on Mili-tary Affairs executive director. “We see Fort Knox as a growing in- stallation with undeniable potential for the future. Job well done.”

For more information about Fort Knox’s energy initiatives, read Capt. Jo Smoke’s story in the March 26 edition of The Gold Standard, titled “The Army’s only green island: 20 years of energy investments pay off,” which can be found at bit.ly/1FY4MT5. To learn more about the Energy Security Project visit youtu.be/CxNH7m0cdfw.

 

Photos by Renee Rhodes Fort Knox Photo

 

I'm working on a project called Sustainable Howe Sound with the David Suzuki Foundation (sustainablehowesound.ca/).

 

From the website we're building... "Life in the waters of Howe Sound is rebounding after decades of harm from industrial activity. Planning for the future is the best way to protect the sound’s wildlife and communities. Sustainable Howe Sound is a platform for individuals and groups who share a commitment to protect Howe Sound. The end goal is a plan for land and marine environments guided by public and expert input.".

 

Our first visit was to Camp Firmcom (fircom.ca/) on Gambier Island. Check out the interview and photos! :)

 

sustainablehowesound.ca/stories/connection/

 

(on assignment for David Suzuki Foundation)

I'm working on a project called Sustainable Howe Sound with the David Suzuki Foundation (sustainablehowesound.ca/).

 

From the website we're building... "Life in the waters of Howe Sound is rebounding after decades of harm from industrial activity. Planning for the future is the best way to protect the sound’s wildlife and communities. Sustainable Howe Sound is a platform for individuals and groups who share a commitment to protect Howe Sound. The end goal is a plan for land and marine environments guided by public and expert input.".

 

Our first visit was to Camp Firmcom (fircom.ca/) on Gambier Island. Check out the interview and photos! :)

 

sustainablehowesound.ca/stories/connection/

 

(on assignment for David Suzuki Foundation)

The Fort Knox energy team demonstrated during an Energy Security Project ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday the installation’s capability to operate independently of external power sources using natural gas from beneath the post’s surface – a first for a U.S. military installation.

The project was originally conceived to address mission readiness issues experienced in 2009 when an ice storm left Fort Knox and much of Kentucky without power for several consecutive days.

The harvesting of renewable methane gas on post in recent years and the installation’s six new energy substations that include gas generators now allow Fort Knox to continue 100 percent of its operations if power from the external utility provider is cut off. The post’s 3.7 megawatts of solar arrays and 6 million square feet of building space that is heated and cooled using geothermal energy has allowed the post to reduce its dependency on using other power sources, such as gas, as well.

“We’re giving back gold to the taxpayers,” said Garrison Commander Col. T.J. Edwards. “Our (Directorate of Public Works) estimates that we will save about $8 million per year from peak shaving.”

Peak shaving des-cribes another primary purpose of the Energy Security Project – switching to Fort Knox-produced power when energy demand strains the off-post energy utility, which is also when costs to purchase energy are at its highest. Com- bined with the savings achieved through geothermal heating and cooling, Fort Knox’s annual energy utility bill is projected to be $18 million less.

“Our energy team is special,” said Edwards. “We’ve won nine conse- cutive Secretary of the Army energy awards. But we don’t sit on our laurels. We’re constantly getting after it, asking how do we get better.”

Katherine Ham-mack, the assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, addressed the criticality for installations to maintain operating capability at all times.

“Energy security underwrites our unique ability to rapidly de- ploy, employ and sustain military forces around the globe, she

said. “And it’s for that

reason the Army is moving toward building resilience into our installations.”

Fort Knox’s ability to achieve this “resilience” was credited by the secretary and garrison commander as a result of Fort Knox Director-ate of Public Works, contracting command and legal officials working to establish partnerships with third parties whose expertise is in the energy field. As an example, Edwards singled out Brandon Marcum, an engineer and Harshaw Trane subcontractor for Nolin RECC, as a central figure in creating and developing the concept that became the Energy Security Project.

“We have authorities to work with third parties, leveraging core competency, capability and funding to enable us to meet our mission,” said Hammack. “The private sector partners have stepped up to help the Army in meeting our mission requirements.”

Nolin RECC staff gave the audience of about 150 area and military leaders, Fort Knox employees and area community members an inside look at its energy security bunker through a live video stream. Attendees were told how all of the systems function to achieve energy independence and peak shave. The built-in redundancies to prevent power failure – such as an off-site energy security bunker and the multiple, secured substations – were touted as well during the demonstration.

The formal celebration of the occasion involved a unique twist. Dignitaries and Army leaders didn’t cut a ribbon, they unplugged a ribbon. The ribbon was an LED cord, and when it was unplugged in the middle, the side connected to the Fort Knox power source stayed lit, symbolizing Fort Knox’s energy independence.

“Kentucky is very proud of the efforts here,” said Dave Thompson, Kentucky Commission on Mili-tary Affairs executive director. “We see Fort Knox as a growing in- stallation with undeniable potential for the future. Job well done.”

For more information about Fort Knox’s energy initiatives, read Capt. Jo Smoke’s story in the March 26 edition of The Gold Standard, titled “The Army’s only green island: 20 years of energy investments pay off,” which can be found at bit.ly/1FY4MT5. To learn more about the Energy Security Project visit youtu.be/CxNH7m0cdfw.

 

Photos by Renee Rhodes Fort Knox Photo

 

On Saturday in February 2007, about 11 volunteers showed up to (surgically) tear-down the '53IM to the bare aluminum fuselage. Pictured is Side Street Projects Co-Founder Joe Luttrell (L) and artist Ed Stevens who designed and fabricated the new '53IM interior.

 

The Fort Knox energy team demonstrated during an Energy Security Project ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday the installation’s capability to operate independently of external power sources using natural gas from beneath the post’s surface – a first for a U.S. military installation.

The project was originally conceived to address mission readiness issues experienced in 2009 when an ice storm left Fort Knox and much of Kentucky without power for several consecutive days.

The harvesting of renewable methane gas on post in recent years and the installation’s six new energy substations that include gas generators now allow Fort Knox to continue 100 percent of its operations if power from the external utility provider is cut off. The post’s 3.7 megawatts of solar arrays and 6 million square feet of building space that is heated and cooled using geothermal energy has allowed the post to reduce its dependency on using other power sources, such as gas, as well.

“We’re giving back gold to the taxpayers,” said Garrison Commander Col. T.J. Edwards. “Our (Directorate of Public Works) estimates that we will save about $8 million per year from peak shaving.”

Peak shaving des-cribes another primary purpose of the Energy Security Project – switching to Fort Knox-produced power when energy demand strains the off-post energy utility, which is also when costs to purchase energy are at its highest. Com- bined with the savings achieved through geothermal heating and cooling, Fort Knox’s annual energy utility bill is projected to be $18 million less.

“Our energy team is special,” said Edwards. “We’ve won nine conse- cutive Secretary of the Army energy awards. But we don’t sit on our laurels. We’re constantly getting after it, asking how do we get better.”

Katherine Ham-mack, the assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, addressed the criticality for installations to maintain operating capability at all times.

“Energy security underwrites our unique ability to rapidly de- ploy, employ and sustain military forces around the globe, she

said. “And it’s for that

reason the Army is moving toward building resilience into our installations.”

Fort Knox’s ability to achieve this “resilience” was credited by the secretary and garrison commander as a result of Fort Knox Director-ate of Public Works, contracting command and legal officials working to establish partnerships with third parties whose expertise is in the energy field. As an example, Edwards singled out Brandon Marcum, an engineer and Harshaw Trane subcontractor for Nolin RECC, as a central figure in creating and developing the concept that became the Energy Security Project.

“We have authorities to work with third parties, leveraging core competency, capability and funding to enable us to meet our mission,” said Hammack. “The private sector partners have stepped up to help the Army in meeting our mission requirements.”

Nolin RECC staff gave the audience of about 150 area and military leaders, Fort Knox employees and area community members an inside look at its energy security bunker through a live video stream. Attendees were told how all of the systems function to achieve energy independence and peak shave. The built-in redundancies to prevent power failure – such as an off-site energy security bunker and the multiple, secured substations – were touted as well during the demonstration.

The formal celebration of the occasion involved a unique twist. Dignitaries and Army leaders didn’t cut a ribbon, they unplugged a ribbon. The ribbon was an LED cord, and when it was unplugged in the middle, the side connected to the Fort Knox power source stayed lit, symbolizing Fort Knox’s energy independence.

“Kentucky is very proud of the efforts here,” said Dave Thompson, Kentucky Commission on Mili-tary Affairs executive director. “We see Fort Knox as a growing in- stallation with undeniable potential for the future. Job well done.”

For more information about Fort Knox’s energy initiatives, read Capt. Jo Smoke’s story in the March 26 edition of The Gold Standard, titled “The Army’s only green island: 20 years of energy investments pay off,” which can be found at bit.ly/1FY4MT5. To learn more about the Energy Security Project visit youtu.be/CxNH7m0cdfw.

 

Photos by Renee Rhodes Fort Knox Photo

 

It's almost shame that we had to cover up the beautiful aluminum work. Spartans were essentially adapted from the WWII bomber design that Getty's Spartan Aircraft Co. was making for the US Government... hence the uncanny resemblance to the interior of an aircraft fuselage.

along with live music, a dozen or more gourmet food trucks form a giant circle each friday night and feed the masses - fort mason, marina district, san francisco, california

Interior shot from May of 2005... (soon to be) home sweet home. Note the lovely wallpaper over the birch (ick). Ugh, what have we gotten ourselves into?

When you have livestock on a small island, transporting the hay you need isn't as easy as just having it delivered. Or even driving to pick it up. Here's a little #TBT to the 70s when we hauled hay for the sheep and ponies to the island. Never one to waste a crossing, my dad stacked it into every available boat, crevace and flat surface. Luckily it was a fairly calm day or this would have required at least 3 crossings.

I'm working on a project called Sustainable Howe Sound with the David Suzuki Foundation (sustainablehowesound.ca/).

 

From the website we're building... "Life in the waters of Howe Sound is rebounding after decades of harm from industrial activity. Planning for the future is the best way to protect the sound’s wildlife and communities. Sustainable Howe Sound is a platform for individuals and groups who share a commitment to protect Howe Sound. The end goal is a plan for land and marine environments guided by public and expert input.".

 

Our first visit was to Camp Firmcom (fircom.ca/) on Gambier Island. Check out the interview and photos! :)

 

sustainablehowesound.ca/stories/connection/

 

(on assignment for David Suzuki Foundation)

Dome Guys - Private living dome in California, constructed in 2007. This living space has green long-life cover, a bay window, and interior walls, which create separate rooms. This dome is off-the-grid.

 

Pictured: Standard door, front entry

Off The Grid - Fort Mason

San Francisco, CA

 

Referring to the sandwich, not the guy.

 

You have not lived until you've tried the Black Elvis from the Grilled PB&J Guy. Consists of peanut butter, nutella, banana & bacon on grilled bread. Decadent for sure!

 

Taken 9/2/16

First, we installed brand new Lexan windows custom made for us in Colorado (which took 6 freakin' months... ah, trailer folk). Well, when I say "we" installed I mean Guillermo "Memo" Diaz installed them for us (aka - our trailer guardian angel). In Feburary 2007, we had a volunteer day @ Armory Northwest and began the full tear-down of the '53 IM's interior.

Dome Guys - Private living dome in California, constructed in 2007. This living space has green long-life cover, a bay window, and interior walls, which create separate rooms. This dome is off-the-grid.

 

Pictured: Bathroom

Dome Guys - Private living dome in California, constructed in 2007. This living space has green long-life cover, a bay window, and interior walls, which create separate rooms. This dome is off-the-grid.

 

Pictured: Solar exhaust fan, interior

Here's the '53IM (front) and the '49M at their current (temporary) location: a city-owned vacant lot. Note our good luck: 2 perfect cement pads underneath a HUGE California Oak.

 

Tan roof, terra cotta walls, buff valance

Dome Guys - Private living dome in California, constructed in 2007. This living space has green long-life cover, a bay window, and interior walls, which create separate rooms. This dome is off-the-grid.

 

Pictured: Wood-burning stove

Dome Guys - Private living dome in California, constructed in 2007. This living space has green long-life cover, a bay window, and interior walls, which create separate rooms. This dome is off-the-grid.

 

Pictured: Solar exhaust fan, exterior

Gestures live at the Pyramid Atlantic, Silver Spring MD. 3apr10. Event was curated by DC Sonic Circuits: 2nd installment in the "Off the Grid" series of unplugged and/or battery powered experimental music performances.

I'm working on a project called Sustainable Howe Sound with the David Suzuki Foundation (sustainablehowesound.ca/).

 

From the website we're building... "Life in the waters of Howe Sound is rebounding after decades of harm from industrial activity. Planning for the future is the best way to protect the sound’s wildlife and communities. Sustainable Howe Sound is a platform for individuals and groups who share a commitment to protect Howe Sound. The end goal is a plan for land and marine environments guided by public and expert input.".

 

Our first visit was to Camp Firmcom (fircom.ca/) on Gambier Island. Check out the interview and photos! :)

 

sustainablehowesound.ca/stories/connection/

 

(on assignment for David Suzuki Foundation)

Gestures live at the Pyramid Atlantic, Silver Spring MD. 3apr10. Event was curated by DC Sonic Circuits: 2nd installment in the "Off the Grid" series of unplugged and/or battery powered experimental music performances.

New Years Eve, 2007: the final coat of polyurethane is on, epoxy floor paint is on, and we are recovering from nearly burning out all our brain cells from 6 hours of relentless fumes.

Reminds me of an old joke: "I'm writing a book. I've numbered all the pages, now all I gotta do is fill them in." Ten months later, it'll all be worth it.

 

I'm working on a project called Sustainable Howe Sound with the David Suzuki Foundation (sustainablehowesound.ca/).

 

From the website we're building... "Life in the waters of Howe Sound is rebounding after decades of harm from industrial activity. Planning for the future is the best way to protect the sound’s wildlife and communities. Sustainable Howe Sound is a platform for individuals and groups who share a commitment to protect Howe Sound. The end goal is a plan for land and marine environments guided by public and expert input.".

 

Our first visit was to Camp Firmcom (fircom.ca/) on Gambier Island. Check out the interview and photos! :)

 

sustainablehowesound.ca/stories/connection/

 

(on assignment for David Suzuki Foundation)

Discover and explore gems around you with At-Hand Guides. See www.DayTripsAtHnad.com and www.AtHandGuides.WordPress.com

In Feburary 2007, we had a volunteer day @ Armory Northwest and began the full tear-down of the '53 IM's interior.

A moment of fireside rest after setting camp for the night, up river within the Tumucumaque National Park.

Here's Ed taking careful measurements during the demo phase. Ed would go on to design, fabricate, and install the new interior of the '53IM.

 

1 2 ••• 9 10 12 14 15 ••• 79 80