A Heat Exchanger. Image Source: Shandchem

Dear Pablo: We had a home energy audit and the auditor suggested that we switch our space and water heating from natural gas to electric to become more sustainable.

PSFK

Back in November at Greenbuild we talked to Starbucks' Corporate Architect Tony Gale about the rollout of their new Global Store Design Strategy.

Every ad for radiant flooring shows the same thing: kids, dogs, cute couples lying on the floor looking happy. And what's not to like? It really is comfortable to have warmth underfoot, and many companies claim that it saves a lot of energy by putting the heat where you want it.

Image credit: Smart Log Splitter

From effective masonry heaters to beautiful Danish wood stoves, the Scandinavians know a thing or two about heating with wood.

Architects from the Japanese design firm Bakoko have developed a circular structure, called the Comploo, that could be the perfect sustainable compliment to Japanese Tea Gardens during chilly winters--heated by a unique composting system built in the walls.

The Cahit Sıtkı Tarancı House in Diyarbakır, Turkey, is an example of a traditional courtyard-style home.

Image credit: NY Daily News

File this one under 'Life Imitates The Onion', if you like, but news is out that The Holiday Inn will next week be offering guests the option of 'human bed warmers' to keep them cozy at night at 3 of its UK locations.