The black and white drawing explains how poop was turned into power in 1922. And nowadays, poop even can power a train, and methane from both human and animal waste makes great biogas. Actually, after I have a few beers and some bean dip, I can make great biogas too.

Via TreeHugger.

A total of 800 panels, installed on garage roofs throughout the neighborhood, generate 1.5 megawatts of thermal energy during the summer. And extra power is stored underground for the shorter, colder days of winter.

The homes sold quickly, especially after June testing revealed the system captured and stored exactly the amount of energy that had been calculated, with the last house going this October.

In 5 years, together the neighborhood will have saved up enough solar energy to provide 90% of the community’s heating needs during the winter.

Also, all the houses are gold-certified for being green. The average Canadian household emits 6 to 7 tons of greenhouse gas annually, but Drake Landing’s homes only produce 1 to 2 tons per year.

Via ENN.