Eco-friendly advancements are being made in building design and construction—think sustainable materials, efficiency of resources, and energy-reducing wiring and appliances. If this topic interests you, the new Smart Home: Green + Wired exhibit, opening tomorrow at the Museum of Science and Industry, is a neat opportunity to learn more about green buildings.

The exhibit is a real, fully functional, 2,500 square foot home squatting on the museum’s east lawn, demonstrating how landscaping, design, and technology can all work together to reduce the carbon footprint of a building. Private residences, as well as the examples of green architecture and design that have been creeping into the city's skyline, are all contributing to the push to make Chicago one of the nation’s “greenest" cities.

MSI, 5/8/08 – 1/4/09, suitable for all ages, not included in general admission, museum members free.

Image courtesy of the MSI