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Feature

Biobased Materials: Not Always Greener

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We tend to think of biobased materials as inherently greener—but even “natural” and “rapidly renewable” materials can carry big environmental impacts.

What's Happening

Equity, Community Featured in AIA–COTE Top Ten for 2012
This year’s AIA–COTE Top Ten winners include an unusual number of adaptive reuse projects and highlight community ties, social equity, and attentiveness to water issues on par with what we’ve customarily seen for energy performance.

Healing Gardens Make Hospital Stays a Walk in the Park
Healing gardens make hospitals more humane and contribute to healing and sustainable design—as well as the facility’s bottom line.

Mixed News for Birds, Wind Farms, and Buildings
Some conservation groups snipe about whether wind power is acceptable, while others take their complaints about glass buildings to court.

Building Owners Embrace Sharing Economy with 2030 Districts
By sharing resources, building owners in 2030 districts amplify the impact of efficiency upgrades while shrinking their collective environmental footprint.

Newsbriefs

EPA: New Coal Plants Must Limit Greenhouse Gases
Federal Government Issues Challenge: Fix Our Buildings!
First Net-Zero Certifications Awarded
U.S. Carbon Emissions Resume Rise in Latest EPA Inventor
Urbanist Manifesto: Report Promotes DIY Urban Repair
IgCC, Green Model Code, Released
Report: For Cleaner, Cheaper Transport, Electric Vehicles Are Key
Speed Bumps for Sunlight Could Improve Solar Cells
New Rating System “Envisions” Sustainable Infrastructure
RACE to Give Solar Decathlon a Run for Its Money
Closing the Loop at Green Mountain College

 

Product Review

European Windows for Passive House Buildings

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High-performance European windows are better than American windows in part because of differences in how windows are tested.

Certification Gets Small Wind Turbine Market Turning
Exaggerated claims from some turbine manufacturers undermine confidence in the wind energy industry, but certification levels the playing field, and government rebates encourage market growth.

BackPage Primer

Why’s That on the Red List?
Ever wonder why copper and Neoprene are flagged in some green building red lists and rating systems? Although they aren’t the worst offenders, they’re flagged for a good reason.

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