Feature

Building Information Modeling and Green Design

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Building information modeling (BIM) is a design process that allows real-time feedback on design decisions and supports collaboration between disciplines. New interoperability between BIM software and building analysis tools are bringing the design process to a new level of sophistication.

Letters

USGBC Supports Screening of PVC
Tom Lent of the Healthy Building Network explores the recent PVC report from the U.S. Green Building Council.

News

White House Aims to Curtail Federal Energy Use
An executive order sets new environmental goals for federal facilities, but some suggest that it does not go far enough.

Home Depot Rolls Out Green Labeling
Building supply retailer Home Depot introduces a labeling program it hopes will educate consumers about environmentally preferable products.

Appraising Green in Vancouver
The Vancouver Valuation Accord aims to bring environmental responsibility to real estate appraisal standards.

3M Guarantees Product Won't Be Banned
A unique warranty from 3M offers a refund on Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid if the product is banned for its ozone-depletion or global-warming potential.

Cradle to Cradle Recognized in LEED
The U.S. Green Building Council will allow projects using products earning Cradle to Cradle certification to qualify for an innovation credit in the LEED Rating System.

 

Newsbriefs

Firms Accredited to Perform SFI Certification Audits
Insurance Company Recognizes Solar Power Backup System
Energy Star to Stop Certifying Programmable Thermostats
New Mexico Governor Signs Green Home Tax Incentive
California Design Firm Heads for Zero-Energy
Greenguard Meets CHPS Standards
NYC Green Schools Guide Released
U.N. Report Connects Buildings and Climate Change
Washington Bans PBDEs
Public Transit Gaining Ground
RMI Announces New CEO

Awards & Competitions

AIA Announces Top 10—Plus Four—Green Projects for 2007
The American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment has selected ten winners and four honorable mentions in its 2007 Top Ten Green Projects competition.

Product Review

Measuring Solar Access with the Solmetric SunEye

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The SunEye is an easy-to-use, digital tool for measuring solar shading and calculating daily and monthly solar access on building sites.

Clean Concrete—and Air—with TX Active
TX Active is a line of cement products that uses the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide to provide self-cleaning and ambient pollution-reduction.

BackPage Primer

Insulated Concrete Forms
Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are permanent forms for poured-concrete walls.