Feature
Alternative Water Sources: Supply-Side Solutions for Green Buildings
Both the recent drought in the normally-wet Southeast and impending water shortages in the Southwest are a reminder that water efficiency should be a top priority for our buildings. At the same time, finding alternative sources of water is also important for sustainability and passive survivability. Several sources of water can be harvested at the building level as well as through municipal-scale wastewater treatment and desalination.
Letters
Readers Respond to Taunton Partnership
Readers congratulate BuildingGreen on its partnership with Taunton Press, while discussing some concerns.
More Solar Gain, Not R-Value, Better for Heating Climates
Low-emissivity glazing, like technologies from Guardian and Alpen discussed in recent articles, is not always appropriate and may work against energy-efficient passive solar design.
What's Happening
FSC-Certified Bamboo Plywood Now Available
In an industry first, Smith & Fong now offers bamboo plywood panels certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council.
Boulder County Limits Energy Use for Homes
New ordinances passed in Boulder County and the City of Boulder require larger homes to be more energy and resource efficient; ordinances under consideration may limit home size more directly.
Higher Occupancy, Higher Lease Rates for Green Buildings
A new study from CoStar Group finds that buildings that carry LEED or Energy Star certifications have higher occupancy rates and lease for more money than their peers.
AIA Requires Sustainability in Continuing Education
A new continuing education requirement from AIA stresses environmentally friendly design in CEUs. Meanwhile, some feel that the topic is not present enough in architectural education and testing.
Newsbriefs
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Awards & Competitions
AIA/COTE Announces 2008 Top Ten Green Projects
The American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment has announced the Top Ten Green Projects for 2008, including interpretive centers, schools, and a condominium building.
Product Review
Coolerado: Evaporative Cooling Without Added Humidity
As an indirect evaporative cooler, the Coolerado provides cool air without adding moisture. Its innovative technology also delivers lower temperatures than conventional evaporative coolers, and it's much more efficient than conventional central air-conditioners.
Energy and Performance in Thermally Preserved Wood
Cambia by Greenleaf recently joined Purewood in the market for wood preserved with high heat and without hazardous chemicals. The companies have competing products, as well as competing claims for the significant energy use during production.
Product News
Cree Acquires LED Lighting Fixtures
LED manufacturer Cree, Inc., has acquired LED Lighting Fixtures, maker of an innovative LED recessed downlight, giving the company access to greater technical, financial, and marketing resources.
BackPage Primer
Evaporative Coolers
As water evaporates, it absorbs heat. Direct and indirect evaporative coolers use this property to cool homes efficiently.
Calendar
Calendar of Events
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