BackPage Primers
What Is Building Science, Anyway?
Building science is an integrated discipline that stands many conventional design and construction ideas on their heads.
Environmental Building News—February 1, 2012
Sharing the Skyline with Birds
Buildings are major killers of birds, but thoughtful design can help.
Environmental Building News—January 1, 2012
The Many Faces of Reclaimed Wood
Some types of reclaimed wood count as “salvaged materials” that contribute to points in LEED and help comply with green building codes while others do not.
Environmental Building News—December 1, 2011
How Blower-Door Tests Measure Airtightness
Blower-door tests: what they are, how they work, and understanding airtightness measurements.
Environmental Building News—November 1, 2011
How Rainscreens Work
Rainscreens don't just keep the rain out: they also encourage drying in case water does manage to get in.
Environmental Building News—October 1, 2011
PBT Chemicals—Persistent, Bioaccumulative, Toxic
You've heard of persistent toxic chemicals, and bioaccumulation, but what do these things really mean, and what do they do?
Environmental Building News—September 1, 2011
How R-Value Is Calculated
You know what R-value is, but how do they figure it out? And is it really a reliable measure of insulation performance?
Environmental Building News—August 1, 2011
How Water Moves Through Buildings
Whenever we improve energy efficiency, we have to deal with water in new ways to prevent damage and mold.
Environmental Building News—July 1, 2011
How Insulation Works
Understanding how insulation works can help us find the right material for a particular project.
Environmental Building News—June 1, 2011
Forest Products Certification: How It Works
Many wood and paper products now come with an eco-label. But what happens behind the scenes before a product gets the seal of approval?
Environmental Building News—May 1, 2011
