BackPage Primers

Basics of the Psychrometric Chart

In high-performance buildings, we have to manage energy and moisture with equal intensity. The psychrometric chart shows us how.
Environmental Building News—August 1, 2012

Dry-Bulb? Wet-Bulb? What’s the Difference?

Dry-bulb and wet-bulb thermometers measure two different types of heat. Understanding them is crucial to understanding building science.
Environmental Building News—July 1, 2012

Nanomaterials: How Big a Concern?

Environmental Building News—June 1, 2012

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.
Environmental Building News—May 1, 2012

Radon Risks and Prevention

Radon, the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S., can get into our homes and bodies without us knowing it—and its presence doesn't depend on geology or locale.
Environmental Building News—April 1, 2012

How Smart Windows Work

Smart windows have a lot of energy-saving potential, but can they really pass the test in the marketplace?
Environmental Building News—March 1, 2012

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
Join the Discussion!

Plastics Industry Still Shouting “Fire” At Its Own Peril

David Eisenberg says, “Thanks for another excellent article on this issue Alex. For those who are interested in more information and/or would like...” More...


Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment: Taking the Measure of a Green Building

Tristan Roberts says, “Dan, that quiz question was derived from the "LCA at Different Stages of Design" table in the article above. I...” More...

Dan Clowes says, “Why is an LCA Expert most useful after construction? Please adjust the quiz answer if necessary.” More...


Tankless Water Heaters Don’t Use Less Energy

Dawn WAlker says, “I live in the mid-atlantic and installed a Navien tankless in 2008. My gas bill went down by about a...” More...


Energy Reforms Threatened by Two “Poison Pills”

Paula Melton says, “Senator Hoeven has released his proposed amendment as standalone legislation, and we've spoken with the American Gas Association as well.” More...