BackPage Primers

Discount Rates: Pricing Future Environmental Costs Today

How should present-day investments be evaluated in the context of far-off catastrophe?
Environmental Building News—December 1, 2012

Using WUFI to Prevent Moisture Problems

WUFI software helps predict and prevent moisture problems based on site, climate, building materials, mechanical systems, and more.
Environmental Building News—November 1, 2012

Ecosystem Services

Functions performed by intact ecosystems provide essential support for human life, but how do we quantify their value?
Environmental Building News—October 1, 2012

How “Smart” Vapor Retarders Work

Vapor retarders are supposed to keep our buildings dry, but they sometimes keep them wet instead. Enter the “smart” vapor retarder.
Environmental Building News—September 1, 2012

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
Join the Discussion!

BlueskinVP Water-Resistive Barrier

Brent Ehrlich says, “Hi Patsy, This listing is just for BlueskinVP, not Air Bloc (a fluid-applied product), which we do not list. On the...” More...

Patsy Heasly says, “Note that when you search the Henry's website for Blueskin, you're directed to a page that has 3 products with...” More...


Radiant Barriers and Reflective Insulation

Kirk Teske says, “Good summary. In the South, I see a lot of people purchasing Radiant Barriers to try to lower summertime...” More...


Insurers Ill-Prepared for Climate Change, Survey Finds

Caleb Crawford says, “I thought that the insurance companies were way ahead on this stuff. They are supposed to be dispassionate analysts in...” More...


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

Paula Melton says, “Peggy, I appreciate the note. Glad you find the article thought-provoking!” More...

Peggy White says, “Paula - thank you for the very thorough, thoughtful, and thought-provoking article on this complicated topic.” More...

Paula Melton says, “A spokesperson from the Green Building Initiative has gotten in touch with EBN with the news that the next version...” More...


Sustainability: Too Much or Not Enough?

William G. Grover says, “When I am confronted with the current state of the Earth Community, I ask: is this what we intended? To...” More...