Features

Building for People: Integrating Social Justice into Green Design

Social justice is already a part of green building. Making it a conscious part of the decision-making process, however, requires a new paradigm.
Environmental Building News—October 1, 2009

Design for Adaptation: Living in a Climate-Changing World

Even if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases tomorrow, rising global temperatures would still bring major changes to the climate system and our way of life. This article offers solutions for designing buildings that not only mitigate our impact on the global climate, but also adapt to the changes that are coming—and those that are already here.
Environmental Building News—September 1, 2009

Polystyrene Insulation: Does It Belong in a Green Building?

Polystyrene is widely used as a rigid insulation in North America, offering high insulation values, moisture resistance, strength, and affordability. But a flame retardant in the material, as well as its life-cycle impacts, raise questions about whether it should be used at all.
Environmental Building News—August 1, 2009

Buildings on Ice: Making the Case for Thermal Energy Storage

Thermal energy storage uses ice to shift daytime cooling loads to nighttime, when electricity costs are lower. You may be able to reduce the size of chillers as a result, saving money and energy and lowering the environmental footprint of a building
Environmental Building News—July 1, 2009

The Living Building Challenge: Can It Really Change the World?

The Living Building Challenge, with its stringent, all-or-nothing requirements, is out to change the way we build. But is it actually achievable?
Environmental Building News—June 1, 2009

The Folly of Building-Integrated Wind

Wind turbines on buildings could produce electricity where it's needed and catch high winds above ground level. However, wind turbulence, safety, cost, and poor performance all make building-integrated wind a limited strategy.
Environmental Building News—May 1, 2009

Cost-Effective Green Retrofits: Opportunities for Savings in Existing Buildings

Between lighting, water use, mechanical systems, the building envelope, and occupant health, existing buildings are rife with cost-effective retrofits and operational opportunities that also offer environmental benefits. Improvements range from the painfully obvious to the more complex and involved.
Environmental Building News—April 1, 2009

Thinking Beyond Buildings: LEED for Neighborhood Development

LEED for Neighborhood Development is not yet final, but it’s already clear that it’s a different type of rating system. Lessons from the pilot projects show that cooperation among team members and with the local government is essential to a successful project.
Environmental Building News—March 1, 2009

Growing Food Locally: Integrating Agriculture Into the Built Environment

With a little ingenuity, the flat roofs and vacant lots of urban centers can be used effectively for food production. Numerous models can bring building-integrated food production to your project, while making our food supply chain more sustainable.
Environmental Building News—February 1, 2009

Finding the Green Lining: Surviving and Thriving in an Economic Downturn

A sharp slowdown in nearly all sectors of design and construction has been a defining component of the current recession. Green building has remained a relative bright spot, however, giving firms with strong green capabilities a leg up. This article examines the current climate and offers specific pointers on thriving with a green agenda.
Environmental Building News—January 1, 2009
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Alternative Water Sources: Supply-Side Solutions for Green Buildings

Stephen Keppler says, “Is the condensate water calculator still unavailable? If not, can you help identify its location. Thank you.” More...


Perkins + Will Lists Chemicals to Avoid

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Mundise Mortimer says, “I am glad to see this discussion. Products that are not in full scale production and/ or new to the...” More...


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Tristan Roberts says, “The following comment came to me via email from Robert Riversong, in response to Peter's and Jim's comments: I'm afraid that...” More...


ASHRAE to Launch Building Performance Label

Sascha Iqbal says, “Thanks Allyson for the link!” More...