Building Science
Parent
Building Science
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
-
Build Green on a Budget: Lessons from Affordable Housing
Feature
Sustainability doesn’t have to cost more—and no one knows that better than affordable housing experts. But every project type can benefit from these 12 cost-reducing ideas that support people and the planet.
-
Behind the Logos: Understanding Green Product Certifications
Feature
The number of environmental product standards and certifications is growing rapidly, putting numerous different "green" logos on products. This article reviews the key programs and evaluates their rigor, and offers guidance in using them to accomplish project goals.
-
Build More or Build Green? Affordable Housing’s False Choice
Feature
The housing crisis is also a climate crisis and a social equity crisis. If we change our ways, we can address them all at once.
-
In the Pipeline: District Energy and Green Building
Feature
Very common in northern Europe, district energy systems use a network of buried, insulated pipes to distribute centrally produced steam, hot water, or chilled water to heat or cool multiple buildings. These systems can make use of waste heat from power generation (combined heat and power) or renewable fuel sources to help reduce the environmental impacts of buildings and communities.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
-
High-Performance Exterior Doors: Raising the Bar
Product Review
Most green building standards go easy on exterior doors, but a few companies are offering high-performing products.
-
Prize-Winning LED Outdoor Area Light
Product Review
EvoLucia's SCH cobra head uses the company's "Aimed Optics" technology to direct light from the LEDs onto an even pattern on the ground, maximizing the efficacy of the light.
-
HydroGap Drainable Housewrap Doubles as Air Barrier
Product Review
HydroGap housewrap creates a free-draining air space without fussy rainscreen detailing-and serves as an air and weather barrier too.
-
European Windows for Passive House Buildings
Product Review
High-performance European windows are better than American windows in part because of differences in how windows are tested.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
-
Air in Fitness Centers Laden with Pollutants, Study Finds
News Analysis
Lack of ventilation and elevated levels of VOCs are common problems in gyms, according to European research, and pools have issues too.
-
First Existing Multifamily Buildings Earn Energy Star Certification
News Analysis
Tenants are saving more than $500 a year in one of the first existing apartment buildings to be certified.
-
Polyiso Manufacturers Turn Blind Eye to Problems at Cold Temperatures
News Analysis
R-values that fluctuate with temperature can be a serious problem with polyiso in some climates. New design guidance could help.
-
Huge Carbon Savings from Transit Could Dwarf Building Efficiency
News Analysis
LEED-EBOM project data confirm that how people get to the office has a greater impact than other green building efforts.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
