Building Science
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Building Science
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Biophilia in Practice: Buildings that Connect People with Nature
Feature
Biophilia, or human beings' inherent love for nature, has been called "the missing link in sustainable design." EBN's Alex Wilson helps readers understand biophilia, describes why it is important relative to building design, and presents specific design strategies for bringing people closer to nature.
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Treated Wood in Transition: Less Toxic Options in Preserved and Protected Wood
Feature
Following the recent phaseout of CCA, the dominant wood preservative of the last 30 years, the treated wood industry is in major transition. Some current wood treatment technologies present familiar environmental problems, while less-toxic alternatives are just entering the market.
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Greening Your Electricity
Feature
Many businesses and homeowners are choosing to buy green power, including renewable energy credits (RECs). This article examines the environmental benefits of green power, including on-site renewables, what REC buyers should know about their purchases, and investing in energy conservation.
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The Evolution of Exit Signs (and Why the Latest is a Bad Idea)
Feature
Searching for reliable, energy-efficient exit signs, EBN's Alex Wilson explains why photoluminescent exit signs, one of the newest "energy-saving" devices, are one of the worst from a total-energy-use standpoint. The article reviews current technology, including LED and electroluminescent exit signs, and offers recommendations.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Using Fly Ash in Concrete
Explainer
Fly ash lowers the environmental footprint of concrete and improves durability. Pouring and curing concrete with high levels of fly ash requires special treatment.
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Graywater Collection and Use
Explainer
If properly stored and separated from potable water, graywater collected from sinks, showers, and clothes washers can be used to irrigate landscaping.
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Porous Paving
Explainer
Pavement that allows infiltration of stormwater comes in a variety of types, and offers many environmental and even cost benefits.
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Thermal Bridging
Explainer
Thermal bridging, when one material conducts heat much better than materials around it, can reduce the effectiveness of insulation to a surprising extent.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Repairing Scratched Window Glass with GlasWeld
Product Review
The G Force Scratch Removal System from GlasWeld uses heat, pressure, and nontoxic chemicals to realign glass molecules, restoring a smooth surface.
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Mitsubishi Jet Towel Hand Dryer
Product Review
The Jet Towel uses high-velocity air to dry hands in five or six seconds. It also produces less noise and uses less energy than its competitors and captures water in a storage reservoir.
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New Delta Showerhead Advances State of the Art
Product Review
The Delta Faucet Company's newest showerhead delivers a satisfying shower using only 1.6 gallons of water per minute.
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Kohler Enters the Waterless Urinal Market
Product Review
The Kohler Company has introduced two stylish, vitreous-china waterless urinal models.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Green Globes Announces Life-Cycle Assessment Tool for Rating Systems
News Analysis
A new software tool from the Green Building Initiative promises to help designers make smarter environmental choices based on life-cycle assessment.
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Lights Out for the Incandescent Lamp?
News Analysis
The inefficient incandescent lamp is in danger of being banned, with several initatives in the U.S. and abroad in the works.
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British Columbia Insurers Question Green Roofs
News Analysis
Some British Columbia insurers are balking at projects with green roofs, but dialogue about their benefits is helping some projects.
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GSA Moving Towards Ban on Underfloor Air
News Analysis
The General Services Administration is scrutinizing underfloor air distribution after experiencing high leakage rates with its systems.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Plastics Industry Still Shouting "Fire" At Its Own Peril
Op-Ed
The foam insulation industry's united stand against code changes could backfire in the marketplace.
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Integrate Food Production and Green Building
Op-Ed
Adding local food production to the goals of green building makes sense for the environment and human health.
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Why Standing Rock Matters to Green Building (and How You Can Help)
Op-Ed
The green building community must choose its battles carefully. And Standing Rock should be one of those battles.
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Opting Out of Paris Accord Fortifies Global Warming Battle
Op-Ed
By making the administration’s position clear, Trump’s decision unleashed a wave of actions to stabilize the climate.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Just For Fun
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