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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Energy Modeling: Early and Often
Feature Article
For the biggest energy and cost savings, model early in design and model often, say the experts.
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Waste Water, Want Water
Feature Article
Options for small-scale, onsite wastewater treatment and reuse are improving-but can we solve a global crisis one building at a time?
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The Hidden Science of High-Performance Building Assemblies
Feature Article
Any four walls and a roof make an enclosure, but for efficiency, comfort, and durability, those elements have to be meticulously designed and installed.
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Passive Solar Heating
Feature Article
Using the sun for most of a building's heating needs is in the DNA of green building. But in an age of superinsulation, does it still make sense?
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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How Blower-Door Tests Measure Airtightness
Explainer
Blower-door tests: what they are, how they work, and understanding airtightness measurements.
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How Rainscreens Work
Explainer
Rainscreens don't just keep the rain out: they also encourage drying in case water does manage to get in.
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How R-Value Is Calculated
Explainer
You know what R-value is, but how do they figure it out? And is it really a reliable measure of insulation performance?
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How Water Moves Through Buildings
Explainer
Whenever we improve energy efficiency, we have to deal with water in new ways to prevent damage and mold.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Mineral Wool Batts Now Formaldehyde-Free
Product Review
Thermafiber and Roxul have introduced the first formaldehyde-free mineral wool batt insulations, following the example set by the fiberglass insulation industry.
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Fiberglass, XPS, Cork? Insulation Options for LEED v4 and Living Buildings
Product Review
Choosing insulation with an eye to points in LEED v4 or Living Building Challenge compliance? Here’s how insulation materials compare.
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Façade as Ventilation: Moving beyond Open Windows
Product Review
AirFlow Panels supply air and recover energy on commercial building façades, improving air quality while reducing energy and space requirements.
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No More Condensation on Chilled Beams
Product Review
Semco’s Neuton pump module could simplify installation of chilled beams, eliminate condensation problems, and provide improved zone control.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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TallyCAT Links Revit with Product-Specific Carbon Data
News Brief
Now in beta, tallyCAT facilitates embodied carbon decision-making through selection of specific products.
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Raze or Retrofit? CARE Tool Has the Answer
News Brief
From a carbon perspective, conventional wisdom says reuse is better, and the CARE Tool backs that up with data.
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California Architects, Get Ready for Net-Zero-Carbon Education
News Brief
The “ZNCD” California law requiring architects to take net-zero-carbon design courses goes into effect soon.
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Gas Stoves: Like a Cigarette Smoker in Your Kitchen?
News Brief
Benzene concentrations from unburned fossil gas can exceed health recommendations, but it’s highly regional, researchers found.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Tape It? Seal It? Glue It? Sealing Weather Barrier Seams
Blog Post
Lots of building products offer some help in keeping air, water, and heat in our buildings, but without attention to the joints, you lose critical continuity in your barriers.
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How Much Insulation Is Enough?
Blog Post
Most leading energy experts today recommend installing a lot more insulation than is common practice. This wall for a Passive House in Seattle will hold about a foot of insulation.
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Questioning Active Chilled Beams
Op-Ed
Energy consultant Andy Shapiro questions the energy benefits of active chilled beams; engineer Peter Rumsey responds.
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Drinking the Heat Pump Kool-Aid
Op-Ed
Reader Thomas McGrath questions the choice of heat pumps over other forms of space heating.
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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