Client Values
There are the signature push-the-envelope green projects with flexible budgets that win awards and have case studies written about them. And then there is real life.
Everyday clients are concerned about cost, schedule, and specific programmatic needs that can push sustainability to the back burner.
Showing how green and healthy buildings can be built on a budget is one approach to this issue, but it’s not the starting place, according to top designers. These experts start by trying to deeply understand what the client values—and then go about helping clients achieve their mission within the limitations of the project.
Client Values
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Embracing the Economy as a Design Challenge
Feature Article
How architects, community developers, and others are experimenting with new models to support progressive design.
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Work Globally, Design Locally
Feature Article
In today’s global economy, American architects work on six continents—but that doesn’t mean they should all have identical glass towers.
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Protect Your Spec: 14 Strategies
Feature Article
You’ve selected the ideal materials for your project: now get them into the building.
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How To Run a Great Workshop: 37 Tips and Ideas
Feature Article
Whether you call it a charrette, a workshop, or simply a meeting, these suggestions from experts will make your next event more fun and productive.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Social Sustainability and Architecture
Primer
Architects can increase social value through thoughtful design of the built environment.
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Ethnography: A Creative Tool for Human-Centered Design
Primer
Social science research methods can generate innovative and sophisticated design solutions that respond to human needs and cultural values.
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How RECs Work—and Why You Might Not Own Your Clean Energy
Primer
Even if you buy into a solar farm or host an array, someone else can claim the benefits. Here’s how to get what you expect.
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The 12 Product Rules
Infographic
These 12 product rules provide a simple approach to selecting better, healthier, and more environmentally responsible building products and materials.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Employee Performance Doubled in Well-Ventilated Buildings
News Analysis
Reducing VOCs and adding more fresh air resulted in cognitive function test scores that were 101% higher in a double-blind study.
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New "DART" Tool Helps Designers Hit the Value Bullseye
News Brief
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Want a Net-Zero Home? Be a Net-Zero Family
News Analysis
A superinsulated house with PV is a great start, but whether you achieve net-zero depends on how you live in it.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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A Manufacturer’s Guide to a Successful Sustainability Platform
Op-Ed
Manufacturers have a unique role in sustainable building and LEED—and they don’t need to leave profits behind. Here’s a manufacturer’s guide to improving and promoting green products.
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Why We Let Ourselves Do Mediocre Work
Blog Post
Architects and designers want to do exceptional, challenging sustainability work. Why are we waiting for the unicorn client?
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Building Products Matter Even More Than We Thought
Op-Ed
Operational energy use is critical, but materials might be an even bigger part of the solution to climate change and other pressing environmental issues.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Protect Your Spec: 14 Strategies
Feature Article
You’ve selected the ideal materials for your project: now get them into the building.
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How To Run a Great Workshop: 37 Tips and Ideas
Feature Article
Whether you call it a charrette, a workshop, or simply a meeting, these suggestions from experts will make your next event more fun and productive.
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Know Thy Client: 9 Un-Green Strategies for Delivering Better Buildings
Feature Article
Making all your projects high-performance means getting in touch with what your client really wants and checking “green building” at the door.
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Equity in Design and Construction: Seven Case Studies
Spotlight Report
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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USGBC Embraces Legal Marijuana
April Fools
LEED v4.20 introduces a wide range of cannabis-oriented prerequisites.