OVERVIEW
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.
IN-DEPTH
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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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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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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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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.
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Owner’s Project Requirements: What It Is, What It Could Be
Primer
Clients, designers, and commissioning agents don’t always get what they need out of the OPR. Some teams are trying to change that.
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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.
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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.
