Codes & Certifications
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Codes & Certifications
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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The Death and Rebirth of DC Power
Feature Article
Direct current is replacing AC in microgrids and other setups that maximize the efficiency of lighting, HVAC, and onsite renewables.
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The Great Eight: High-Impact Material Choices for Green Building
Feature Article
We’re at a tipping point in insulation, flooring, textiles, and other product categories. Here’s what to spec and what to avoid.
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The Four Core Issues to Tackle for Resilient Design (And the Programs That Can Help)
Feature Article
As rating systems from LEED to RELi lay out key design steps for resilient design, it’s still up to project teams to bring critical perspective.
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LEED v4 Tips from Early Adopters: Earn High Ratings Without Added Costs
Feature Article
You can avoid lower LEED v4 scores and keep costs in check. Here’s how—including the pitfalls you need to watch out for.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Green Chemistry Meets Green Building
Primer
What is green chemistry, and how does it fit into LEED? We explain the relationship—and some tensions.
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Is Particleboard Deadly? Formaldehyde Emissions Explained
Primer
Formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products will soon be strictly regulated in the U.S., but questions remain.
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The Problem with Red Lists
Primer
Having a short list of toxic chemicals to avoid is convenient, but nasty “alternatives” can sneak in the back door. Hazard screenings help solve this problem.
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Safety Sheets Getting New Format—And Some New Data
Primer
The new Globally Harmonized System for the MSDS will make reporting requirements stricter and should make the forms easier to read.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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IRA’s 179D Tax Deduction for Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This provision offers commercial building owners and renters (and designers of properties owned by tax-exempt entities) a tax deduction for certain energy-efficiency improvements.
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IRA’s 45L New Energy Efficient Homes Credit: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This provision offers a tax credit to homebuilders for the construction of new energy-efficient homes, including multifamily projects.
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IRA’s 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This program provides a tax credit to homeowners for energy efficiency improvements in residential homes.
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The IRA’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This program will administer grants and loans to owners or sponsors of HUD-assisted multifamily housing to improve its resilience and quality.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Finding HPDs: How We Do It At BuildingGreen
Op-Ed
There are several ways you can find Health Product Declarations. Here’s a look at them, including what BuildingGreen offers.
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Can the Living Building Challenge Scale Up?
Op-Ed
The stringent system has already changed the world, but to reach beyond demonstration projects it has to help everyday buildings succeed.
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Architectural Board Should Reinstate Sustainability Criteria
Op-Ed
Collaboration skills and sustainability concepts are being “elevated” by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)—but it’s really a demotion.
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Three Steps To Make Green Globes Part of the Solution
Op-Ed
An entry-level alternative pushing LEED to get better would be great, but GBI’s Green Globes needs to start by joining the green building community.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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An Advocate’s Guide to Resilience Regulations
Spotlight Report
For decades, designers have fought for sustainability to be incorporated into building codes and standards. Is it time to do the same for resilience?
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Finding Products for LEED v4 and v4.1
Spotlight Report
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LEED 101: A Syllabus Supplement for Green Building Coursework
Syllabus Supplement
This syllabus supplement provides professors and students with content on LEED from BuildingGreen, LEEDuser, and other relevant resources.
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.