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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Navigating Incentives and Regulations for Green Building
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When used in combination, incentives and regulations can be a powerful force for encouraging green buildings. Incentives can be complicated to navigate, but are often well worth the effort. Regulations, on the other hand, can be slow to change, but can raise the baseline for building performance.
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Water Policies: Encouraging Conservation
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Conserving water goes beyond building design and technology. Water use is governed by federal, state, and local policies, from maximum flow requirements to pricing structures that encourage or discourage conservation.
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Thinking Beyond Buildings: LEED for Neighborhood Development
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LEED for Neighborhood Development is not yet final, but it's already clear that it's a different type of rating system. Lessons from the pilot projects show that cooperation among team members and with the local government is essential to a successful project.
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The Living Building Challenge: Can It Really Change the World?
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The Living Building Challenge, with its stringent, all-or-nothing requirements, is out to change the way we build. But is it actually achievable?
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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TSCA Reform: Chemical Regulations, at a Cost
Explainer
In a world where we can’t even ban asbestos, a new law revamps how the federal government regulates chemicals—but some worry it steps on the toes of progressive states.
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Owner’s Project Requirements: What It Is, What It Could Be
Explainer
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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VOC Testing: What It Can and Can’t Tell You
Explainer
“Section 01350” has come a long way since it acquired its curious nickname. Here’s what it can tell you about indoor air quality—and what it can’t.
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How RECs Work—and Why You Might Not Own Your Clean Energy
Explainer
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.
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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Clinton, Large Cities Group, Act on Global Warming
News Analysis
Former President Bill Clinton recently launched the Clinton Climate Initiative, which includes a partnership aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions with an international group of major cities and the U.S. Green Building Council.
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FSC to Certify Buildings
News Analysis
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has announced two certification standards for buildings that use FSC-certified wood.
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California Combats Climate Change
News Analysis
The California legislature has passed legislation that could result in a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases in the state, as well as a greenhouse gas emissions performance standard for electricity generation.
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Modular Home Earns LEED for Homes Platinum
News Analysis
A modular house produced by LivingHomes, Inc., in Santa Monica, California, has earned the country's first Platinum rating in LEED for Homes.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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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.
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LEED Finally Lives Up to Its Promise
Op-Ed
The 4.1 version of LEED’s design and construction rating systems is outstanding. Is it too late?
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ESG: Earth’s Salvation or Greenwash du Jour?
Op-Ed
The meaning of environmental, social, and governance reporting and ratings is in flux. Here are six ways to move forward amid the chaos.
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A Tribute to Robin Guenther, Green Healthcare Pioneer
Op-Ed
Robin Guenther advanced new standards for hospitals that were adopted by the larger green building community and integrated into leading rating systems.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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