OVERVIEW
The days of the windowless box are over!
Why? Because investing in the humans who live, work, play, and heal in our buildings is one of the most cost-effective green design strategies there is. It’s also just common sense: buildings aren’t here for their own sake; they’re here for us.
These resources look at rigorous scientific data on the value of comfort. They also present strategies for focusing on the human element of design and construction—without ever forgetting the importance of conserving water and energy.
IN-DEPTH
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Boost Happiness and Save Energy with Adaptive Thermal Comfort
March 4, 2019Feature Article
Adaptive thermal comfort is an emerging practice designed to save energy while keeping occupants more satisfied.
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Lighting Design for Health and Sustainability: A Guide for Architects
July 9, 2018Feature Article
A report providing architects guidance on how to design sustainable lighting that supports health and wellness while reducing energy use.
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Leveraging Thermal Comfort to Achieve High Performance
December 14, 2018Blog Post
Can buildings be both comfortable and energy efficient? The Kendeda Building shows how the two can go hand in hand.
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R-10 Vacuum-Insulated Glazing
October 22, 2018Blog Post
The technological challenges for high performance, vacuum-insulated glazing may have finally been surpassed, but the results are still under wraps.
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The Sound of Sustainability: Acoustics in High-Performance Design
September 6, 2017Feature Article
Acoustic performance is often overlooked by human-centered design. A holistic approach shows how to navigate the complexities of “sustainable acoustics.”
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Mind the Gaps: Making Existing Buildings More Airtight
July 25, 2017Feature Article
Leaky building enclosures create health hazards, comfort problems, and high energy bills. Fixing them isn’t rocket science; but you’d better know your building science.
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Clean, Fresh Air: Getting What We Need
November 7, 2016Feature Article
Human health probably benefits from more fresh air than current ventilation standards require. But pulling in outdoor air can mean pulling in pollution.
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What Makes the Building Envelope Green? BuildingGreen’s Guide to Thermal & Moisture Protection Products
December 1, 2015Feature Article
From insulation to flashing tape to cladding, we look at the attributes of the greenest building envelope products.
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Finding Furniture Without Toxic Flame Retardants
April 6, 2015Feature Article
Flame retardants in upholstered furniture are easier to avoid under new rules, but they’re not gone. Here’s how to navigate the changing landscape.
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Natural Ventilation: The Nine Biggest Obstacles and How Project Teams Are Beating Them
August 3, 2014Feature Article
Designers are reinventing the art and science of passive comfort control even where climate and culture favor mechanical systems.
