Comfort & Productivity
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.
Comfort & Productivity
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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How to Access the Full Power of Biophilia
Feature Article
People wither physically and mentally without nature. Biophilic design is a remedy and a foundation for regenerative design all at the same time.
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Boost Happiness and Save Energy with Adaptive Thermal Comfort
Feature 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
Feature 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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The Sound of Sustainability: Acoustics in High-Performance Design
Feature Article
Acoustic performance is often overlooked by human-centered design. A holistic approach shows how to navigate the complexities of “sustainable acoustics.”
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Acoustic Ecology: Designing for the Ear
Primer
By engaging our sense of hearing, and our sonological competence, design can improve our ability to listen to and know the places we inhabit.
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Neuroarchitecture: Thinking with Our Buildings
Primer
Can the fields of cognitive science and neuroscience improve the built environment? Those studying neuroarchitecture think so.
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Demand-Controlled Ventilation: Fresh Air Only When You Need It
Primer
Balancing the need for fresh air with minimizing energy use is difficult. Demand-controlled ventilation is the responsive solution.
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Circadian Rhythm and the Role of Lighting
Primer
LEDs with color tuning are now being sold, but do we really have the light formula for waking us up and putting us to sleep?
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Demountable Walls: Here to Redeem the Open Office
Product Review
These movable partitions preserve the flexibility of an open office and provide the acoustical privacy office workers say they want.
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The Best Indoor LED Luminaires of 2016
Product Review
Winners of an annual DOE competition represent some of the best LED lighting for decorative pendants, downlights, and healthcare.
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Three Ways to Find Sustainable Textiles, and Seven of the Best Brands
Product Review
A complex supply chain makes finding sustainable textiles for furnishings, draperies, panel fabrics, and other applications a challenge, but there are shortcuts.
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Greenest Greenbuild Products for the Indoor Environment and More
Product Review
We look at products that improve indoor environmental quality and check in on advances from previous Top 10 winners.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Well-being at Work Comes from Good Design
News Brief
Top-notch design enhanced well-being at work in this ASID study of workplace extremes.
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Collecting Stories to Improve Design
News Brief
New study describes the value of occupant stories in evaluating high-performance buildings.
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Overcooled Offices Impair Thinking
News Brief
New research shows a warmer setpoint combined with personal fans saves energy while maintaining occupant comfort and performance levels in tropical climates.
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Smog Outdoors Saps Worker Productivity Indoors
News Brief
75% of small particulates in outdoor air pollution come indoors and cause workers to be less productive, putting a $2 billion dent in China’s service sector.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Leveraging Thermal Comfort to Achieve High Performance
Blog 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
Blog Post
The technological challenges for high performance, vacuum-insulated glazing may have finally been surpassed, but the results are still under wraps.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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How to Access the Full Power of Biophilia
Feature Article
People wither physically and mentally without nature. Biophilic design is a remedy and a foundation for regenerative design all at the same time.
-
Boost Happiness and Save Energy with Adaptive Thermal Comfort
Feature Article
Adaptive thermal comfort is an emerging practice designed to save energy while keeping occupants more satisfied.
-
Lighting Design for Health and Sustainability: A Guide for Architects
Feature Article
A report providing architects guidance on how to design sustainable lighting that supports health and wellness while reducing energy use.
-
The Sound of Sustainability: Acoustics in High-Performance Design
Feature Article
Acoustic performance is often overlooked by human-centered design. A holistic approach shows how to navigate the complexities of “sustainable acoustics.”
