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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Natural Ventilation: The Nine Biggest Obstacles and How Project Teams Are Beating Them
Feature Article
Designers are reinventing the art and science of passive comfort control even where climate and culture favor mechanical systems.
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Innovative Products and Technology from the Greenbuild Expo
Feature Article
Our product editors pick some winners from the expo floor at Greenbuild 2013 while raising questions about some materials.
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Designing for the Next Century's Weather
Feature Article
How do you create a climate-responsive building in a changing climate? Brand new modeling techniques are helping us figure it out.
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Getting Flame Retardants Out of Foam Insulation
Feature Article
In an effort to eliminate the use of halogenated flame retardants, building code changes are being proposed by a group of fire experts, architects, chemists, and environmentalists.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Buffering Humidity with Interior Finishes
Primer
The relative humidity of indoor air often fluctuates. Interior finishes can help moderate those changes, improving comfort and IAQ as well as saving energy.
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Building Acoustics: The Basics of Managing Sound and Noise
Primer
Acoustic performance is crucial to occupant well-being. And smart design, not added cost, can make the difference.
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Post-Occupancy Evaluations: Ignorance Isn't Bliss
Primer
POEs tell you everything you ever wanted to know about your buildings. Don't be afraid to ask.
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Using WUFI to Prevent Moisture Problems
Primer
WUFI software helps predict and prevent moisture problems based on site, climate, building materials, mechanical systems, and more.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Energy Benefits of Temperfect Chair Take Backseat to Comfort
Product Review
Like being in the hot seat? This office chair provides comfort with less energy than a space heater.
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Measuring Drywall Against Environmental Standards
Product Review
Drywall is one of the most ubiquitous building materials. A new UL standard aims to reduce its energy impact and toxicity in landfills.
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BioPCM: Finally, a Low-Cost, Practical Phase-Change Material
Product Review
A sea change for phase-change materials? BioPCM brings phase change into the 21st century with biobased mats.
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High-Efficiency, Variable-Speed Pumps from Wilo and Grundfos
Product Review
Advanced, variable-speed, "smart" pumps from the German company Wilo and the Danish company Grundfos offer significant energy savings for hydronic heating systems and other circulation systems.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Plants in Offices Enhance Worker Engagement
News Brief
Office plants make workers happier, which helps prevent the kind of disengagement that takes a toll on productivity, according a recent report.
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LEED Buildings Still Average in Occupant Satisfaction
News Analysis
Early versions of LEED pull ahead in air quality but lose ground with inadequate lighting, resulting in a tie with non-LEED buildings for overall workplace happiness.
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WELL Building Standard Moves Toward Certification-With GBCI
News Brief
The same body that reviews LEED project documentation will be the third-party certifier for the forthcoming health standard called WELL.
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Updated Thermal Comfort Standard Could Save Energy
News Brief
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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