Design Strategies
Parent
Design Strategies
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Five Ways Project Teams Are Using HPDs
Feature Short
An architect, a specifier, and a building owner walk into a bar. Then they talk about how ingredient transparency informs their work.
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In Search of High-Quality Hazard Data: HPDs Have Promise, but Most Aren’t Helpful Yet
Feature Short
HPD version 1.0’s promise of greater material transparency didn’t always deliver, but version 2.0 should provide accurate reporting.
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Dances with Hazards: How Real Experts Pull Human Health into Design
Feature Short
John and Catherine prove that designers can work successfully with HPDs, especially if they have a toxicology consultant to support their multi-faceted selection process.
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The Secret Math Behind RMI’s New Headquarters
Feature Short
Designing for net-zero energy and carbon in the nation’s coldest climate is not just a physics problem. There’s also the chemistry.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Brominated Flame Retardants
Explainer
Keeping furnishings, appliances, and building materials from catching fire and burning up is important, but many flame retardants aren't good for us or the environment.
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From Sunlight to Electricity: How Solar Cells Work
Explainer
Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity with no moving parts.
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What Is Building Science, Anyway?
Explainer
Building science is an integrated discipline that stands many conventional design and construction ideas on their heads.
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Using WUFI to Prevent Moisture Problems
Explainer
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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Acoustic Wall & Ceiling Panels
Product Guide
Acoustic panels with high NRC ratings and low toxicity
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Tinting on Demand with SageGlass
Product Review
Glazing from Sage Electrochromics, Inc., allows users to change its visible light and total solar transmittance properties with the push of a button.
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Wind Turbines on the Parapet
Product Review
AeroVironment, Inc., is introducing a new approach to small-scale wind generation that takes advantage of the rush of wind as it crests a building's facade.
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Climate Energy Brings Combined Heat and Power Home
Product Review
The idea of combining electricity generation with the production of useful heat-referred to as combined heat and power (CHP) or cogeneration-has long been attractive. Now, after many false starts, a viable residential-scale CHP system is about to enter the market.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Lead-Chloramine Connection Strengthened
News Analysis
New research suggests a stronger connection between chloramine as a municipal water treatment and elevated lead levels.
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Looking for the "Teflon Chemical" in Building Materials
News Analysis
PFOA, sometimes called the "Teflon chemical," is under investigation as a health hazard. The chemical is used to produce many building materials.
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National Center for Healthy Housing Rates Green Building Systems
News Analysis
The National Center for Healthy Housing (NCHH) has announced results of its evaluation of major national green building and indoor air quality standards.
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Sustainable Projects Increase Firm Profits
News Analysis
Despite widespread beliefs to the contrary, sustainable building projects are more profitable than conventional projects-according to one internal study by HOK.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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HBCD Isn't the Only Problem
Op-Ed
Tom Lent argues that we should be looking beyond HBCD when thinking about toxic chemicals.
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Polystyrene Chemicals Widespread
Op-Ed
Polystyrene chemicals may be more widespread than most people think.
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Introducing the Resilient Design Institute
Op-Ed
BuildingGreen announces the formation of the Resilient Design Institute.
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Life-Cycle Assessment "A Powerful Tool When Used Right"
Op-Ed
A leading voice on life-cycle assessment offers a call to action for responsible use of LCA for sustainable design.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Assessing Climate Hazards: The First Step in Resilient Design
Spotlight Report
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The Missing Embodied Carbon Link: Construction
Spotlight Report
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The Missing Embodied Carbon Link: Construction
Feature
Some researchers say construction emissions could account for as much as 30% of a project’s embodied carbon. What can be done about it?
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Keeping PFAS Forever Chemicals out of Building Products
Spotlight Report
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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New Standard Emphasizes American Well-Being
April Fools
The LOFE2 health standard comes from the creators of Green Globes.
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USGBC Embraces Legal Marijuana
April Fools
LEED v4.20 introduces a wide range of cannabis-oriented prerequisites.
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With GOOP, Green Building Explores New Depths
April Fools
Gwyneth Paltrow’s offering to the sustainability world rewards projects for venerating the “cradle of civilization.”
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Passive Survivability Standard Modified for Post-Pandemic Office Buildings
April Fools
The LEED Passive Survivability pilot credit just got a lot easier for office buildings in the post-pandemic era.
