Design Strategies
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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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Design for Adaptation: Living in a Climate-Changing World
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Even if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases tomorrow, rising global temperatures would still bring major changes to the climate system and our way of life. This article offers solutions for designing buildings that not only mitigate our impact on the global climate, but also adapt to the changes that are coming-and those that are already here.
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In the Pipeline: District Energy and Green Building
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Very common in northern Europe, district energy systems use a network of buried, insulated pipes to distribute centrally produced steam, hot water, or chilled water to heat or cool multiple buildings. These systems can make use of waste heat from power generation (combined heat and power) or renewable fuel sources to help reduce the environmental impacts of buildings and communities.
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Housing for All
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Large cities such as Los Angeles have been suburbanized for decades, with single-family homes dominating the building sector. Housing is being pushed farther and farther out from city centers, adding to pollution and compromising affordability. Economic, community and environmental sustainability have all suffered. This piece focuses on “Capital A” affordable housing—low-income, government subsidized multifamily rental housing—with proximity to mass transit, jobs and social services. These spaces are models of contemporary policy, planning and building, meant to increase housing security for all people, including those who are without shelter or at risk of being without reliable housing.
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An Advocate’s Guide to Resilience Regulations
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Resilience is finding its place in city zoning and building codes. Here are some ideas to bring to your local government.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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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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The Combined Effectiveness of Prefab, Wood, and Passive House
News Analysis
Recent projects have combined modular prefabrication, wood construction, and Passive House design to address sustainability goals.
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Resilient Retrofits for Fires, Floods, and Quakes
News Analysis
Resilient design is all very well for new construction, but how do we deal with billions of square feet of existing building stock?
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Resilience Is Scaling Up
News Analysis
With more and more cities developing resilience plans, investment in climate adaptation is becoming mainstream.
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Post Earthquake, Microgrids Supplied Power to Empty Schools
News Analysis
Microgrids installed in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria kept power on in ten schools, but doubts about structural integrity stopped class anyway.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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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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