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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The Problem with Net-Zero Buildings (and the Case for Net-Zero Neighborhoods)
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It can be tough to make an individual building into a zero energy building, while working at the community scale can offer up opportunities for energy efficiency and cost-effective renewable energy generation.
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Solar Thermal Hot Water, Heating, and Cooling
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By creating heat instead of electricity, solar thermal achieves three times the efficiency of photovoltaics at a lower price.
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The Product Transparency Movement: Peeking Behind the Corporate Veil
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Manufacturers are offering more product information than ever, but how can we know what to trust?
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Doing Daylighting Right
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Harvesting daylight is a popular way to save energy and promote productivity. But getting it wrong is all too easy-and can have the opposite effects.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Building Decarbonization: How LCA and EPDs Fit in
Explainer
Life-cycle assessment and environmental product declarations reveal embodied carbon and other impacts, but it’s important to know their limits.
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Energy Performance: Learn the Lingo
Explainer
The AIA 2030 Commitment and many other programs require project teams to predict and report on energy use. Here are the key terms you’ll need to get the job done.
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Building Decarbonization: Learn the Lingo
Explainer
Building decarbonization 101 for architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants cutting emissions from building materials and operations.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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DC Power Supply Integrates AC and Renewables
Product Review
Nextek PhD provides AC-to-DC power at the building scale, integrates renewable energy, and can even save on first costs.
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Treated Wood for Ground Contact, Minus the Toxic Pesticides
Product Review
Accoya, now code-approved for fungus and termite resistance, relies on acetylation as a benign alternative to conventional pressure-treated wood.
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BuildingGreen Announces Top 10 Products for 2017
Product Review
Our innovative Top 10 product selections reduce stormwater and wastewater, improve efficiency and IAQ, and contain fewer hazardous materials.
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How Low-Flow Can You Go with Plumbing Fixtures?
Product Review
BuildingGreen-Approved toilets, urinals, showerheads, and faucets automatically meet CALGreen and LEED v4 water-efficiency standards.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Make Your Buildings WELL: A New Design Standard for Health
News Analysis
A new building standard applies wellness research to increase the focus on health in homes, hotels, and commercial buildings.
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I'm Feeling Healthy: Google Gives $3 Million for Toxicity R&D
News Analysis
Google shares its wealth and expertise to support healthy building materials.
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Study: Learning Can Be Harmed by Classroom Design
News Analysis
A new study from England identifies six design parameters with significant impacts on student performance.
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Schools Cite Health as a Top Reason for Going Green
News Analysis
A study shows health drives the school construction market-but many buildings lag far behind, another report laments.
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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