Existing Buildings
The embodied impacts of renovation are usually dramatically lower than the impacts of new construction.
Although many existing buildings leave something to be desired in terms of aesthetics and comfort, they are part of the urban and suburban fabric now, and they aren’t going anywhere. And reusing these buildings is an immense creative opportunity.
Existing Buildings
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Mind the Gaps: Making Existing Buildings More Airtight
Feature Article
Leaky building enclosures create health hazards, comfort problems, and high energy bills. Fixing them isn’t rocket science; but you’d better know your building science.
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20 Ways to Advance Sustainability in the Next Four Years
Feature Article
In this age of political revolution and environmental urgency, it’s time to step back and take a look at priorities, challenges, and opportunities
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The Death and Rebirth of DC Power
Feature Article
Direct current is replacing AC in microgrids and other setups that maximize the efficiency of lighting, HVAC, and onsite renewables.
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Design Strategies for Occupant Engagement—and Why They Boost Performance
Feature Article
Researchers reveal simple ways to empower occupants to reduce energy, water, and waste. It all starts with good design.
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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Making Wall Outlets Safer—and Smarter
Product Review
In addition to protecting against electric shock and fire, SafePlug uses RFID tags to help track energy use from individual appliances and turn them on and off remotely.
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An Efficient Retrofit for Commercial Hot Water on Demand
Product Review
D'Mand Circ for commercial buildings recirculates hot water only when it's needed, saving fuel and electricity-and even the pipes.
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Retrofitting Exterior Foam on Existing Walls
Product Review
The R-etro System from Quad-Lock makes installing exterior foam for deep-energy retrofits easier and less expensive.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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New Tool Supports Existing Building Decarbonization at Scale
News Brief
Building owners and professionals can set and track emission targets across entire portfolios with Carbonsight.
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Six Ways the COVID Pandemic Is Changing IAQ for Good
News Analysis
CDC has set a stringent new minimum for everyday ventilation, and ASHRAE has released standard 241, the first IAQ standard addressing infectious disease. Both moves challenge long-held assumptions about clean air.
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Affordable Housing Gets Billions for Resilience Retrofits
News Brief
HUD releases guidance for its Green Resilient and Retrofit Program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, which seeks to improve the efficiency and resilience of low-income housing.
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Firm Shares Design Concept for a Maximally Adaptive Building
News Brief
The ‘Universal Building’ would be able to accommodate new uses as market needs shift, extending building life and minimizing waste.
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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