Government Programs
Government green building programs provide regulatory pressure or voluntary incentives, positive external forces that can promote sustainability practices.
Government Programs
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Greening Your Electricity
Feature Article
Many businesses and homeowners are choosing to buy green power, including renewable energy credits (RECs). This article examines the environmental benefits of green power, including on-site renewables, what REC buyers should know about their purchases, and investing in energy conservation.
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Get a Whiff of This: The Lowdown on Product Emissions Testing
Feature Article
Analytical chemistry tools, used together with product testing chambers, are making it possible to "see" product emissions in new ways. Editor Nadav Malin discusses the science behind product emissions testing, the different product certification standards, and what's ahead for this growing field.
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Treated Wood in Transition: Less Toxic Options in Preserved and Protected Wood
Feature Article
Following the recent phaseout of CCA, the dominant wood preservative of the last 30 years, the treated wood industry is in major transition. Some current wood treatment technologies present familiar environmental problems, while less-toxic alternatives are just entering the market.
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How Boston Reduced Its Carbon Footprint
Feature Short
Building operations represent 75% of Boston’s greenhouse gas emissions. Here’s what we can learn from the city’s work on ambitious climate goals.
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 IRA’s 48(e), 48(h) Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This provision offers a bonus credit to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for small-scale solar and wind projects located in low-income and environmental justice communities.
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IRA’s 179D Tax Deduction for Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This provision offers commercial building owners and renters (and designers of properties owned by tax-exempt entities) a tax deduction for certain energy-efficiency improvements.
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IRA’s 45L New Energy Efficient Homes Credit: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This provision offers a tax credit to homebuilders for the construction of new energy-efficient homes, including multifamily projects.
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IRA’s 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: Just the Basics
News Analysis
This program provides a tax credit to homeowners for energy efficiency improvements in residential homes.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Why the USGBC Should Change LEED's Position on Wood
Op-Ed
Alex Wilson, who wrote a white paper for the USGBC recommending changes to the LEED Rating System relative to wood and biobased credits, explains why the changes make sense from an environmental standpoint.
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BuildingGreen to Assist McGraw-Hill with New Magazine
Op-Ed
BuildingGreen is pleased to announce an agreement with McGraw-Hill Construction through which we will provide editorial guidance and articles for an upcoming magazine called GreenSource.
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Why It's Imperative That We Raise Energy Taxes
Op-Ed
BuildingGreen President Alex Wilson argues for a $5 per gallon fossil fuel tax.
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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