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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Climate Change Dominates Greenbuild Conference Agenda
Feature Article
With several announcements at the 2006 Greenbuild conference in Denver, the U.S. Green Building Council signaled that it would use its LEED Rating System to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by tightening LEED requirements and by increasing the number of buildings designed to LEED standards.
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The Evolution of Exit Signs (and Why the Latest is a Bad Idea)
Feature Article
Searching for reliable, energy-efficient exit signs, EBN's Alex Wilson explains why photoluminescent exit signs, one of the newest "energy-saving" devices, are one of the worst from a total-energy-use standpoint. The article reviews current technology, including LED and electroluminescent exit signs, and offers recommendations.
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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.
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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White House to Release Building Decarbonization Standard
News Brief
The new building decarbonization standard aims to bring all buildings along—not just a few high performers.
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What Last Summer’s Weather Taught Us about Jobsite Equity
News Analysis
Outdoor workers are at risk from extreme heat and dangerous air quality, with few protections.
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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.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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An Environmental Service Corps for America
Op-Ed
Executive editor Alex Wilson proposes a national environmental service corps to help the U.S. achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and cope with the effects of climate change.
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Reflections from Five Years on the USGBC Board
Op-Ed
EBN Executive Editor Alex Wilson reflects on five years of organizational growth he witnessed while on the board of the U.S. Green Building Council.
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Concerns About Broadening LEED's Wood Credit
Op-Ed
Bill Edgerton, AIA, writes about his concerns that broadening LEED's wood credit would weaken LEED and erode USGBC's credibility.
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Watch NAHB in the ANSI Process
Op-Ed
NAHB has a history of hijacking standards and code development processes, and should be watched during the ANSI green building standards process, writes Bion Howard.
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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