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
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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The Evolution of Exit Signs (and Why the Latest is a Bad Idea)
Feature
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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Climate Change Dominates Greenbuild Conference Agenda
Feature
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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Is Nano a No-No? Nanotechnology Advances into Buildings
Feature
Nanotechnology takes advantage of the novel properties that particles can exhibit at a billionth of a meter in size. Those properties are being used in building materials, where they can improve thermal performance and the effectiveness of photovoltaics, among many possibilities. The field has little regulation, however, despite significant health and environmental concerns.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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The Lacey Act and the Building Industry: Sourcing Legal Wood
Explainer
Lumber Liquidators will pay millions for importing illegal wood products. Could architects or contractors be fined for buying them?
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TSCA Reform: Chemical Regulations, at a Cost
Explainer
In a world where we can’t even ban asbestos, a new law revamps how the federal government regulates chemicals—but some worry it steps on the toes of progressive states.
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From Ozone Depletion to Global Warming: The Kigali Amendment
Explainer
The amendment builds on the Montreal Protocol’s legacy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
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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Seven States Agree to Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
News Analysis
Seven Northeast states have agreed to reduce power plant carbon emissions 10% below 1990 levels by the end of 2018.
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Greenguard Launches Mold Protection Program
News Analysis
The Greenguard Environmental Institute has launched the nation's first program to certify the design, construction, and operation of buildings for protection against mold.
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Federal Agencies Agree to Green Their Buildings
News Analysis
Agencies representing more than 85% of federal square footage have signed an MOU calling for the adoption of wide-ranging green building practices.
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UNEP Launches Sustainable Building and Construction Initiative
News Analysis
The United Nations Environment Program has launched a new initiative to limit the environmental impact of the global building sector.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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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.
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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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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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Greening Our Infrastructure
Op-Ed
The infrastructure stimulus plan being shaped by the incoming Obama Administration is an opportunity to reduce automobile dependence while improving public transit, bicycle commuting, stormwater management, and other green measures.
Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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