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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Energy Reporting: It's the Law
Feature Article
As building owners comply with new laws to report energy use, the data may change the industry-and the act of reporting it already has.
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Ten Strategies for Growth in a Recession
Feature Article
The economic collapse hit small and mid-sized design firms hard, but many with a green focus have adapted. We asked them to share their stories.
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Water Policies: Encouraging Conservation
Feature Article
Conserving water goes beyond building design and technology. Water use is governed by federal, state, and local policies, from maximum flow requirements to pricing structures that encourage or discourage conservation.
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Is Nano a No-No? Nanotechnology Advances into Buildings
Feature Article
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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Safety Sheets Getting New Format—And Some New Data
Explainer
The new Globally Harmonized System for the MSDS will make reporting requirements stricter and should make the forms easier to read.
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Standards for Standards: ISO and ANSI
Explainer
ISO is an international standard-setting body that offers accreditation to certifying organizations and approves standards that meet certain criteria.
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The Precautionary Principle
Explainer
The precautionary principle employs "guilty until proven innocent" methodology, and suggests that we should avoid using questionable chemicals and materials until we know they're safe.
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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EPA to Finally Track PFAS in Manufacturing
News Brief
The EPA is finalizing rules that make it easier to find where and how PFAS are being used, making it easier to regulate them in the future.
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Experts Disagree on IRA Tax Credit for Ground-Source Heat Pumps
News Analysis
Millions in tax credits are available from the Inflation Reduction Act, but even some long-standing rules are now being questioned. Lean on your tax advisors, and expect updates as the first projects go through the process.
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Existing Building Performance Standards Urgently Needed
News Brief
The pressure is on in the U.S. to mandate existing building decarbonization. ACEEE has analyzed domestic and international laws for best practices to broaden the reach of this climate change mitigation tool.
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Goodbye, Denial: Free Tools Expose Localized Climate Realities
News Brief
The Climate Explorer and the CMRA translate nerdy climate projections into eye-opening images that should be well worth more than a thousand words in the push for resilient design.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Plastics Industry Still Shouting "Fire" At Its Own Peril
Op-Ed
The foam insulation industry's united stand against code changes could backfire in the marketplace.
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Congratulations, Hanley Award Winner Alex Wilson
Op-Ed
EBN founder Alex Wilson is being recognized for his green building thought leadership with the 2010 Hanley Award for Vision and Leadership in Sustainable Housing.
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Ontario Feed-in Tariff Deserves Attention
Op-Ed
Ontario reader Charles Simon calls attention to his province's new feed-in tariff for renewable energy sources, which is one of the most progressive in the world.
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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.
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Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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