OVERVIEW
New construction projects include design and construction of new buildings, and major renovations of existing ones. As defined by major programs like LEED, which has a rating system dedicated to new construction (LEED-NC), a major renovation involves major HVAC renovation, significant envelope modifications, and major interior rehabilitation.
In line with the LEED-NC emphasis, new construction often refers to new commercial office buildings, but many other commercial occupancy types can fall under this category, including hotels, mid- and high-rise residential, and institutional buildings such as libraries and schools.
Sustainability in new construction typically means a range of considerations:
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siting (e.g., locating near public transit, using previously developed land)
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water efficiency
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energy efficiency
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sustainable and healthy materials
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construction waste management
- indoor environmental quality
IN-DEPTH
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Mouth, Meet Money: Case Studies of Outcome-Based Design
September 7, 2016Feature Article
Performance-based incentives are a growing (and positive) trend. They’re not as risky as they sound, but there are some steps you should be taking to prepare.
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The Death and Rebirth of DC Power
August 4, 2016Feature 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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Would Wood Skyscrapers Improve Urban Sustainability?
April 4, 2018News Analysis
Plans to build a wood skyscraper in Tokyo will promote large-scale mass timber construction in cities.
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LEED v4 Tips from Early Adopters: Earn High Ratings Without Added Costs
January 4, 2016Feature Article
You can avoid lower LEED v4 scores and keep costs in check. Here’s how—including the pitfalls you need to watch out for.
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Circular Economy at Scale: Six International Case Studies
October 5, 2015Feature Article
These teams are applying radical life-cycle thinking to entire projects—and redefining what building ownership means in the process.
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How to Make Integrated Project Delivery Work for Your Project
April 22, 2015Feature Article
Early successes with IPD are now legendary but also fostered misconceptions. We deconstruct those and provide tips to ensure collaboration translates to results.
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How to Succeed with the Living Building Challenge: 12 Teams Share Tips
January 4, 2015Feature Article
The bar is high—that’s obvious—but watch out for some surprising pitfalls. Here’s how dedicated teams have tackled Living Building challenges.
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Know Thy Client: 9 Un-Green Strategies for Delivering Better Buildings
October 6, 2014Feature Article
Making all your projects high-performance means getting in touch with what your client really wants and checking “green building” at the door.
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How to Build Green At No Added Cost
March 3, 2014Feature Article
Avoiding cost premiums on green projects is not only possible: it's a good idea, focusing design teams on simple, effective designs that can deliver savings for years to come.
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Green Design: What’s Love Got to Do with It?
December 2, 2013Feature Article
Beauty, place-making, and even love are motivating many green designers, who see these values complementing core sustainability tenets.
