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:
-
siting (e.g., locating near public transit, using previously developed land)
-
water efficiency
-
energy efficiency
-
sustainable and healthy materials
-
construction waste management
- indoor environmental quality
IN-DEPTH
Filter results:
- Blog Post (2) Apply Blog Post filter
- Feature Article (26) Apply Feature Article filter
- Feature Short (4) Apply Feature Short filter
- News Analysis (4) Apply News Analysis filter
- News Brief (6) Apply News Brief filter
- Primer (1) Apply Primer filter
- Product Review (2) Apply Product Review filter
- Spotlight Report (3) Apply Spotlight Report filter
-
Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment: Taking the Measure of a Green Building
Feature Article
Why we will never understand the true impact of our buildings-and how we should try to anyway
-
Energy Modeling: Early and Often
Feature Article
For the biggest energy and cost savings, model early in design and model often, say the experts.
-
Verifying Performance with Building Enclosure Commissioning
Feature Article
For a lot less than the cost of a lawsuit, BECx uses collaboration, design-to-occupancy reviews, and testing to ensure quality and high performance.
-
The Hidden Science of High-Performance Building Assemblies
Feature Article
Any four walls and a roof make an enclosure, but for efficiency, comfort, and durability, those elements have to be meticulously designed and installed.
-
Doing Daylighting Right
Feature Article
Harvesting daylight is a popular way to save energy and promote productivity. But getting it wrong is all too easy-and can have the opposite effects.
-
Re-Framing Sustainability: Green Structural Engineering
Feature Article
Want to design the greenest building possible? Get a handle on the best structural options available to you, and invite a creative structural engineer to join your team.
-
The Potential of Prefab: How Modular Construction Can Be Green
Spotlight Report
-
Rethinking the All-Glass Building
Feature Article
Is it time to end our love affair with the all-glass building? A lot of proponents of high-performance, green design certainly think so-while other respected architects, including some leading green designers and energy experts, argue that all-glass can work well if done right.
-
Integrated Design Meets the Real World
Feature Article
Proponents of integrated design say that it results in higher-performing buildings at lower costs than the conventional design process. But real world obstacles can derail or limit integration. We offer tips from experts to keep things on track.
-
A New Initiative for “Climate-Smart” Wood
News Brief
Environmental groups including the Forest Stewardship Council have gotten together to support better forestry practices.
