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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Resilient Design: 7 Lessons from Early Adopters
November 1, 2013Feature Article
As storms reveal weaknesses in our built environment, some project teams have adopted more robust, durable principles.
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Designing for the Next Century's Weather
September 30, 2013Feature Article
How do you create a climate-responsive building in a changing climate? Brand new modeling techniques are helping us figure it out.
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Engineering a Wood Revolution
July 28, 2013Feature Article
Engineered wood products are challenging concrete and steel in structural applications while proffering a lower environmental footprint.
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Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment: Taking the Measure of a Green Building
April 29, 2013Feature Article
Why we will never understand the true impact of our buildings-and how we should try to anyway
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Energy Modeling: Early and Often
March 1, 2013Feature Article
For the biggest energy and cost savings, model early in design and model often, say the experts.
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Verifying Performance with Building Enclosure Commissioning
November 29, 2012Feature 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.
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The Hidden Science of High-Performance Building Assemblies
October 26, 2012Feature 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.
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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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Doing Daylighting Right
March 26, 2012Feature 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.
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Re-Framing Sustainability: Green Structural Engineering
March 30, 2011Feature 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.
