News Analysis
A study published in the June 5, 1992, issue of
Science by researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Arizona suggests that smoke emitted into the atmosphere from human activities may be having a significant effect in counteracting... Read more
Feature
Carefully stake the building site and driveway, remove trees that are within the excavation area or too close, then erect a fence to keep heavy equipment off fragile soils and away from nearby trees.
Protecting trees and the local ecosystem when building on previously unbuilt land is a vitally important—yet often overlooked—part of environmentally responsible construction. Healthy trees and shrubs can reduce a home’s environmental impact and directly benefit homeowners in a number of ways:
•Enhancing comfort by shielding the house... Read more
Op-Ed
Introducing the first issue of our newsletter.
Buildings have a tremendous impact on the environment. In North America, buildings and the building industry account for about 30% of carbon dioxide emissions, 35-40% of ozone depletion, 20-30% of municipal solid waste, vast quantities of natural resource consumption, and dramatic loss of open space each... Read more
Feature
Ozone depletion and global warming are two of our most serious environmental problems—and foam insulation materials containing CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) contribute significantly to both of these problems. The environmentally concerned builder or designer should make it a highest priority to avoid them. Even many of the non-CFC alternatives... Read more
Feature
Susan Maxman is the first AIA president to make sustainable design a priority.
Q.Where would you say architects as a group stand on environmental issues?
A.Architects tend to be reactive rather than proactive. It is important that we take the lead on these environmental issues. The architecture schools in particular tend to be conservative. They just aren’t... Read more
News Brief
The American Institute of Architects convention in Boston this past June was the setting for a changing of the guard in the American architectural establishment. The Institute’s first woman president took the reins, the Committee on the Environment became its largest and fastest growing committee, and the first installments of the Environmental... Read more
Forum topic
Hi Green Gurus (esp. Sustainable MEP leaders...)
I'm looking for suggestions of contacts for MEP consultants, especially in the Chicagoland region, ideally with sustainability highly integrated into the work, specialization in geothermal systems, and indoor agriculture. (doesn't necessarily have to be all-in-one)
For context, we... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of The Death and Rebirth of DC Power.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Explain when and how to integrate DC power into buildings, and the benefits of doing so.
Understand the history and background of AC and DC power in the U.S.
... Read more
Forum topic
Hi! I'm writing a short news piece on WELL v2 and looking for someone very familiar with the existing and v2 standards to interview about the changes. If you meet that description and would like to go on the record with your thoughts, please reply to me directly at paula@buildinggreen.com. Thanks!
Forum topic
Is anyone aware of research or guidance that has looked at VOC’s from roofing products and ventilation intakes? I’ve done some searching, and focus is mainly on managing the construction process to reduce installer exposure.
Thanks for any help!
Tate
Forum topic
Thank you to everyone who signed on to the Materials Pledge letter. It was officially released on April 15th with 56 signatory firms. The Materials Pledge will soon have a new home online and a way to continuously add more signatory firms. I'm keeping a list for now and there are already four more firms who want to join. I will let everyone... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of Building Re-Entry with Arc
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the similarities and differences between LEED v4.1 O+M performance metrics and the Arc Re-Entry program.
2. Understand how Arc Re-Entry contributes to an iterative re-... Read more
Forum topic
Please share this info with any contacts you have that you think would be a good candidate for our Design Performance Coordinator position -- Thanks!
Design Performance Coordinator in San Antonio
Forum topic
Hello Green Gurus,
Here is the information for October's Peer Networks Webinar, How to use the Building Environmental Justice Tool for your next project. We hope you will join us!
Register HERE
How to use the Building Environmental Justice Tool for your next project
Monday, October 24, 2022
2 - 3pm ET (11am -... Read more
Forum topic
For any of you who are already tracking your Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions: Do you do so through a program (like the Carbon Disclosure Project) or do you have an in house excel file or ???? I'm looking for a good template and am open to suggestions. Looking for what you like and what you find challenging. Thank you.

