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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
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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
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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
Forum topic
All,
I'm sure a few of you attended our recent webinar on the LEED v4.1 LCA webinar. In case you missed it, the recording is posted. We were stunned by the amount of engagement from the audience; we allotted 30 minutes for questions and I think it went even longer. The webinar recording should be a great starting point for anyone... Read more
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Hi All -
I have a non-profit project that has a lot of wood structure to it, but the truss suppliers have both said they cannot get FSC wood for the project.
So, looking at the Legal Wood Pilot Credit, I need some help. Can anyone tell me where i can find the definitions between "legal", "responsible" and "certified" are? (I'm... Read more
Forum topic
Hey, team. Would it be possible to get premium access to LEED User while we're developing the best practices resources? (without subscribing to it- I don't LEED consult any longer) Southface has basic membership, so I can't see what's available, etc. Thanks.
Forum topic
Hi all - we have several projects where money from the IRA may be able to get projects farther. I've seen the AIA/USGBC webinar and done some other research as well. Does anyone know if there's a Higher Ed group that is chasing down how and when the money is available and for what exact purposes? Are you planning on using consultants to help... Read more
Basic page
The Sustainable Design Leaders network and Summit events started over 10 years ago, when a group of sustainable designers realized that the struggles they faced and the goals they strove toward were shared by many... Read more
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Register now for the next two quarterly SCL calls, brought to you by members of the Steering Committee! These calls are just for SCL members, topical for construction leaders, and hold space for us to learn directly from each other. See you there!
Everything You Wanted to Know About EVs, but Were Afraid to Ask
Monday, March 7th at... Read more
Author
Amanda is BuildingGreen's Peer Networks Manager, working behind the scenes to support the Peer Networks team and members. They are passionate about sustainable design and love helping people find tangible ways to help the planet.
Prior to joining BuildingGreen in 2023, Amanda was a campaigns coordinator at a food justice... Read more
Forum topic
Is EV100 on your radars? We're reviewing our company leases and aleady have employee free access to EV charging at our office and jobsites by request (if technically feasible).
"With businesses owning over half of all new registered vehicles on the road, it is crucial that companies lead the shift to electric vehicles." Does your role in... Read more
Product Guide
Depending on seating type, these products can contain PVC, toxic flame retardants, hazardous adhesives and finishes, and other unsustainable materials.
BuildingGreen-Approved Seating
BuildingGreen’s seating meets ONE of the following sets of criteria:
is certified to BIFMA’s level 3 standard and, where applicable, contains... Read moreForum topic
Hi all,
For your planning purposes for next year, here’s info on an in-person event coming up in 2024:
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting an all-peer-networks workshop for SMEPL, SDL, and SCL members at Miller Hull’s office in Seattle on July 15, 2024. We’re still working out the details, but given the recent... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of The Great Eight: High-Impact Material Choices for Green Building.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Specify green building materials in product categories that truly make a difference for human health, the environment, or both.
2. Conduct a... Read more
Forum topic
Hi Gurus,
We are having a hard time sourcing a baby changing table that is free of anticmicrobial coatings. KoalaKare, the predominate manufacturer, includes Microban in both their plastic and stainless steel product options. Does anyone have any experience with a durable, ADA compliant and readily available baby changing table free of... Read more

