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
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
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
We are working on a Core & Shell project with a developer that we work with frequently. I'm looking for advice on best approaches to achieving the Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment credit- we haven't used TALLY and done this type of analysis before. What are some approaches to achieving this credit that others have found successful? I... Read more
Forum topic
Good Afternoon!
has anyone heard of this? the program focuses on healthcare construction but i think it would be good for all construction sites to have a certified individual. And for those of us that report to CDP, this would be a good risk management strategy to include.
https://greenadvantage.org/pcra-certificate-program... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of Behind the Logos: Understanding Green Product Certifications.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Explain certification basics: standard development, the degree of separation between the certifier and the company whose product is being certified, and... Read moreForum topic
Check out Fast Company's new list of innovative architecture firms with Perkins + Will and NBBJ at the top with great sustainability tag lines.
That's a great demonstration of the mainstream importance of sustainability!
Congrats to all.
Here's the link: https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2018/sectors/... Read more
Forum topic
I'm working on convincing my firm to hire a director of sustainability. I'm gaining some traction with the discussion thanks to the fantastic feedback and input from the summer summit "Role of the Sustainable Design Leader" breakout session. Thanks everyone! Does anyone have job descriptions for sustainable design leaders that they'd be willing... Read more
Author
Nadav Malin is a passionate facilitator, leading workshops and retreats to help organizations of all types find alignment, inspiration, and leadership in pursuit of their goals. He convenes peer networks of architecture firm Sustainable Design Leaders, Sustainable Construction Leaders, and others. He facilitates gatherings and consults to USGBC... Read more
Forum topic
Hi folks,
Our regular SMEPLeaders call is next Tuesday, Sept 12 at 2:00 eastern (if you don't have this on your calendar, let us know and we'll resend the invite).
We've had a GREAT run of meetings that kicked off with someone sharing on a topic they're excited about or challenged by. The conversations that follow that kind of... Read more
Forum topic
Hey All,
I wish I could brag about the tremendous success Integrus has had in conducting a robust LCA on every project. Our goal is to use Tally to conduct a WBLCA on every project, but we are struggling with issues with staff time, project schedules, scarcity of expertise, and not having a streamlined process to produce reliable... Read more
Reports, Courses, Study Guides, Live Webinars
Consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur... Read more
Forum topic
Green gurus!
We're getting some interest from clients abroad on two specific materials which we don't have experience with here in the U.S.:
1) Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)
and/or
2) CarbonCure concrete
Anyone willing to share lessons learned on these material either here in the forum or offline? Or point me... Read more
Forum topic
HGA is collaborating with the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) to research how the AE industry is currently using climate projection data, and what they need in order to grow their use of data. MCAP is currently producing a set of dynamical downscaled climate projections for the state of Minnesota and unlike other... Read more
Forum topic
Dear Colleagues: A climate scientist family member who I respect deeply shared this youtube with me. I thought it was worth sharing with all of my GreenGuru friends. Let's keep on keeping on!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxgMdjyw8uw
cheers
Mary Ann
News Analysis
Product Guide
Old windows can be leaky and uncomfortable, but window replacements are expensive and resource-intensive.
BuildingGreen-Approved Interior Window Panels
BuildingGreen approves interior window panels with robust warranties that are designed to achieve improved thermal performance with both reduced... Read more
