News Analysis
* This gets complicated -- how much should happen on the dashboard and how much should happen in the actual Discussion forum?
Hold off on discussions for Phase 1. What should be here instead for... Read more
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I am excited to share with you the final draft of the letter back to LP50 manufacturers. The LP50 manufacturers sent their “Closing the Loop on Product Transparency” to design firms earlier this year. For more background information, please check out Chris Hellstern's original August 20th post on this Green Gurus forum. When we posted the... Read more
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This is sort of dragging up an ancient topic, but curious how your firms are currently addressing accreditation (LEED AP, WELL AP, LFA, etc.). There was a time when we were all talking about this, and a number of firms instituted requirements, but it has been a long time, and I'm curious how it's looking now in 2024. Thanks!
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Hi - I'm wondering if you have recommendations for a web/mobile app for occupants to self-assess comfort at regular intervals. I've downloaded comfy, but it wants to actually DO something about thermal discomfort by alerting discomfort and connecting, I believe, to the BMS. We just want to collect information at this point. And since I'm a... Read more
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Hi friends! Despite thinking I had joined this forum on Day 1 - I hadn't! Just a quick hello and great to join you all. For anyone I don't yet know - my key focus through Sustainable Performance Institute is in helping companies institutionalize sustainability in their culture, systems and processes and helping them embark on a path of... Read more
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Greetings AEC Sustainability Leaders -
This is an update on where we stand with the BBB letter. In addition to posting this to the AEC SDL (Green Gurus) Forum, we are sending the same message to all current signatories by email to make sure everyone is notified. Apologies for putting two items in your inboxes!
First, please read... Read more
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Hello everyone. I am seeking some guidance on crafting an arguement for why my firm should support a change to the Washington State Energy Code which would mandate electric heat pumps for commercial builidngs. AIA WA is working on the state commercial energy code update under consideration this spring. We have been invited to sign on to an... Read more
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Like everyone we’re struggling with the tight labor market. We’re not looking to poach. What we have found previously are individuals that have a passion for high-performance buildings but aren’t working on them in their current role for one reason or another.
Openings include:
Project Manager 3-5 years’ experience on... Read more
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I am thrilled to announce that our own supreme Green Guru has been elevated to the College of Fellows! Congratulations Pauline!
Announcements are being made today so don't be shy folks - please share the good news here.
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Hi All,
I have a commercial restauranter in Colorado who is (reluctantly) considering induction cooking. Does anyone know of any good resources out there that can help make the case for this? That would include testimonials, research, videos, testimonials, or whatever else can help get a commercial kitchen comfortable to moving to... Read more
Product Guide
Carpet cushion may emit VOCs or contain halogenated flame retardants that can slough off in dust.
BuildingGreen-Approved Carpet Cushions
BuildingGreen approves carpet backing made from natural materials as well as synthetic commercial products that meet the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label standards.
... Read more
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Small Firm Sustainable Design Leaders –
I find it hard to believe calls for session proposals are already out for next year’s AIA Conference on Architecture. I feel like I just got back!
At my firm, we try to have all principals and associates to submit a proposal each year. I had a couple of take-aways from this year’s... Read more
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Hi! Quinn Evans is looking for a great candidate for a new position that focuses on design performance analysis. We're looking for someone with 5+ years experience in the AE industry and knowledge of performance tools and software that inform design decisions related to energy, carbon, and daylight. The position can be based in any of our... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of Design Strategies for Occupant Engagement—and Why They Boost Performance.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Explain how research in the social sciences and neurology links occupant engagement strategies with specific sustainability... Read more
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I'm sure we'll learn more soon, but several people have asked on various platforms about how Betsy del Monte is doing (she lives in Asheville, NC, which was hard hit by Hurricane Helene).
I had a brief text exchange with her on Saturday 28 September, and I feel sure that she would be OK with my sharing it with you all:
We’re... Read more
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Know any awesome sustainability leaders within GC or CM firms? They can be at mid-sized or large construction companies—any firm in the ENR top 400 qualifies for sure, others might need some vetting. The key is people who have sustainability as the focus of how they spend their time--either formally by title or otherwise.
We want to... Read more
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SmithGroup is hosting Metropolis Magazine for a “Think Tank Event on Waterfront Redevelopment and Urban Resilience”. While the event is in our office, if you're not in DC, it will also be broadcast live on Facebook Live (https://www.facebook.com/events/1299577320146259/) Feel free to share this invitation with others. Information about the... Read more