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
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
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
Hi Everyone,
HKS is looking for an energy analyst & systems design engineer for our Dallas office. If you know anyone that might be interested and qualified for this position, please send them our way!
https://careers-hksinc.icims.com/jobs/2428/energy-analyst-%26-systems-design-engineer/job
Thanks,
Ellen... Read more
Product Guide
Virgin materials can come with major environmental impacts from mining, petroleum extraction, or irresponsible logging practices.
BuildingGreen-Approved Site Furnishings
All approved products contain some post-consumer recycled content, with several boasting 90%–100% overall recycled material. Wood products are responsibly sourced... 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
Forum topic
Hi SCL,
Just thought I would share an interesting piece from Construction Dive about a lack of guidance on when to halt work due to bad air quality--from wildfires or otherwise. A few SCL companies are mentioned here as having their own policies, but I was pretty shocked to learn that this isn't required by OSHA.
https://www.... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of LEED 2009: The Missing Manual.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Stay abreast of changes to LEED NC-2009.
2. Understand the more ambiguous aspects of LEED NC-2009.
3. Explain key interpretations of LEED NC-2009.
4.... Read more
Forum topic
Ali Flynn and Alejandra Arce Gomez are planning a breakout meeting for the Waste Managment Group for all interested.
Please fill out the doodle poll below so that we can find a good time:
https://doodle.com/poll/qxd4zxrw9xzrxwc6
Ali and Alejandra have drafted an updated version of the Commitment for Waste (attached) after... Read more
Forum topic
We're hiring: Join our dynamic team as a Sustainablity Coordinator at Structure Tone Southwest!
APPLY NOW!
Posting is listed for Dallas, but we're open to Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.
Are you passionate about sustainable building practices and wellness in the built environment? Join our team at Structure Tone Southwest... Read more
Forum topic
The EC3 Tool has come up quite a few times in the Green Guru's conversations. We're hosting an online review with Stacy Smedley and Mark Chen from Skanska.
Wednesday September 29th at 3pm PST
The tickets are free and this will be a Teams meeting.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/using-the-ec3-tool-the-why-and-how-tickets-...... Read more
Portal
The current Stantec/BuildingGreen featured topic is Material Health. Read on to learn the essentials, and then dive deep to earn CEUS.
Also see the Resilient Design featured topic, and also a survey of topics trending in Stantec’s regions.... Read more
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
Hi SDL: sorry to send another missive so soon but I wanted all to be aware of a great new effort just announced today coming from Greg Kats and Vivian Loftness among others - The Smart Surfaces Coalition. This effort brings together resources and research around city-scale resilience. "The Coalition is committed to the rapid, cost-effective... Read more
Forum topic
Hi Green Gurus,
In this stressful time, I think it is important for us to continue to feel connected and supported. Also, it is difficult to come to terms with the reality of what is happening. So, I thought it would be helpful for us to share some information about the response of our respective firms to the Coronavirus.
The... Read more
Forum topic
Hey All!
One of the initiatives from our first meeting in Chicago was to gather and develop resources related to plug and process loads in buildings which will help us all with: energy modeling, equipment sizing and power distribution. We had our first call this morning and are rolling. Aspirations are that this could turn into a... Read more
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
We're looking to expand our design performance group - let Peter or me know if you have someone to recommend to us! Here's the description.
