Greetings, SDL network - We are attempting to resolve an issue with how data center projects calculate baseline EUIs for the AIA 2030 Commitment and could use some help from this network. With projects that comply with code prescriptively (i.e. not energy modeled), we have found the default baseline assumptions within the DDx platform are not... Read more

Hi everyone, it was so great to meet some of you at the winter summit and finally connect names with faces!

We have a project that is targeting CalGreen Tier 2 and LEEDv4 Platinum.  Thought I'd reach out to see if anyone on this forum has found comparison guides between the two?  Looking for something similar to this CalGreen 2013 tier... Read more

Welcome to the quiz portion of Better Window Decisions: Mastering the Performance and Cost Options.

Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:


1. Understand the energy metrics that inform how windows affect energy loads
2. Describe ways to avoid air leakage and condensation... Read more

We had a small group tour the Dell Seton Medical Center campus today, and a much larger group tour the new Austin Public Library. 

My favorite quote from the Medical Center tour, was about this project being the first private development on U of Texas property. "It took 58 separate legal agreements. We won a ULI award for making the... Read more

Hello everyone!  There hasn’t been much activity on this forum in recent months, so we wanted to give an update about what’s been happening and things coming up. 

Firstly, we are very excited for the upcoming inaugural SCL Summit the day before Greenbuild.  We currently have about 20 people signed up for the Summit and we are expecting a... Read more

Hello and Happy New Year!

I joined the SAL Peer Network a few months back and I’m really excited to be part of this group, although a bit delayed in my introduction. I’m an architect working as a consultant and managing the Sustainability Department at Entegrity (an energy and sustainability consulting firm) located in Arkansas. I’ve... Read more

Hey everyone,

This is a quick note to say I am retiring at the end of this month and will be taking a hiatus from the SDL group. I will no longer be practicing architecture, but I will remain active in efforts to preserve the wonders of this world for future generations.   

To all my SDL sisters and brothers (I don't always sound... Read more

Hello All!  My firm is looking to hire a sustainability coordinator to help advance our sustainable initiatives at our firm. This will be a new position for our firm.  Does anyone have a job description, roles/responsibilties, and task list that they would be willing to share with me?  Or if you serve in this role at your firm, I'd love to chat... Read more

Hi All -

With the holidays coming up and budgeting for 2023 - do we have any information on when and where a mini summit will be?  I heard rumors of Arizona?  Hoping to come but need the info as soon as I can.

The Sustainable Design Leaders peer group brings together the most committed sustainable design directors from leading architecture firms throughout the U.S. and Canada. We invite you to apply for membership.
We look for the... Read more

Hi All

I'm wondering if any of you know how to track the GWP for materials that do not have an EPD?  I'm trying to do a carbon comparison on batteries but neither one has an EPD that I can find.  Thanks for any guidance you may have. 

In looking for ways to reduce jobsite waste and lower our carbon emissions, I'm working on a business plan for centralized procurement, in lieu of individual project purchasing their own tools, PPE, & consumables.  I'm curious as to how many other GC's on here use (or have used) a central purchasing process and if you have any pros/cons... Read more

Hi Everyone,

Who has worked on a SITES certification and can share the approximate hours involved for administering and completing documentation? A relative sense of the effort compared to LEED would also be helpful, similar to the thread about WELL on this same subject. 

Appreciate any insight. Thanks! -Hilary

CEUs are available for reading all the building-envelope product guides and primer. Click here to learn more and take the quiz.

Water and air that penetrate building assemblies can damage materials, cause energy loss, and lead to mold, mildew, or other problems. The products used to address these may contain materials that are... Read more

Hello Green Gurus!

Here are the details for the next Peer Networks Webinar (happening next week!): Don't forget to REGISTER HERE!

Define and Contract for Building Performance Simulation Services Using ASHRAE Standard 209
Thursday, February 13, 3pm EST (12pm PST)

ASHRAE Standard 209-2018 “Energy Simulation Aided Design... Read more