Explainer
News Brief
Energy Source™ Directory
Life has been a whole lot easier around the office since theEnergy Source Directory arrived. Assembled and published by Iris Communications, this is the most complete and most useful guide to specialized products and materials used in energy-efficient construction that we've seen. The 500-page directory is... Read more
Product Review
Builders concerned about out-gassing of formaldehyde from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) have long used Medex in cabinets. This exterior-grade product, originally developed for highway signs, is considerably more expensive than conventional MDF or particleboard, however. Now Medite II fills the need for a... Read more
Feature
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
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
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
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
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 All,
We have a date and time for the next SCL Carbon Working Group Meeting, "see" you there:
Topic: SCL Carbon Working Group Mtg #2
Time: Mar 31, 2020 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://sellen.zoom.us/j/595221970
Meeting ID: 595 221 970
Dial in info:
+1... Read more
Forum topic
Hi Green Gurus,
A "fun" take-away from the sustainable MEP Leaders Summit (just ended today):
Inspired by Passive House, we are embarking on a campaign: "Low Load Buildings Are SEXY".
One idea we have is: what if the AIA design awards set limits on metrics like heating loads to meet basic eligibility?
If you have... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of Eight Tips for Passing the LEED v4 AP BD+C Exam.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. List important tables and calculations from the reference guide.
2. Explain what's pertinent about credit options and documentation.
3. Detail... Read more
Forum topic
Hi everyone -
The State of Oregon just posted this Policy Analyst Job Posting. The position is specifically looking for someone to assist in embodied carbon and other sustainable code items. I have heard directly from Oregon's Building Code Division that even though the position is looking for public policy, an architect or engineer (or... Read more
Forum topic
We are working on a large, commercial, LEED project in the Wash DC area, and the Construction Management firm needs LEED administrative/documentation assistance on their end of the process. The construction is underway but the CM lacks the staff.
Can anyone suggest a LEED consultant in the DC area that can work for the CM -- managing... Read more
Forum topic
Hi All!
One of our project teams is looking for some references for solar panel installation around Silver Spring, MD / DC area. Does anyone have recommendations or references for commercial installers of solar panel systems? Feel free to email me directly!
Thanks,
Yarden
Forum topic
Hello All, I've a quick question. I am looking for a few potential subject expert speakers on the topic of the Circular Economy. Any suggestions out there?
All thoughts are appreciated.
Rand Ekman
Forum topic
Whether you’re attending Greenbuild 2024 or live near the Philadelphia area, join us for BuildingGreen’s annual Greenbuild Show & Tell! The event will take place from 6:30-9:00 pm on Tuesday, November 12th at Jacobs, with the first hour for socializing and the 5-minute presentations starting at 7:30pm. Light refreshments and beverages will... Read more

