This came up a number of times at the SDL Tempe Summit so I thought I would share. If you have not already I highly recommend this recent research paper from the UW-IDL on the tradeoffs of operational and embodied carbon in envelope design in different climates. As a Passive House nerd it made me question the super-insulated envelope at least... Read more

Happy New Year! 

I haven't seen this topic come up in the forum, but might have just missed it. 

I'm sure many of you have seen the recent article in Dezeen of Australia banning engineered stone due to links silicosis. Australia bans engineered stone due to silicosis risk (dezeen.com)

We are looking for appropriate... Read more

Hi Gurus,

As some of you may remember, my spouse, Moshe Cohen did a short negotiation mini-training at SDL some years ago - but there's many of you who weren't there - so this is for you!

He will be doing a training in two parts on Nov 17 and 24th from 9-12 EST. He's the BEST (even objectively!!) and honestly, if you want to... Read more

As with window and glazing products, the energy performance of skylights and roof windows varies greatly among different products and should be carefully considered.

BuildingGreen-Approved Skylights

BuildingGreen approves products that feature advanced thermally broken frames that dramatically reduce thermal bridging and improve... Read more

I've been asked to author an article on urban heat mitigation, and I wanted to include a plug for the above pilot credit, which I think is a really powerful new addition to LEED. Beyond introducing the "intent" and "credit requirements", I was also hoping to do (2) things within the article:

1) provide some feedback from those who have... Read more

Hello Hive Mind, 

We are exploring the sustainability attributes (or lack there of) of Pre-Engineered Metal Building Systems (PEMBS). These ubiquitous design-build structures often fly under the radar of green building design; they make up billions of square feet of construction globally and are steadily increasing due to speed of... Read more

Hello SDLs!

Here are presentations from last week's 2018 SDL Summer Summit Show & Tell Presentations.

Best,

RoseAnn

Hello Friends,

With my "AIA 2030 Commitment Working Group" hat on, one of the efforts I have undertaken is a campaign to create a "pull" in the market, rather than (only) the sweaty "push" we all take on every day, trying to build a better world. 

I believe that if we can help clients (building owners) articulate clearer... Read more

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

I think it now qualifies as a tradition! We've arranged a room where we can gather for an hour and check in during the Thursday afternoon reception time at Living Future. If you'll be there, come join us!

Thursday, May 2 at 5:30, Skykomish Room (#604, 6th floor)

We'll be mostly Sustainable Design Leaders, as that's by far our... Read more

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Hi folks,

With all the build-up to Greenbuild (don't miss the Tuesday Show-and-Tell if you'll be in town!), I nearly forgot about another opportunity, coming up sooner! A bunch of us will be in Cleveland in early November for the first Building Resilience conference that BuildingGreen is helping to organize with ILFI and the Resilient... Read more

Hi all, 

You all know how much the Living Building Challenge and other ILFI programs have transformed the aspirations of our industry, right? This year ILFI has the privilege of being included in Washington's GiveBig campaign! For the next two days, you can help bring attention to the site, raise support and draw people to the page where... Read more

Auto-quiz used for CEUs for attendees of the 2023 SCL Wintger Summit.

Hello everyone,

We are far too often asked to include parking in our buildings (because why shouldn't the average family have 2.1 kids, .8 pets, and 3 cars) and it always grates on me that we are putting so many resources (natural and monetary) into something that is almost certainly single use and will need to be demolished in 30 years... Read more