Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of Making Windows Work Better.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand when window attachments may be used in lieu of window replacements.
2. Summarize why optimal management of heat loss and gain may require both interior and... Read more
Author
Nadav Malin is a passionate facilitator, leading workshops and retreats to help organizations of all types find alignment, inspiration, and leadership in pursuit of their goals. He convenes peer networks of architecture firm Sustainable Design Leaders, Sustainable Construction Leaders, and others. He facilitates gatherings and consults to USGBC... Read more
Forum topic
For a number of years a colleague and I have been teaching a course about sustainability and water in architecture at the University of Pennsylvania's architectural school (PennDesign). This year we're hoping to bring a few new opinions to the table for at the same time as we broaden the discussion. Because the class will be virtual again... Read more
Product Guide
Commonly used for interior partitioning of commercial buildings, light-gauge steel framing is increasingly being used in residential construction. Compared to solid wood, steel studs are lightweight, dimensionally stable, resistant to insect damage, and of consistent quality.
BuildingGreen-Approved Structural Steel
Products... Read more
Forum topic
Hi Sustainable MEP Leaders!
As we discussed at the Summit, we are going to have monthly calls to check in and advance our various initiatives. Let's go with the 2nd Tuesday of the Month.
Please join if you can--we have a lot to follow up on! (See the report I posted earlier this week for details.)
Thanks, and have a great... Read more
Forum topic
Does anyone have an opinion of Autocase? https://autocase.com/
I had not heard of this platform before. Their website says that some firms in the group are customers / users. Website does not do a great job of describing exactly what they do. Is there value?
Thanks,
Allen
Peer Network Event
Forum topic
Hi folks,
We're kicking off a new way for us to collaborate as a network: monthly web-based conference calls. The first one will be on Friday, Nov 15 at 1:00 eastern time. The topic will be "Sustainability and the Small Firm: Practices in Transition" -- which is the name of the proposal James has submitted (and gotten first-round... Read more
Spotlight Report
Remember 2013? LEED version 4 had just been released to the public. Hardly anyone was using it, though—not only because they didn’t have to, but also because there just wasn’t a pathway to achieve many of the new credits in the rating systems. Especially the product-related credits in the Materials & Resources category, along with the Low-... Read more
Forum topic
I can hear Kjell saying "All models are wrong, but some are useful." Having said that we are having trouble getting usuable predictive energy use information from our electrical design engineer. They are telling us that their energy models are not for accurate pEUIs but just to compare various scenarios. Are they being lazy? Should we push for... Read more
Forum topic
...for all the folks on the west coast.
It’s smokey out there. For anyone looking for a cheap and relatively effective way to clean your indoor air, here is an article on a DIY box fan filters.
https://www.texairfilters.com/a-variation-on-the-box-fan-with-merv-13-filter-air-cleaner/
This PSA is from our friends at NEEA (... Read more
Forum topic
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
Forum topic
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
Forum topic
We are trying to figure out how we are going to meet the LEED Credit for Building Life Cycle Impact Reduction for the first time.
One approach we're trying out: We're taking the results of our Tally model and looking at potential reductions from low-carbon concrete. However, the problem I am encountering is that when I take some of our... Read more
Forum topic
I am now embarking on the home page design, but before I get started I need input on what you'd like to have there. The style tiles/tidbits provided by Southface includes a home page mockup that's very similar to LEEDuser, which is fine with me, but I don't want to implement it and then find out you want something radically different.
I... Read more
Forum topic
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!