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
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
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
Forum topic
Hello Green Gurus,
Here is the information for this month's first Peer Networks Webinar, Previewing the WELL Equity Rating: a roadmap for advancing DEI. So sorry for the short notice - we had a pileup of tech issues and time off. We hope you can still join us!
Register HERE.
Previewing the WELL Equity Rating: a roadmap for... Read more
Forum topic
We have an environmentally-minded client who asked us to look into an alternative to the blue adhesive film that is typically used to seal uninstalled ducts for IAQ purposes. From a human health and waste perspective, they were hoping to find something that was both plastic-free and reusable. Has anyone tried out other options? I thought it was... Read more
Forum topic
Both Z Smith and Lois Vitt Sale have been notified that they have been elected to the College of Fellows of the AIA, class of 2018.
Please join me in congratulating Z and Lois, and post here if you know of others who can now carry the FAIA label.
Well done guys!
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...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
Join your peers and BuildingGreen February 22–26, 2021 for an all you can eat buffet week of networking, problem solving, and connecting with sustainability leaders within your industry and across the Peer Networks! During this week we will create a space for you to offer and receive support, exchange ideas and resources, and become stronger,... Read more
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Hello Community!
I often get asked about the application cases of annual vs. marginal emissions. Are you aware of an ASHRAE standard or journal article that concisely describes the use case for different CO2 eq. metrics? Has anyone reviewed ASHRAE Standard 240P: Evaluating Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and Carbon Emissions in Building Design,... Read moreForum topic
Our Sustainable Construction Leaders peer network famously developed the Contractor's Commitment.
Famous because it is the industry's only agreed-upon framework for systematically addressing the environmental and social impacts of construction activity.
Famous because it now has 27 signatories, collectively accounting for $49... Read more
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Mark your calendars Sustainable MEP Leaders!!
Here are the details to save the date for the 2020 MEP Summit:
Date: June 9th and 10th, 2020
Location: Stantec Office in Denver, CO
Schedule Outline: Tues. 9th beginning with Lunch at Noon, ending Wed. about 3pm
Gather and learn from your peers! Share your challenges... Read more
Forum topic
Has anyone done a LEED Homes and a NGBS certification and have insight into the differences, challenges, etc between the two?
Reports, Courses, Study Guides, Live Webinars
In order to successfully contribute to a LEED project, it is important to have an understanding of how the LEED process integrates within a typical design and construction schedule. Every new construction or renovation project, whether large or small, moves through certain project phases beginning with design development, design completion (... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of The Four Core Issues to Tackle for Resilient Design (And the Programs That Can Help).
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Use site-specific hazard analysis to evaluate a project’s resiliency demands.
2. Use climate change data to... Read more
Forum topic
My company is looking for ways to introduce and train employees on jobsite recycling and composting. There is definitely a culture shift that needs to change in order for it to happen, but we are looking for any success stories to help us on our journey.
1) Has anyone been successful in setting up recycling/composting programs for... Read more
Product Guide
Wood decking requires potentially hazardous preservatives and stains, and plastic waste is a significant environmental problem.
BuildingGreen-Approved Decking
Composite decking approved by BuildingGreen has at least 50% total recycled content. For plastic decking, post-consumer content has to be greater than 50%.
Health and... Read more