Author
Jennifer is part of the Peer Networks team at BuildingGreen. Her Connections Catalyst role for the Sustainability Leaders networks includes events planning and bringing in new members.
Jennifer’s experience before BuildingGreen includes two years working with AmeriCorps Cape Cod on outdoor environmental projects; a year teaching... Read more
Product Guide
Old windows can be leaky and uncomfortable, but window replacements are expensive and resource-intensive.
BuildingGreen-Approved Interior Window Panels
BuildingGreen approves interior window panels with robust warranties that are designed to achieve improved thermal performance with both reduced... Read more
Forum topic
Hi All- I will be starting bi-weekly mtg for the PFAS working group to align on our goals as consicous firms and finalize our message aka 'letter to manufacturers' for reducing PFAS in building materials. Please email me (pgupta-garg@wrnsstudio.com) to let me know if you are interested in being a part of the group. First mtg will be next week... Read more
Forum topic
This might be going down a rabbit hole, but in moving to California this year I noticed that "zero net energy" (ZNE) is the standard term, whereas "net zero energy" (NZE) was more common back east. The DOE's 2015 definition (below) uses "zero energy building" (ZEB), which to me implies a building uses no energy at all.
Regional... Read more
Forum topic
Has anyone pursued the schools Mold Prevention IEQc10 successfully and have format for the documentation created they would be comfortable sharing? Our contractor is excited about pursuing this credit but no on our team has pursued it before.
thanks in advance!
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of Deep Material Vetting (That Won't Chew Through Your Design Budget).
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Align product vetting with goals that aim to mitigate occupant exposure and environmental toxicity.
2. Foster partnerships with... Read more
Forum topic
I'm putting together information on natural gas bans (or put another way, all electric buildings) for an advocacy effort and looking for some experts. Anyone have thoughts on banning natural gas and other fossil fuels on residential projects? Specifically what are the considerations/challenges/opportunities at each scale (single family, low... Read more
Forum topic
Hi GGs,
We are looking to do a renovation of a very leaky old office space, and we want to get a good snapshot of air quality and effective envelope R values both before and after.
Does anyone have experience with:
1. installing heat flux sensors on windows and walls
2. deploying IAQ measurement devices that can log... Read more
Forum topic
Hi Shane and Dennis,
What return address should we use for BIT User forum notification emails? Ben suggests something like no-reply@bit-user.org but whatever you like is fine.
Once you decide, please let us know who controls the domain name (e.g. bit-user.org or bitbuilding.org). Ben will send them instructions for editing the... Read more
Reports, Courses, Study Guides, Live Webinars
Avoiding Toxic Chemicals in Commercial Building Projects
We’re excited to issue our special report, Spec This, Not That.
In updating the report in 2020, we engaged a respected toxicology and regulatory-compliance firm to review and assist in our revision of the entire publication. This edition reflects the latest science in... Read more
Forum topic
Hello,
I will be in NYC for Regenerative Metropolis event at the end of Climate Week NYC. Is anyone else going to Climate Week? Did any events seem particularly worth attending? I've not been before but the only thing I've signed up to is the Nature-Inspired Solutions for a Sustainable Future on Wednesday night at COOKFOX.
Forum topic
We have a client who just hired their first director of sustainability. That person is looking to connect with other people in similar roles within Healthcare / Hospital organizations. Does anyone have organizations they have worked with who have someone in this role (I know it is less common than other markets) or have a healthcare specific... Read more
Forum topic
Hi folks,
I hope you're all doing well, despite the heat (thermal, political, social...ugh!).
We've had low turnout on the SAL monthly calls lately; it seems that these aren't a high priority for many of you. That's not necessarily a problem, if you're finding value in being in the network for other reasons, that's fine.
We... Read more
Forum topic
Hi all,
Here's a good follow up to Maria's steel question on Monday. We have a Midwest project that unfortunately (from a carbon perspective) is required to use a traditional, thick precast facade. We’re working with the contractor and potential future (not yet bid out) fabricators to determine an appropriate % of pozzolanic material... Read more
Forum topic
This are opportunities for us to get involved as design and construction allies with the new administration and the US Department of Energy on more efficient building.
The first link below is for low-carbon projects that will provide the case studies and solutions that the industry can follow. The second is identifying barriers and... Read more
Forum topic
Hello all,
Thank you so much for your work on the Contractor Commitment. In preparation for the Summit, we've pulled all of the sections together into one cohesive document. We would like to invite everyone in the SCL network to review and comment on this latest draft so that we can compile comments before Wednesday and make the most of... Read more
Forum topic
Has anyone here had success in comparing life cycle impacts for different window system options? We have been trying to compare different options but have only been able to source one expired EPD for an actual window (frame + glazing). Is the typical approach to separately compare glass and framing options? Are we missing something or is there... Read more