Does adding solar panels reduce a building's EUI?

Existing operational use of a building is 80 kBtu/sf/year. When we add solar, it will change the source of energy but does not change the usage.

My understanding is that the EUI does not change, but it would be good to hear from others.

It's energy consumption at the point... Read more

Small Firm Sustainable Design Leaders –

I find it hard to believe calls for session proposals are already out for next year’s AIA Conference on Architecture.  I feel like I just got back!

At my firm, we try to have all principals and associates to submit a proposal each year.  I had a couple of take-aways from this year’s... Read more

Hello friends. On a current school project, an abuse resistant wall covering has been proposed as an alternative to our typical MDF wainscot. The proposed product has been used successfully in healthcare, and switching to it will save the project almost $1million, which is no small amount when the project is over budget and 7-figure cost... Read more

I am looking for a Mechanical Engineering firm in New York state who works in mid-sized commercial (ideally hospitality or multifamily experience) and who has experience with geothermal GSHP systems.

We are looking for someone early in their career to take over our green building certifications (mostly LEED).  They will also be helping our office build expertise in other certifications, keeping up with green building ordinances in our markets, and (hopefully) help me answer all those questions about energy codes. 

They do not need... Read more

Hi Green Gurus,

We have a lot going on this week, and I know it’s hard to keep track of everything, so I’m providing this quick update.

Conveniently, we have also just launched the new Peer Networks Hub on BuildingGreen.com, with a Calendar page where you can see all upcoming events (and a link to recordings of past events). You... Read more

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

I thought some folks here might be interested in a webinar we have coming up this Thursday 12/6 on the topic of best practices for occupant comfort surveys. Although this webinar is part of our Roast launch series, it will be tool agnostic, with information that will be applicable to any occupant survey regardless of tools used. 

To... Read more

Welcome to the quiz portion of Why Schools Are Embracing Net-Zero Energy!

Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:


Recount why schools are at the forefront of the net-zero energy building trend.

Describe the financial arguments that have led school boards to accept net-zero... Read more

Does anyone have any research studies they could share on the effect of construction/renovation noise and activity on employee productivity?  I'm trying to make a case for the measurable negative impacts of having ongoing renovation construction activity in an office environment.  Thanks!

Hello Community!

Sustainability leadership has requested that you take this quiz to help assess sustainability literacy across the firm. Your own results will be presented to you at the end of the quiz but will not be shared with anyone else. Only aggregated, anonymized results will be available to others.

Please don’t do research to inform your answers... Read more

Hardware has to be durable and resist weathering to ensure that features such as doors function properly.

BuildingGreen-Approved Hardware

BuildingGreen approves hardware that uses post-consumer recycled metal content beyond what is standard in the industry. Products from manufacturers that have engaged in information transparency... Read more

I'm looking for products that have cradle to cradle documentation, as well as EPD's & HPD's and are red list free.  What are your go to websites when you're researching products?

Hey Everyone!

We are delighted to share a major milestone in our commitment to sustainable design. After two+ years of intensive research, refining, and internal application, NBBJ is thrilled to announce the external launch of ZeroGuide, an innovative tool for early-phase carbon estimation, now available to the entire AEC community!... Read more

As BuildingGreen’s Content & Data Wrangler, Fran is a spreadsheet and content-management wiz who:

Fran also compiles data submissions... Read more

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

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