News Analysis
A study published in the June 5, 1992, issue of
Science by researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Arizona suggests that smoke emitted into the atmosphere from human activities may be having a significant effect in counteracting... Read more
Product Review
The company's promotional material is the epitome of environmentally friendly packaging—like a Ben & Jerry's annual report. The article reprints sent were even bound in a jacket made from corrugated cardboard. So we were quite intrigued by the product. Syndecrete™ is a lightweight, pre-cast,... Read more
News Analysis
EBN Advisory Board member Mike Nicklas led an international delegation of renewable energy experts in promoting sustainable energy at the Earth Summit last month. He and others were negotiating for inclusion of renewable energy and energy conservation measures into agreements being worked out for the United Nations... Read more
News Analysis
The City of Austin’s Green Builder Program was one of 12 award recipients in the United National Local Government Honours Programme at the Earth Summit in Rio, and the only winner from the United States. “The purpose of the Honours Programme is to recognize innovative local approaches to... Read more
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
Carefully stake the building site and driveway, remove trees that are within the excavation area or too close, then erect a fence to keep heavy equipment off fragile soils and away from nearby trees.
Protecting trees and the local ecosystem when building on previously unbuilt land is a vitally important—yet often overlooked—part of environmentally responsible construction. Healthy trees and shrubs can reduce a home’s environmental impact and directly benefit homeowners in a number of ways:
•Enhancing comfort by shielding the house... 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
Feature
Ozone depletion and global warming are two of our most serious environmental problems—and foam insulation materials containing CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) contribute significantly to both of these problems. The environmentally concerned builder or designer should make it a highest priority to avoid them. Even many of the non-CFC alternatives... Read more
Forum topic
Thank you to everyone who signed on to the Materials Pledge letter. It was officially released on April 15th with 56 signatory firms. The Materials Pledge will soon have a new home online and a way to continuously add more signatory firms. I'm keeping a list for now and there are already four more firms who want to join. I will let everyone... Read more
Forum topic
Hi Green Gurus,
In this stressful time, I think it is important for us to continue to feel connected and supported. Also, it is difficult to come to terms with the reality of what is happening. So, I thought it would be helpful for us to share some information about the response of our respective firms to the Coronavirus.
The... Read more
Forum topic
Hi, we need 3-4 folks to volunteer to join us to work out a draft Materials section for the Contractors Commitment. Meeting set for 6/16 @ 2 PM CST.
Please message me at pslloyd@leopardo.com if interested in participating. I will forward out the meeting invite. If the time doesn't work, but you want to participate, I will share info in... Read more
Forum topic
We are hiring! Please share with any potential talented and passionate candidates.
https://archinect.com/jobs/entry/150052970/sustainable-design-specialist
ps. And, yes we recently rebranded for our 40th anniversary for those who may be confused :)
Forum topic
Hi Fellow SD Leaders: This webinar from the AIA and the Building Resilience Coalition looks highly relevant and with some great speakers. It's free and open to all (I think...not sure how AIAU works for non-members.)
Free climate change risk webinar 10/23
Join members of 52 organizations of the Resilience Building Coalition for... Read more
Forum topic
Hi all,
GBD turns 50 this year! I would like to share some examples with leadership of how we can make it more than just an event for clients... something that can give back, engage the public, focus on sustainability, etc. I remember that a Seattle firm had an awesome event that engaged a public plaza, etc. I had read something about it... Read more
Product Guide
Durability is the first priority for roofing membranes since interior repairs and replacement waste material, time, and money.
BuildingGreen-Approved Roofing Membranes
BuildingGreen approves:
best-in-class TPO membranes from companies that support enhanced heat testing and show proactive attention to performance EPDM products... Read more

