Explainer
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
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
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
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
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
Forum topic
Does anyone have a spreadsheet or chart that compares the new Fitwel v2.1 with Fitwel v2.0 ?
I can't seem to find such a thing on the Fitwel website.
I am trying to determine which version-route to take on our "Workplace" project.
Or do you have experience in this that you can relay?
Thanks.
Forum topic
Hi All, this is primarily directed at our Sustainable MEP folks, but please anyone with insight feel free to weigh in.
I am increasingly seeing designs and specifications asking for Passive House levels of airtightness as verified by blower door testing, but with traditional ventilation system designs.
To me, Passive House US has... Read more
Forum topic
Check out Fast Company's new list of innovative architecture firms with Perkins + Will and NBBJ at the top with great sustainability tag lines.
That's a great demonstration of the mainstream importance of sustainability!
Congrats to all.
Here's the link: https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2018/sectors/... Read more
Forum topic
Hi folks,
The team at DPR Construction has kindly agreed to host a reception and evening of presentations during the AIA Conference in San Francisco. If you'll be in the area, come join us Wednesday, June 7 from 6:00–8:30 for networking and fast-paced sharing of ideas.
The plan is to have a networking reception from 6:00-7:00,... Read more
Basic page
Last updated October 26th, 2022
What this policy covers
BuildingGreen, Inc. values your privacy. This notice describes what information we collect and how we use it.
To Users Resident in the European Economic Area: This Privacy Policy will govern use of your personal information if you choose to use any... Read more
Forum topic
Hello Green Gurus,
Here is the information for February's Peer Networks Webinar, A Tale of Two Working Groups: Decarbonizing Existing Buildings & Defining and Measuring Resilient Outcomes. We hope you will join us!
Register HERE
A Tale of Two Working Groups: Decarbonizing Existing Buildings & Defining and Measuring... Read more
Forum topic
Hey All,
I wish I could brag about the tremendous success Integrus has had in conducting a robust LCA on every project. Our goal is to use Tally to conduct a WBLCA on every project, but we are struggling with issues with staff time, project schedules, scarcity of expertise, and not having a streamlined process to produce reliable... Read more
Forum topic
I'm working on convincing my firm to hire a director of sustainability. I'm gaining some traction with the discussion thanks to the fantastic feedback and input from the summer summit "Role of the Sustainable Design Leader" breakout session. Thanks everyone! Does anyone have job descriptions for sustainable design leaders that they'd be willing... Read more
Forum topic
SDL folks,
I wanted to make sure that you all saw that the call for presentations is open for AIA Houston’s Gulf Coast Green conference. GCG is the leading sustainable design conference in the region and has historically had some great participation from this group. The theme this year is Sustainability + Technology. Details here:... Read more

