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
Builders concerned about out-gassing of formaldehyde from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) have long used Medex in cabinets. This exterior-grade product, originally developed for highway signs, is considerably more expensive than conventional MDF or particleboard, however. Now Medite II fills the need for a... 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
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
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
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
Forum topic
Question for you all: there is this wonderful graph showing how we can shift mechanical and electrical dollars into envelope investments to make deep energy savings cost-neutral. Have you experienced this on a project?
1-minute or less survey! (two questions, more detail if you want)
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/... Read more
Forum topic
Hi,
I imagine you've already considered this, but I wanted to mention it before you cross the point of no return...
The name "BIT Building" has the potential to be misunderstood out of context because it sounds like it has something to do with Bitcoin. I don't think this is a huge problem, but you may want to evaluate the risk... Read more
Forum topic
Hi Green Gurus!
We are looking for fearless leader to lead Sustainability for our Technology Division. This would be the client-facing role at the forefront for our $2B+ annual portfolio with all the giants - Microsoft, Meta, Apple, Google, Rivian, etc. It is a remote role with occasional travel. The job description is attached.
... Read more
Forum topic
Hi, curious if anyone in the group has considered using Fitwel in an existing (built) school project (K-12).
Would be interested in hearing your experiences and if this tool is a good fit for this type of project.
Forum topic
Hi all,
I had a position listed for a Sustainable Design Coordinator which we have down for the moment as we've taken on a fall intern instead. In the interim, however, I did have a couple of great candidates that I'd like to help find good matches. One of those candidates is Marissa Lantieri, see her resume and portolio attached.
... Read moreForum topic
Hello everyone!
I'll be using this thread to post call reminders and notes.
To start us off, the next call is this coming Tuesday, March 24th at 1pm Eastern.
The topics we will be discussing include:
Around the “room” quick check-in. How’s everyone doing? What’s top of mind for you? Able to keep projects and... Read more
Forum topic
Dear SDL: I'm writing to urge you to promote project submittals in your firm and region to the 2018 AIA COTE Top Ten (TT) Award. The submittal deadline is 5PM EST January 17, 2018 - coming right up! The TT awards are one of the most recognized design awards for the general public and receive wide circulation through mainstream media. AIA... Read more
Product Guide
Metal windows are used in commercial building because of their durability, low maintenance, and ability to handle wind loads.
BuildingGreen-Approved Windows
Metal windows must achieve an NFRC-certified unit U-factor of 0.20 or lower to be approved by BuildingGreen.
Manufacturers also must demonstrate that their highest-... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of Is Wood Construction Green? A Look at the Issues.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Determine what distinguishes wood products sourced from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests, and why these products improve the environmental impact of... Read more
Forum topic
SDL Show & Tell in Chicago, Tuesday, November 13 from 7-9:30 PM (CST)
HKS | 125 S Clark Street | Chicago, IL 60603
What better way to kick off your time at Greenbuild than with snap previews of the best sessions? The Sustainable Design Leaders Show & Tell is back, brought to you by BuildingGreen and HKS! This event is by... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of LEDs: The Future is Here.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Restate the energy efficiency and long service life of LEDs.
2. Describe basic LED components and how, when assembled, they perform differently than traditional light... Read more

