We have an increasing number of projects, where the client is coming to us with "net zero" aspirations and plans, some of which don't fit the typical all-electric, grid-tied building that produces 100%+ of its annual energy use on-site.  There include examples like:

1) A (targetd) living building that maximizes on-site production, with... Read more

Good morning all!

We're working on a higher ed project, and the university PM recently read an article about eco-friendly drywall and is interested in using it on the project.  We're currently using the USG EcoSmart drywall on another project and mentioned it as an option, but the article she forwarded also mentioned ExtremeGreen's MgO... Read more

Hi Leaders,

We've pulled together some highlights from each of the three half-day cross-network workshops that happened in October. This report captures the gist of each workshop:

Net Zero What? Transitioning our Metrics from Energy to Carbon Getting Better Materials Into Projects Beyond the Property Line: Bringing Clean, Resilient... Read more

Hi Green Gurus,

A "fun" take-away from the sustainable MEP Leaders Summit (just ended today):

Inspired by Passive House, we are embarking on a campaign: "Low Load Buildings Are SEXY".

One idea we have is:  what if the AIA design awards set limits on metrics like heating loads to meet basic eligibility?

If you have... Read more

If you are intending to participate in the Sustainable Construction Leaders Pre-Greenbuild SUMMIT on November 13 in Chicago, please register. We are preparing the pre-Summit survey that will help to determine the topics on the Summit agenda. You will not want to miss having your top-of-mind challenges be part of the conversation with your... 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

Hi all,

I am on the planning committee for the National Adaptation Forum, which is an excellent conference (this will be the 6th annual) that has relatively little representation from architecture and engineering audiences. Our municipal and agency clients, as well as private sector, tend to attend this conference for climate adaptation... Read more

Hi MEP Leaders,

Just a reminder that our monthly call is next Tuesday, July 11, at 2pm ET. Chris Colasanti will be presenting on impacts of different facade characteristics on overall energy performance! 

All Network members are welcome to join. Here is the agenda, and below is the Zoom info:

Join Zoom Meeting
https... Read more

Help. I have a contractor in need of advice on IAQ testing agencies and I'm largely uninformed about the local market of IAQ testing agencies. Anyone have organizations they'd specifically recommend or not recommend?

Feel free to email me directly if you'd prefer - awilson@ayerssaintgross.com.

Aley

Hi All,

I just became aware of the attached detail (if I uploaded it correctly) for a project in Portland, OR going out for permit at the end of this week.  Has anyone located the radiant tubing at the bottom of concrete like this before?  It doesn't sit right with me, though I cannot pinpoint exactly why.  Our consultants and the... Read more

Someone made a tombstone to mark Internet Explorer’s end-of-support date

https://www.engadget.com/internet-explorer-tombstone-175433997.html

Hi All,

Our local COTE committee has the opportunity to meet with a local jurisdiction on meeting the targets set forth by their Climate Action Plan.  In preparation I'm looking for innovative building codes/ordinaces that address existing buildings.  I am already digging into Boston's Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance... Read more

THIS WEBINAR PURCHASE AND REGISTRATION IS CLOSED. The live webinar occurred Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Conventional stormwater management treats rain as the enemy—a dangerous and destructive force that must be deflected away from building sites as quickly as possible.

But as we pave more and more of paradise,... Read more