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
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
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
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
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
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
Curious what people's 'best' experiences or recommendations are for load calculations and energy modeling regarding electrochromic glazing... hoping I can lean on others as it's just now becoming more of a talking point in our market here in Omaha.
Specific questions including whether load and energy modeling software are separate (... 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 :)
Basic page
What better way to follow up the magic of a live presentation from Peter Yost than with 15 free days of BuildingGreen Premium?
Get a free 15-day trial of BuildingGreen Premium »No credit card required Peter Yost, relaxing after a long week's work.
Forum topic
I was recently asked if there is a way to quantify financially what one MT eCO2 might be worth in the context of a building owner reducing their own carbon emissions. How do you put a dollar value on those reductions? Does anyone have experience with that or can you point me to the correct resource to answer this question?
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
Hi folks! Our AIA Seattle Committee on the Environment is hosting a series of decarbonization talks that might be of interest to this group. The next one is coming up next Thursday with the University of Washington.
Details and free registration here: https://aiaseattle.org/event/cote-university-of-washingtons-pathway-to-d...
Forum topic
Hi all - I've heard from a few of you that you are interested in doing a book club or other internal education based on the Path to Zero Carbon. If you would like the word docs or pdfs of each of the 16 posts, let me konw and I'll send them to you.
I'd also like to know of those who are using it how it's going and what you're finding... Read more
Forum topic
Does anyone here have a draft spec for low embodied carbon concrete they could share? I see the GSA has a standards sheet with MGWP limits, but we are hoping to actually specify the mix for upcoming projects.
Forum topic
Attached are the raw notes from the Design Process Conversations.
And here are the Guiding Questions from the Agenda Survey:
Design Process: how to intervene to get better outcomes?
How do I crack the nut of making a difference within my firm in the Design Process?
What strategies alter our fast-paced design... Read more

