Greetings, SDL network - We are attempting to resolve an issue with how data center projects calculate baseline EUIs for the AIA 2030 Commitment and could use some help from this network. With projects that comply with code prescriptively (i.e. not energy modeled), we have found the default baseline assumptions within the DDx platform are not... Read more

Standard HVAC systems require large fans and ductwork to move conditioned air throughout a building, which wastes energy and building space.

BuildingGreen-Approved Chilled Beams

BuildingGreen lists chilled beams that rely on water and smaller ducts to provide HVAC throughout a building.

Performance and Health Considerations... Read more

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

Welcome to the quiz portion of Choosing Insulation: Health and Environmental Considerations – Unit 1.

Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:


1. Discuss how insulation works.
2. Summarize how insulation performance is measured and reported.
3. Recount the wide... Read more

Hi All -

With the holidays coming up and budgeting for 2023 - do we have any information on when and where a mini summit will be?  I heard rumors of Arizona?  Hoping to come but need the info as soon as I can.

Hey everyone,

This is a quick note to say I am retiring at the end of this month and will be taking a hiatus from the SDL group. I will no longer be practicing architecture, but I will remain active in efforts to preserve the wonders of this world for future generations.   

To all my SDL sisters and brothers (I don't always sound... Read more

Does anyone share the same feeling of stagnation? We are supposed to hit 80% pEUI reduction now and working towards 90% mark, but I don’t see it happening for majority of our projects, even the “right” ones that we implemented integrative design process & iterative energy modeling. I am wondering whether anyone would be willing to share... Read more

Happy 2021 Green Gurus,

BuildingGreen has some New Years news to share with you all!

Announcing an addition to the Peer Networks family, we are excited to be launching the Sustainable Community Design Leaders (SCDL) Peer Network!

The SCLD peers are planners, architects, landscape architects, and other professionals at... Read more

At our SAL call today, folks were talking about how there was just too much to read about DEI. This is the best short summary I have read about the problems of incorporating it into the organizations where we work. It's much easier to talk the talk than to walk the walk because it takes time and accountability.

Hello All!  My firm is looking to hire a sustainability coordinator to help advance our sustainable initiatives at our firm. This will be a new position for our firm.  Does anyone have a job description, roles/responsibilties, and task list that they would be willing to share with me?  Or if you serve in this role at your firm, I'd love to chat... Read more

In looking for ways to reduce jobsite waste and lower our carbon emissions, I'm working on a business plan for centralized procurement, in lieu of individual project purchasing their own tools, PPE, & consumables.  I'm curious as to how many other GC's on here use (or have used) a central purchasing process and if you have any pros/cons... Read more

Hi all!

A couple years ago now there was an incredible thread here about circadian lighting design and WELL. There was a lot of dipping toes in the water with intent to gather lessons learned and report back.

What have been the high points and low points of circadian lighting design so far? What seems cost-effective and worth... Read more

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

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

The Project StaSIO competition is in full swing, and its time to rate the submissions that made it to the public voting round!  Fancy yourself a connoisseur of simulation graphics and have a spare 5-10 minutes this Friday?  Take a browse through the gallery and rate the 10 graphics and 4 case studies that made it to the final round! Winners... Read more

Keeping these meeting invites here on the SDL pages as we hope to continue to offer participation to SDL members.  The invite follows:

Welcome to the Climate Smart Wood Group monthly peer network meeting. For agenda item suggestions and other meeting organization items please contact Patrick Donnelly at pdonnelly@integrusarch.com or... Read more

Jennifer is part of the Peer Networks team at BuildingGreen. Her Connections Catalyst role for the Sustainability Leaders networks includes events planning and bringing in new members.

Jennifer’s experience before BuildingGreen includes two years working with AmeriCorps Cape Cod on outdoor environmental projects; a year teaching... Read more