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

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

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

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

Hi All,

Attached is the DRAFT of our ZNE Data Report.  It is just the beginning. We have a lot more data to gather.  We didn't want to wait for it to be perfect to get it out. Hopefully this gives you all an idea of where we are headed.  Please continue to send us your projects in the Northeast.  I've also attached the excel doc for you... Read more

Hi SD Leaders: I'm writing to get your help identifying any experts or projects where all-electric HVAC solutions are being implemented in a large new build healthcare/patient care setting. The client has raised concerns about the reliability of an electric re-heat system and its ability to promptly respond to temperature controls. They also... Read more

Hello SDL Folks,  with the 2023 Water Conservation Showcase (WCS) less than a month away we're really looking for help spreading the word.  We've got a great lineup (www.waterconservationshowcase.com) and would love any direct emails to your contact lists that you'd be willing to send!  Here is a link to the promotional partner toolkit with any... Read more

Welcome to the quiz portion of Fundamentals of High-Performance Building Assemblies.

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


1. Recall how the acronym ENDURE speaks to the unifying aspect of high-performance buildings.
2. Describe how to apply the principles of high-... Read more

Dear SDL community,

I am supporting one of our health authorities in developing a business case for regenerating healthcare infrastructure as part of the indicative design for a new hospital and cancer centre. While I will be deepening this inquiry through the lens of a PhD over the next few (hopefully 4 or less!) years, I - and we - are... Read more

All,

I think there may be more than a few people interested in an article I co-authored titled Comparative whole building life cycle assessment of renovation and new construction. It is now available in the journal Building and Environment. Fortunately we have a link that gets you past the paywall that is good for 50 days. If you have... Read more

Hello SCL! We are excitedly planning for a return to in-person SCL Summits. In the past we've scheduled our Summit for the day before Greenbuild, but that day is Halloween and we understand the importance of spending that time with family. We are exploring a January 2023 option for this Summit instead, and are hoping to return to our usual... Read more

Sages - see below for what was posted in the SDL forum

seems this topic needs all of you - to guide, critique, move, question

nadav forgive the blend posting but I dont know who sees what, and the SAGES are the bomb on this kind of troublemaking

thoughts all?

PFAS is in everything and you – Please join

Hello... Read more

Board insulation has good thermal performance ranging from about R-4 to R-8 and is used as an integral part of a building envelope’s continuous insulation system.

Because board insulation is used on the building exterior, it is not always subject to the same material health and emissions requirements as batt insulation used inside the... Read more

To piggyback off Nathan's introduction where he mentions construction waste management, who is doing anything innovative or different in managing construction waste?  Construction waste has not historically been a passion of mine, but now working in sustainability and construction, I feel like it has to be by default.  

We have a... Read more

If you’ll be attending AIA24 (or if you live in the D.C. area), join us for the BuildingGreen Show & Tell on June 5th from 6:00-8:30pm at ZGF! This will be a free joint reception with members of US Architects Declare, and it’s open to all Peer Network members. Light refreshments and beverages will be served.

Here is the link to... Read more

For those who are visiting Chicago, Kira Gould has asked me to spread the word about a casual AIA COTE meet-up. Stop by, meet friends and have a beer.

If you will be in Chicago on November 15, please consider joining a casual meet-up of COTE leaders/members/friends (no fee to join; it's pay-your-own-way at the pub):  

AIA COTE... Read more