Chillers are part of larger systems that provide cooling in large commercial buildings.

BuildingGreen-Approved Water Chillers

Because there isn't a single relevant efficiency standard for chillers, approved products use innovations such as magnetic bearings, variable frequency drives, or other technologies that significantly... Read more

We have a client who is asking us to design a roughly 10 ksf Wellness Center for PHIUS 2021 certification.  The program includes several high density assembly type spaces - roughly 300 person peak occupant load for the building.  The Criteria Calculator that the architect showed us puts the building peak cooling load at 4 BTUH/sf (3000 sf/ton... Read more

Hi everyone,

We're pitching a green wall to a client for a project in NYC and are looking for recommendations on systems/companies.  We've done them locally, but the company we've worked with only services the Boston area.  There are so many companies out there now that we'd rather go with one that's recommended.  Thanks in advance for... Read more

Hello everyone - 

I'm writing today to let you all know that as of this month, I am retiring from SERA, and that I'm going to be beginning a new journey as a consultant/volunteer!

I'm going to continue dedicating my time to policy and advocacy work (focused on decarbonizing the built environment) but now I'll be doing it as a free... Read more

Hi All, I was initially reluctant to share this, but I've seen similar posts and I think it's in line with our mission and interests so I'll go ahead with it.

Tomorrow 12/9 at 1 PM EST I'm moderating a panel of industry leaders in public health (as it pertains to buildings), construction finance, and project development to review the... Read more

I am putting together a presentation for our local AIA conference specifically about shading devices / dynamic glazing / dynamic shading and wonder whether any of you have experience / feedback from projects that used a dynamic system - exterior operable shading or dynamic glazing (like View, Sage).  Any post-construction / post occupancy... Read more

I was wondering if any design or contractor friend here can kindly share the carbon emission factor of excavation during construction. 

I found a paper that provides energy use rate per cubic meter and associated carbon emission in kgCO2 for different phase of construction such as excavation earth work, pouring and lifting concrete,... Read more

I know there are a few of us WELL Performamce Testing Agents / Organizations represented in this group. In the wake of technology talks on this weeks update calls from IWBI, I'm wondering if anyone would be interested in a best practices and equipment small group discussion within the safe space of Green Gurus? Let me know! 

We're hiring: Join our dynamic team as a Sustainablity Coordinator at Structure Tone Southwest!
APPLY NOW!

Posting is listed for Dallas, but we're open to Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

Are you passionate about sustainable building practices and wellness in the built environment? Join our team at Structure Tone Southwest... Read more

Hello, what acceptable levels of air quality are you using to evaluate natural ventilation strategies for your projects?  In our Living Building we only open windows when PM10, PM2.5, etc. are within LBC and WELL limits.  In a seasonally smoggy urban environment, this limits how often we can utilize natural ventilation even if the outside... Read more

Hey there, SMEPLs:

Just a reminder that we are on the menu for the next in the Green Gurus Coffee Talk series. 

Please use this link to register

All the SMEPLs are invited to join in the conversation where we talk about things that rumble, squeal, gurgle and spark to our peers in the Design, Construction and Advisory peer... Read more

Older buildings—especially those from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s—need our help. Many leave something to be desired in terms of aesthetics and comfort. But the truth is that they are part of the urban and suburban fabric now, and they aren’t going anywhere. As tempting as it might seem to tear them all down and replace them with high-performance... Read more

Hi Shane and Dennis,

What return address should we use for BIT User forum notification emails?  Ben suggests something like no-reply@bit-user.org but whatever you like is fine.

Once you decide, please let us know who controls the domain name (e.g. bit-user.org or bitbuilding.org).  Ben will send them instructions for editing the... Read more

Can anyone suggest a recruiter that knows the trick to finding MEP talent that is passionate about sustainability? It would be much appreciated.

Hi everyone,

Since I know we have a lot of talented people in this group, I'd like to reach out to those of you based in Los Angeles and see if anyone is interested in talking at an upcoming Living Building Challenge collaborative event.  The topic of the meeting is "Selecting Healthy Materials 101: From the perspectives of... Read more

Gurus -

I'm looking for (or to build) a set of US district energy projects for developer-led mixed-use/residential neighborhoods/districts.  Does anyone have a resource for this or have started something similar?   

I am not a member of IDEA but utilize their site quite often. Any other resources come to mind?  I'd be happy to... Read more

For any of you who are already tracking your Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions: Do you do so through a program (like the Carbon Disclosure Project) or do you have an in house excel file or ???? I'm looking for a good template and am open to suggestions.  Looking for what you like and what you find challenging.  Thank you.

Welcome to the quiz portion of Better Choices in Low-Slope Roofing.

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


1. Explain life-cycle impacts, health and environmental hazards, and durability of low-slope roofing options.
2. Classify situations for which reflective roofing... Read more