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After reviewing BP language today with internal staff, we realized we'll need to add a glossary to explain industry jargon and technical terms that might not be widely used. I'd like to consolidate those terms onto one web page, a glossary. This probably should be on the list with the best practices, and it will need its own page. Thanks!
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Just had a contractor call who said they had a university client interested in using natural-gas-fed fuel cells as an alternative to grid power in some applications. They were interested in an intermediate scale: 300kW.
Anyone with any experience with these devices?
Product Guide
Wood was the first material used in window frame and sash construction, and it remains popular for homes with its warm feel and relatively high energy efficiency.
BuildingGreen-Approved Windows
Wood windows must achieve an NFRC-certified unit U-factor of 0.22 or lower. Manufacturers also must demonstrate that their highest-... Read more
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Hey All,
I wish I could brag about the tremendous success Integrus has had in conducting a robust LCA on every project. Our goal is to use Tally to conduct a WBLCA on every project, but we are struggling with issues with staff time, project schedules, scarcity of expertise, and not having a streamlined process to produce reliable... Read more
News Analysis
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I'm looking for successful examples of net-zero, Living Building, or similar office buildings that are NOT owned by highly-motivated organizations like RMI or the Bullitt Foundation (or one of your firms).
We are looking to team with a developer on a small-mid-size office building that will house our new office with us as a tenant (no... Read more
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I've been asked to author an article on urban heat mitigation, and I wanted to include a plug for the above pilot credit, which I think is a really powerful new addition to LEED. Beyond introducing the "intent" and "credit requirements", I was also hoping to do (2) things within the article:
1) provide some feedback from those who have... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of EPDs Are the Future of the Building Industry, Whether You Like It or Not.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Explain how environmental product declarations (EPDs) are made, what they tell you, and how they're best used.
2. Describe... Read more
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This came up a number of times at the SDL Tempe Summit so I thought I would share. If you have not already I highly recommend this recent research paper from the UW-IDL on the tradeoffs of operational and embodied carbon in envelope design in different climates. As a Passive House nerd it made me question the super-insulated envelope at least... Read more
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I'm just wondering if anyone is using GBCI's Better Materials site as their go-to source for transparency and healthy materials. Having all the search engines on one platform is great in theory, and I keep hoping that it will be the one-stop site/resource that I can get all our designers to use. Unless I'm missing something though, it still... Read more
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The AIA has just (finally!) amended the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct to include new "Obligations to the Public" and "Obligations to the Environment", that requires architects to advise their clients of their obligations to the environment, obligates architects to promote sustainable design and development, and to implement energy... Read more
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Hi All: I'm writing to see if I can get some recommendations/links to some great, free web tours of sustainable projects for use in an intro to sustainability class I'm teaching online this fall. Typically we tour some local buildings but that isn't an option this year. I'm hoping to find a few different ones for students to choose from. They... Read more
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Does anyone have a spreadsheet or chart that compares the new Fitwel v2.1 with Fitwel v2.0 ?
I can't seem to find such a thing on the Fitwel website.
I am trying to determine which version-route to take on our "Workplace" project.
Or do you have experience in this that you can relay?
Thanks.
Product Guide
OSB subflooring typically contains formaldehyde, and wood may not be sustainably sourced.
BuildingGreen-Approved Subflooring
Products approved by BuildingGreen contain no added formaldehyde or are available with FSC-certified content.
Magnesium oxide panels, which are particularly insect and moisture resistant, are also... Read more