News Analysis
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Hi all,
I just wanted to post a quick message to introduce myself to the group. My name is Jeff Geisinger, and I'm an architect with Utile in Boston. We're a 50-ish person firm with a pretty broad project base, including affordable multifamily housing, institutional buildings, commercial interiors, and urban planning/public realm work... Read more
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Team,
Many of you saw this from BlackRock.
https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/investor-relations/larry-fink-ceo-letter
SOM, starting with London office, is drafting a letter to our MEP consultants, demanding and holding them accountable for climate change as a preference on consultants selection.
Best,
LL
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I received this email from Cathy Higgins at NBI, and thought some of you may know the right folks who might be interested:
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Hi colleagues,
You are exactly the folks that might know a high-caliber person to join NBI’s team. We are looking for someone ideally based in California but could be elsewhere with... Read more
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Hello, All! We haven't run WBLCA on a project that may include electrochromic glazing before, and it's embodied carbon footprint is really high in comparison to a more traditional double or triple pane IGU (we thought it would be higher, but this is 3-4x higher). The EPD we have from Sage Glass for their triple pane electrochromic lists a GWP... Read more
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Dear SD Leaders: The comment period closes January 31st on NCA Volume II Climate Change Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States.
It's important to have the design communities perspective on these critical issues. I hope you can take a look and submit your comments before the deadline.
Details here: https://www.... Read more
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Hey everyone, HNY!
I'm looking for help in vetting the sustainability cred of uPVC polymer window systems, specifically as an altnerative to traditional PVC vinyl frames. We recenly had a presentation from Intus Windows, who claim that their uPVC frame systems have a low-toxicity profile and excels in performance for thermal efficiency,... Read more
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Dear SLD-ers,
We have a project team considering the use of copper cladding for a high profile project in Vancouver. The preference is to use pure copper that is pre-patinated and does not have additional coatings.
We are attending a CEU from the Copper Development Association to understand options and environmental impact, but we... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of The Product Transparency Movement: Peeking Behind the Corporate Veil.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Describe an EPD, naming at least six characteristics that it attempts to quantify.
2. Explain what the HPD Open Standard... Read more
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Dear SDL: Thanks to all who have already given their support to the AIA Resolution on Urgent and Sustained Climate Action. We're into the final push of getting out the vote to pass the resolution next Wednesday, June 5th afternoon in Las Vegas. This requires 2/3s of the voting delegates to pass. So we're asking anyone who 1) is attending as a... 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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They say that Louisianans are often late to the party but enjoy catching up. The state, which had been stuck on ASHRAE 90.1-2007 (commercial) and IECC 2009 (residential) and has just adopted legislation jumping to IECC 2021 / IRC 2021, and commits to automatic upgrades with each 3-year code cycle. This means we join CA, OR, WA, MA, and VT--... Read more
Product Guide
Cabinets are often made from unsustainable wood bound with adhesives that offgas formaldehyde and finishes that have high emissions or contain PVC.
BuildingGreen-Approved Cabinetry
Approved residential cabinetry has:
Sustainably sourced wood or fiber—either salvaged or FSC certified and verification of low... Read moreForum topic
Hello Sustainable Community Design Leaders!
I have an exciting announcement today, fall Peer Network events are now open for registration! You can see all the event details and register here!
Based on feedback we received from past events and the most recent surveys, we decided against doing one long week of events for this fall... Read more