On a large sports project, we worked with the structural engineer to spec low carbon / high SCM concrete mixes. Much of the floor area will be sealed and polished concrete, and a concrete sub is pushing back on the SCMs saying they should not be above 20% (with a preference for 0%) for the polish to finish properly, per the manufacturer. Anyone... Read more

I can see from the threads that there are at least a few Passive House advocates in this group - I'm wondering about the PHIUS training and certification. Can any who have done it offer an opinion? Is it valuable? Residentially focused? Would it apply to someone in a larger commercial practice? It's an investment of time and $, so I really want... Read more

Hi all-

We are dabbling in developing an official research component of our firm. We have collaborated with a class at a local university and are looking for ways to take our research to a higher level. I'm curious how some of the other firms doing design or building technology research approach the process. For instance, do you have a... 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

Hello SCL members,

We’re anticipating wanting a few more people to serve on the SCL steering committee and would like to open the process up for self-nominations. If you are interested, please email me directly (candace@buildinggreen.com) by Nov 5th.

The Steering Committee meets monthly and serves the important role of helping... Read more

Hello - I seem to remember a thread on Sustainable Design Specialist / Advisor - Focused or Integrated Position within a firm. Does anyone remember the subject header or did I just dream this up? My searches are coming up empty...

Thanks!

Mona

Mona Lemoine, Architect AIBC, MAA, MRAIC, LFA, LEED AP BD + C

Senior... 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

Hardware has to be durable and resist weathering to ensure that features such as doors function properly.

BuildingGreen-Approved Hardware

BuildingGreen approves hardware that uses post-consumer recycled metal content beyond what is standard in the industry. Products from manufacturers that have engaged in information transparency... Read more

Welcome to the quiz portion of Choosing Insulation: High-Performance Roof Assemblies and Retrofits – Unit 4.

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


1. Explain the industry trajectory of healthier alternatives to foam insulation.
2. Describe the nuances of insulation... Read more

I wanted to make sure that everyone saw this.   Next Friday is a launch webinar for the Commitment.

Introducing the Contractor’s Commitment       November 13th, 2020          3pm - 3:30pm ET (12am - 12:30pm PT)

This webinar will mark the launch of the Contractor’s Commitment as a pilot program for 2021. We’ll give a brief overview... Read more

I understand the AIA 2030 team is hoping for as many firms (and projects) to submit some form of LCA data in the new DDx website this week, in order to learn how the industry is tracking embodied carbon.  We have four projects that dabbled with Tally last year, which we'd like to report this week.

Has anyone run into a hurdle where you... Read more

Does anyone have experience with Oknoplast PAVA windows that they would be willing to share?

Hey all,

We have a NAVFAC project going into construction that has indicated that they'd like to hire someone to help them with the construction tracking aspects of the UFC requirements, including the Guiding Principles Assessment (GPA) program through GBCI. We're on the design side, so cannot offer these services on our own project;... Read more

We are excited to open registration for the Sustainable Design Leaders Winter Summit 2020! This year’s Summit will take place Jan. 29th - 31st, 2020 at The Lodge, Gulf Shores, AL. The Summit agenda will be shaped by the collective group feedback given in the upcoming pre-summit survey. The Summit begins Wednesday evening (usually 5pm) with a... Read more