Product Review
Builders concerned about out-gassing of formaldehyde from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) have long used Medex in cabinets. This exterior-grade product, originally developed for highway signs, is considerably more expensive than conventional MDF or particleboard, however. Now Medite II fills the need for a... Read more
News Analysis
A study published in the June 5, 1992, issue of
Science by researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the University of Arizona suggests that smoke emitted into the atmosphere from human activities may be having a significant effect in counteracting... Read more
News Brief
Carol Venolia, Publisher/Editor
If “progressive construction” can be defined as pushing the tools and techniques of conventional builders in the direction of less environmental destruction, then Building With Nature’s material goes beyond progressive, into the forefront of visionary thinking about construction. This bimonthly newsletter, now... Read moreProduct Review
To the best of our knowledge, this product is now being marketed under the name Rauhsaser by Better Wall System of Kenora, ON.
CoverAge is a tacky name for a great product that all remodelers should know about. It is a paintable, textured wallpaper that’s made entirely of recycled paper (at... Read moreExplainer
Feature
Susan Maxman is the first AIA president to make sustainable design a priority.
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
News Brief
The American Institute of Architects convention in Boston this past June was the setting for a changing of the guard in the American architectural establishment. The Institute’s first woman president took the reins, the Committee on the Environment became its largest and fastest growing committee, and the first installments of the Environmental... Read more
Feature
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
Op-Ed
Introducing the first issue of our newsletter.
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
Feature
Carefully stake the building site and driveway, remove trees that are within the excavation area or too close, then erect a fence to keep heavy equipment off fragile soils and away from nearby trees.
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
Forum topic
Hi All,
I just tried to post a minute ago but it said my connection was lost, so I'm starting over again. You may see two similar posts from me.
Alejandra and I started a document (attached) with ideas on how we can tackle some of the issues we are currently facing with zero waste, as a follow up to our conversation last Friday... Read more
Forum topic
Sorry this is last minute but it just came to my mind to share this as I am looking forward to this roundtable which is happenging Wed, July27th from 12-1pm EST.
The Built Environment Plus Women in Green Roundtable is hosting some amazing women in the industry who are working on DEI issues for a panel discussion. The conversation... Read more
Forum topic
It’s here! By popular demand we’re re-running the SDL Salary Survey that we last ran in 2015.
This is for people who are currently in an SD Leader role at a firm. We’re sending this invitation out on both the Green Gurus and the SD Leaders forums, because some of you are still in transition and haven’t moved into the SD Leader forum yet... Read more
Reports, Courses, Study Guides, Live Webinars
A site license allows your entire organization to access and share the report, and to keep a copy in your library. The site license does not allow multiple users to earn CEUs. If multiple individuals in your organization would like to earn CEUs from this report, please ... Read more
Forum topic
Has anyone submited this credit in lieu of demand response before? I'm attempting on multiple projects but not sure what to expect review wise or how much confidence to have in the ability to get more than 1 point for trying.
https://www.usgbc.org/credits/gridoptimal-152-v4?return=/credits/New%20C...
Forum topic
Hi all,
I've tried a couple of different search terms for the forum but haven't been able to find any past conversations on electrochromic glazing yet (which makes me suspect I might be missing something...). We have a potential opportunity to use it in a vertical curtain wall application with a client that is very interested in the... Read more
Forum topic
There are a number of SDL and other peer network folks talking about a potential casual meet up in association with Living Future 24 (next week in ATL).
In the interest of Julie McCoy-ing this thing into being ...
Who: All y'all ... any Peer Network folks who are in town for LF24 (or local to ATL).
Why: Connecting is... Read more
Forum topic
Hi Friends - I'm sure you've started to see news and posts from personal contacts about the shortage of masks, gloves and other PPE for hospital workers. Our company GCI General Contractors is pulling what we can to donate locally. Please urge your leadership to do the same! I just talked with a dear friend who is an infectious disease... Read more


