Explainer
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
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
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
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
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
Forum topic
All,
We are collecting examples of buildings that involved electrification initiatives (building does not need to be all electric as long as largely electric). Please share your projects with us through this short survey. It will take 8-10min to complete.
The study will culminate into a report and best practices to advocate for... Read more
Forum topic
Hi All,
We have a date and time for the next SCL Carbon Working Group Meeting, "see" you there:
Topic: SCL Carbon Working Group Mtg #2
Time: Mar 31, 2020 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://sellen.zoom.us/j/595221970
Meeting ID: 595 221 970
Dial in info:
+1... Read more
Product Guide
Indoor pollutants can cause health problems and disrupt HVAC system functioning.
BuildingGreen-Approved Filtration
BuildingGreen approves a variety of equipment, filters, and pre-filters that remove particulates and contaminants, minimize pressure drop, or reduce pollution from operations. Products include:
MERV 13 or higher... Read moreForum topic
Hi MEP Leaders,
I would not normally post a job on this forum, but Placetailor is seeking to hire a mechanical engineer. They are one of only two truly sustainable developers that I've ever heard of. They are an integrated developer / builder / design firm that builds everything they touch to Passive House and carbon neutral standards... Read more
Forum topic
Hello Sustainable Community Design Leaders,
Now that everyone invited to the SCDL calls has access to this forum, I want to shift us over here for announcements and reminders, so here's your reminder that this month’s call is next Monday, March 21st, 11am–12pm ET (8-9am PT). Back to our usual time!
You can view the agenda here.... Read more
Peer Network Event
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of Choosing Insulation: High-Performance Foundation & Basement Assemblies – Unit 2.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Explain the insulating performance and durability of different insulation materials.
2. Provide examples of... Read more
Forum topic
Within the confines of the BuildingGreen safe space, I wanted to share the Forced Labor in the Building Material Supply Chain Mitigation Framework I shared at the 3/1 First Friday Fika. The intent is for this document to become public, but we are working through some permissions and final editing logistics. The project was collaborative... Read more
Forum topic
Someone made a tombstone to mark Internet Explorer’s end-of-support date
https://www.engadget.com/internet-explorer-tombstone-175433997.html
Forum topic
We are working on a large, commercial, LEED project in the Wash DC area, and the Construction Management firm needs LEED administrative/documentation assistance on their end of the process. The construction is underway but the CM lacks the staff.
Can anyone suggest a LEED consultant in the DC area that can work for the CM -- managing... Read more
Reports, Courses, Study Guides, Live Webinars
THIS WEBINAR PURCHASE AND REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
Thursday, April 4 at 2:00pm Eastern (11:00am Pacific), and featuring:Katrina Amaral
Timberdoodle Farm
Jacob Dunn
ZGF
Steve Rigdon
Yakama Forest Products
Jennifer Shakun
New England Forestry... Read more

