Save the Date: If you'll be in DC for AIA's Conference on Architecture or just happen to live nearby, hold 6:00–8:30 pm on Wednesday, June 5 for this event.

We have partners! This event will be hosted by ZGF Architects (on their lovely rooftop patio) in collaboration with US Architects... Read more

We are looking at installing an aerobic biodigester in a commercial kitchen for an office client that is VERY concerned about zero waste.  Basically, this system takes food waste, treats it with micro-organisms to remove organic matter, and turns it into water of high enough quality to go straight to the sewer.  The manufacturer we are looking... Read more

The Sustainable Design Leaders network and Summit events started over 10 years ago, when a group of sustainable designers realized that the struggles they faced and the goals they strove toward were shared by many... Read more

This webcast was pre-approved for 1 AIA LU|HSW and 1 GBCI LEED-specific CE hour.

Please complete the survey questions to confirm your attendance and receive your CEUs.

By providing your credential numbers in your profile, you will enable us to automatically report these CEUs to these organizations. Please check your profile to... Read more

Welcome to the quiz portion of Verifying Performance with Building Enclosure Commissioning.

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


1. Reason why the enclosure is fundamental to a sustainable building.
2. Explain why energy goals are less likely to be achieved without... Read more

Hey Team,

Has anyone had experience either taking or delivering a Carbon Cure CEU that ISN'T from Carbon Cure? We have a project for which Carbon Cure is a really good option to reduce embodied carbon, but the client has now started having second thoughts and we're looking to get them a CEU on it that isn't from Carbon Cure directly so... Read more

Has anyone worked on a WELL project? I have heard that you can expect about 1.5 to twice the effort of LEED coordination but wasn't sure how accurate that was. Any suggestions for determining the possible time commitment of WELL coordination?

Thanks in advance!

Hello Everyone!

We’re beginning to plan events for the rest of 2021, which means we need your input to make sure we are putting together structures and content that are most valuable for you.

Please take a moment to take this brief survey DUE June 25th! You will find details on our current thinking for these events within the... Read more

Hi! Just saw this White House press release stating that federal suppliers will need to report on scope 1 & 2, and relevant scope 3 emissions and climate-related financial risks as well as set science-based emission reduction targets. The cutoff for disclosure requirements is $50m in federal contracts. Curious whether this affects any... Read more

Dear SDL,

After almost 12 years at Sasaki, I have finally decided to leave for a path slightly-less-traveled. My own development project in Boston (passive house, ZNE condos) is in construction and I will be focusing my attention on that over the course of this year, and then hoping to continue doing similar integrated... Read more

Hi SDL: I'm working on a presentation and would love to highlight a completed and/or unbuilt project that seriously incorporates climate change projections in the design. Any scale would be great. It's becoming abundantly clear that we need to be doing this for any building that will be around for even a few decades. In fact, the insurance... Read more

Hello all,

I have a quick question for you. While Energy Star appliances are a no-brainer for projects, I don't see a hard requirement to select Energy Star appliances in the energy prereq/credit. There are references in the water section for water using appliances like ice machines, dishwashers, clothes washers, etc., but no related... Read more

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

Hi, folks! Posting on behalf of an individual outside of the networks. Are you seeking a sustainability and materials specialist in-house? This candidate great qualifications, including:

The overwhelming majority of wallcoverings are flexible vinyl, laden with all the life-cycle concerns that come with PVC. Products used to contain orthophthalate plasticizers—which make up a large percentage of these products. Phthalates are not bound in the material and can slough off in dust, exposing occupants during everyday work or play.... Read more

Figured I'd throw out this topic to the hive mind!

We are working on a project in the Midwest that involves taking down and replacing an 100-ish-year-old brick building. We are hoping to find a way to salvage and reuse some of this brick in new construction. I'd love to do an LCA comparison showing the benefits of salvaging the brick vs... Read more

Wanted to let everyone know that Nadav and I are very excited about gathering in Las Vegas for our very first Summit of the Small Firm SDL peer network! We'll meet Wednesday afternoon, June 5, for a 4-hour concentrated session from 1:30-5:30 in Room N205. Here's the agenda. A group of us will be meeting on Tuesday to refine the content and flow... Read more