I'm looking for successful examples of net-zero, Living Building, or similar office buildings that are NOT owned by highly-motivated organizations like RMI or the Bullitt Foundation (or one of your firms).

We are looking to team with a developer on a small-mid-size office building that will house our new office with us as a tenant (no... Read more

Please help share the latest COTE news, with reports from the AIA Conference, a letter from chair Lori Ferriss, Michelle Amt's review of the 2023 Top Ten winners, and more.

**Be sure to make a note**
The COTE Top Ten Awards cycle has changed. The adjusted timeline is already upon us: The 2024 awards call opens on August 8, and... Read more

As part of my goal to increase staff education frequency, I'd like to introduce some training and certificate programs into the mix. I wonder what programs others have recommended to staff? Not just attending conferences (low accountability) or CEUs, but things like the Parsons Healthy Materials Certificate, or Phius/PHN passive house... Read more

We have a project that is looking for plaster/stucco/textured wall products that are sustainable, or “more sustainable.”

I know these products exist, but I haven’t had to spec or work with any, so I’m reaching out.

The project is in MA, so I'm also soliciting recommendations for products and/or companies who are experienced using... Read more

I came across these open roles recently on Gensler's career page. Sharing them here if there is any interest in this group. As I understand it, though the roles listed are in NYC and NJ, they would be OK if the person reported to one of the following offices: NYC, Morristown, Boston or Toronto.

Sustainability Specialist – NJ: https://... Read more

I think it now qualifies as a tradition! We've arranged a room where we can gather for an hour and check in during the Thursday afternoon reception time at Living Future. If you'll be there, come join us!

Thursday, May 2 at 5:30, Skykomish Room (#604, 6th floor)

We'll be mostly Sustainable Design Leaders, as that's by far our... Read more

Dear Esteemed colleagues: I was recently asked a good question in light of the impending (fingers crossed) passage of the reconciliation bill that will bring alot of funding to energy efficiency/decarbonization upgrades at the residential scale. The question is: What are the arguments/ scenarios about the importance for homeowners to contract... Read more

I'm working with the AIA Minneapolis chapter on guidance for small firms related to how and when to energy model. A lot of small firms would like to sign the AIA 2030 Commitment (we had 100 in a room in 2022 in a session led by Nadav and Gwen Fuertes). But we have learned that a) they don't have a good way to energy model small commercial to... Read more

Recycled plastic paneling is an appropriate use for some of the various post-consumer plastic materials entering the waste stream—in particular, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from milk and detergent bottles.

BuildingGreen-Approved Panels

BuildingGreen approves plastic paneling products with high recycled content—in some cases... Read more

Has anyone found any options to recycle safety vests, or discovered an upcycling option for them?  We are about to replace all of our vests company-wide and will have thousands that we don't want in the waste stream and we don't want to be reused as safety vests.  Any thoughts or ideas would be great!

Thanks and I hope everyone is... Read more

Does anyone have language from an RFP that had specific performance criteria included that they could share? Such as a specific EUI target, detailed language about net zero, passive house, etc.

"The man with one watch knows what time it is; the man with two is never sure."   --Segal's Law

We recently purchased two indoor air quality meters in the $200-$300 range and find that they never agree, not even close. I would like to find out what other people's experiences have been, and if they have tested affordable models that... Read more

Welcome to the quiz portion of Energy Reporting: It's the Law.

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


1.List the benefits of energy performance benchmarking and disclosure.
2. Address the concerns associated with public disclosure.
3. Restate at least three U.S.... Read more

Hi all, we have a date for our SCL Carbon Group online meeting.  Looking forward to connecting with you all on 2/26!

Please see agenda below.

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Join Skype Meeting      

Trouble... Read more

Hello Folks,
What is your experience with successes and failures in the design process? As a starting point I have listed my Top 5 for success, and my Top 5 for failure. We'd love to see your reactions and look forward to the discussion when we all meet next week at our monthly check-in.

Top 5 reasons for when integrative design... Read more