Forum topic
Has anyone here had success in comparing life cycle impacts for different window system options? We have been trying to compare different options but have only been able to source one expired EPD for an actual window (frame + glazing). Is the typical approach to separately compare glass and framing options? Are we missing something or is there... Read more
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Hi SD Leaders, my firm wants to make a case for conducting LCAs on all major projects. I'm curious what your experience is - how long does it take to conduct an LCA (for the analyst's effort and other project team members who attend meetings about the LCA and use its results), and the type of LCA software you're using.
I feel sure you'... Read more
Forum topic
is anyone aware of some guidance about citation protocols for when a person/team/org uses an AI tool to generate some base components for a report (which is then heavily edited by humans)?
I'm inclined to disclose in detail which tools were used and how ... but would love to know if there are some industry protocols shaping up about this... Read more
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This are opportunities for us to get involved as design and construction allies with the new administration and the US Department of Energy on more efficient building.
The first link below is for low-carbon projects that will provide the case studies and solutions that the industry can follow. The second is identifying barriers and... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of Raze or Retrofit? Six Extraordinary Answers to an Everyday Question.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand how the embodied impacts of renovation compare to those for new construction.
2. Provide three reasons why building... Read more
Forum topic
I was recently asked about potentially specifying concrete with wood nanoparticles and concrete with biochar as a way to further lower the embodied carbon and to increase concrete strength. These approaches are something I know nothing about, and wondering if anyone in this group has any experience and/or observations that might be relevant to... Read more
Forum topic
This might be going down a rabbit hole, but in moving to California this year I noticed that "zero net energy" (ZNE) is the standard term, whereas "net zero energy" (NZE) was more common back east. The DOE's 2015 definition (below) uses "zero energy building" (ZEB), which to me implies a building uses no energy at all.
Regional... Read more
Forum topic
The AIA is NOT announcing the COTE Top Ten award winners this Wednesday. Both the firm and student juries were held last month and winners were chosen. But the AIA is focused on COVID-19 info only now, restricting other communications. That is why the COTE newsletter has disappeared from your mailboxes.
Maybe i am the only one who... Read more
Forum topic
I'm sure may are familiar with Aqua in Chicago, and Joe Lstiburek's article on thermal bridging. (https://buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi062-thermal-bridges-redux) We have similar problem with a project that is a residential highrise building, concrete structure. Here is my questions. Will energy simulation be able to pick up the... Read more
Quiz
Welcome to the quiz portion of LEED and WELL Product Labels: A Guide and Analysis!
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:
Recognize product-related programs for LEED v4 BD+C, LEED v4.1 BD+C, WELL v1, and WELL v2 that contribute to the sustainability of projects and the health and... Read more
Forum topic
Hey there, Tally users. I'm looking for some answers to a few basic questions about using Tally:
When do you typically run a WBLCA? As soon as you have a Revit model? Later, maybe end of DD, when the Revit model is more fully developed? At the end of CDs? Are you mostly using Tally for targeted studies or WBLCA for the purpose of... Read moreForum topic
Our firm was asked by a government client in Canada to update their specifications for concrete to capture low embodied carbon as a performance metric. From the SDL group's knowledge of concrete procurement:
What are the chances of systematically obtaining cement specified with 10% lower carbon intensity? What's viable in the current... Read moreForum topic
Hi All,
We’re planning a conference here in Boston, October 23rd & 24th, focused on Designing for People. We’re rounding out our speaker lineup and I thought I’d reach out to you all for ideas. If you had an all-star list of people speaking on Health and Wellness in the Built Environment who would be on that list? Send me 3 names... Read more
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Hello!
As perhaps one of the newest members, I wanted to take a moment to say hi.
I have recently joined Lois Vitt Sale at Wight & Company and look forward to engaging with the group.
Like many of you, my interests and work tend to span a wide range of topics – a necessity as we approach the complexity of today’s... Read more
Forum topic
Related to some recent questions on site-specific sun/wind analysis and early energy modeling tools, are there any tools that account for nearby topography (like bluffs) or large buildings/vegetation in energy calculations? Or favorite methods to estimate its impact particularly during early massing studies?
Thanks,
Rachel