Championing the
Changemakers

I'm definitely slow on the draw here, but happy to be congratulating you, Allen! What a great recognition of your work as a firm! And I love that the story about it highlights the firm's diversity.

Also worth noting--just 'cause no one here has said it yet--how cool it is that Ed Mazria won the Gold Medal this, and that AIA updated it's... Read more

Our firm held off from signing the AIA Materials Pledge because it was perceived as a feel-good commitment to promise to have good intentions, with no tracking.  I was pleased to learn yesterday that reporting for signatories of the AIA Materials Pledge would "open" today (July 18) and close August 31, and would include mandatory reporting on... Read more

For those of you that don't know me, I'm the Director of Sustainability at the Structure Tone organization. Betting that you can guess what my role entails since you're all in similar roles and we've done the introductions a couple of times in different forums...given that I'd like to introduce myself personally.

I live in a suburb of... Read more

Hello Everyone,

Happy Monday, here is the link to the 2019 SDL Summer Summit Report!

Enjoy,

RoseAnn

Hi everyone,

Remember the thread on here from last fall that “broke the internet?” We have some progress to share and a chance for members to re-engage. A core team has been meeting to compare project process diagrams and challenges. They will share examples from their firms, along with learnings and best practices, on Wednesday, March 6... Read more

Nadav Malin is a passionate facilitator, leading workshops and retreats to help organizations of all types find alignment, inspiration, and leadership in pursuit of their goals. He convenes peer networks of architecture firm Sustainable Design Leaders, Sustainable Construction Leaders, and others. He facilitates gatherings and consults to USGBC... Read more

Can furniture be hazardous? You bet it can…

From flame retardants in foam cushions to unnecessary stain and dirt repellents on upholstery materials, everyday... Read more

Hello Sustainable Design Leaders!

Here are the details for an upcoming SDL Peer Network web call, this webinar will be a call to share research and resources around mass timber. Hope to see you there!
REGISTER HERE!

Embodied Carbon and Mass Timber – a shared learning conversation
March 31st, 2020
3pm - 4pm ET (... 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

After reviewing BP language today with internal staff, we realized we'll need to add a glossary to explain industry jargon and technical terms that might not be widely used. I'd like to consolidate those terms onto one web page, a glossary. This probably should be on the list with the best practices, and it will need its own page. Thanks!

Hi folks,

As you've no doubt heard from us by now (several times), in lieu of Summer Summits this year we're offering a combination of events this fall. Our series kicked off last week with a great Regional Mini-Summit in Boston. Regional events like this were in our plans before COVID blew everything up, so this one was a long-time... Read more

Hello Green Gurus,

Here is the information for January's Peer Networks Webinar, The AEC Industry is in the Driver's Seat: Strategies to reduce waste & carbon emissions. We hope you will join us!

Register HERE

The AEC Industry is in the Driver's Seat: Strategies to reduce waste & carbon emissions
Thursday,... 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

Hello Green Gurus,

Want to make your virtual meetings wildly effective, connective, and fun? This fall we are delighted to partner with Julie Huffaker from Deeper Funner Change to bring you a series of 5 online workshops that will teach you skills to improve all your virtual meetings.

Julie brings more than 25 years of experience... Read more

This is deep nerdy stuff, so don't say you haven't been warned.  ASHRAE has opened the first public review to its net zero standard (228).  Here's the blurb:

Standard Method for Evaluating Zero Net Energy and Zero Net Carbon Building Performance ASHRAE Standard 228-202x sets requirements for evaluating whether a building or group of... Read more

Hi,

HKS is seeking two seasoned sustainability leaders to be part of the DesignGreen Team embedded into either our Mission Critical and Commercial Mixed Use practice. In general, the role is to service clients and drive sustainable design quality forward. We have a great team and need even more wise, energetic, creative, and committed... Read more

Check out Fast Company's new list of innovative architecture firms with Perkins + Will and NBBJ at the top with great sustainability tag lines. 

That's a great demonstration of the mainstream importance of sustainability!

Congrats to all.

Here's the link: https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2018/sectors/... Read more