Championing the
Changemakers

Extremely proud to say that the just-announced winner of the international 'Next Generation Facade' design competition is a team led by the 2017-18 EDR Research Fellow, Liz McCormick.   The facade normally separates inside from outside. What if the 'facade' was a place you occupied, where you worked? What if different parts of the facade... Read more

Since the launch of the Contractor’s Commitment in late 2020, nineteen companies have become signatories and many others are using the guidelines as a roadmap for their firms.   Now that the pilot year of the Contractor’s Commitment is complete, it is important to consider if and how the guidelines should evolve to be the most impactful.  Over... Read more

HI MEP Leaders,

Related to our thread about equipment needed for decarbonization, I have a question about what new or improved equipment is already available now that you're excited about.

Every year we at BuildingGreen publish (and present at Greenbuild) a listing of the Top-10 new and exciting products. Our focus this year is on... Read more

We had so much fun at our Contractor coffee talk that I reached out to our MEP friends to see if they would set up something similar.  And they have agreed to host a talk on Thursday December 2, at 1-2pm EST.  They will talk about decarbonizing buildings, on a schedule that keeps us under the 1.5° C limit and will also address strategies for... Read more

How much will it cost to achieve LEED v4 certification?

“We’d love a green building, but can we afford it?”

“We’re required to be LEED Silver, but we’re not sure how to get there under the new rating system.”

“Sure, we’re interested in LEED, as long as it doesn’t cost extra.”

LEED v4 and cost uncertainty

With... Read more

Jennifer is part of the Peer Networks team at BuildingGreen. Her Connections Catalyst role for the Sustainability Leaders networks includes events planning and bringing in new members.

Jennifer’s experience before BuildingGreen includes two years working with AmeriCorps Cape Cod on outdoor environmental projects; a year teaching... Read more

In an effort to share expert knowledge on the topic of whole building LCA, we are continuing our expert guest webinar series, addressing the topic of steel on March 19th at 1PM EDT. Michael Gryniuk PE, with LeMessurier and SE 2050, will be joining us to share his strategies for reducing the embodied carbon of steel. This webinar is particularly... Read more

Welcome to the quiz portion of Integrated Design Meets the Real World.

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


1. Define the integrated design process and describe what makes it different from the conventional design process.
2. Describe the charrette process and list... Read more

Hi everyone, 

Thank you so much to the SDL members who attended the Summer 2023 Summit! We had an amazing time with you there. A big thanks as well to the attendees who shared 5-minute presentations during the summit.

Below are some of the slides for the presentations. Please note that we have permission from all of these... Read more

Welcome to the quiz portion of The Building Envelope: Innovations in Planning, Materials and Budgets (recorded webcast)

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


1. Explain how to make the building envelope of a rehab super-insulated and resilient.
2. Recall innovative... Read more

Hey y'all,

Since it's now past September 8 when reporting was due, I'm thinking all those that were going to report as part of this round have now done so. I know AIA will assemble an industry-wide report, but I'm also very interested in the less polished conversation that allows all of us to trade experiences and just see how this went... Read more

BuildingGreen recommends low-emitting acoustic ceilings that do not contain formaldehyde resins or PVC coatings. Look for those that have C2C Silver or Gold certifications, are Declare Red List Free, and are third-party certified for low emissions using CDPH Standard Method. We also prefer wood ceiling products with FSC certification. The... Read more

I have a colleague researching existing, proposed, or anticipated changes to urban planning and building codes that encourage lower carbon footprints.

Can anyone comment on or point me to resources on how cities are using carbon footprint analysis and carbon reduction in permitting, now or in the future?

Some specific topics that... Read more

Hi All! This is a question for NYC and surrounding area (but if its the right fit, could extend beyond)! 

Can anyone recommend a designer for healthy and sustainable furniture for an affordable housing development?  The spaces that need funiture are: a community facility, common spaces, and residential units (for formerly homeless). ... Read more