Other Ratings & Standards

Photo: Elekhh. License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Standards and rating systems have been at the heart of the green building movement at least since U.S. energy standards for buildings (like ASHRAE 90.1) started ratcheting up following the 1970s energy crisis.

If you care about health and sustainability, you can now rely on dozens of ratings and standards for buildings as well as things in and around them, including:

  • Lab protocols for chemical emissions from finishes and furniture

  • Testing methods for durability of paints, textiles, and many other products

  • Standards for energy use, ventilation, thermal comfort, and more

  • Rating systems for schools, healthcare facilities, parking garages, landscapes, and healthy spaces

Other Ratings & Standards

Deep Dives

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Quick Takes

Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.


Product Guidance

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In The News

We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.


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  • Strawbale Walls Fare Well in Firewall Tests

    News Analysis

    Two new tests of strawbale wall assemblies under ASTM E119-05a resulted in separate one- and two-hour firewall ratings.

  • Two Reports Laud Green Schools

    News Analysis

    Two recent reports, one from the National Academies' National Research Council and one from Capital E, confirm that green schools support student and faculty health and performance, and are a good investment.

  • D.C. Considers Green Building Legislation

    News Analysis

    Legislation before the Washington, D.C. Council would enact green building requirements for both public and private projects, making it the first major U.S. city to do so.

  • Homebuilders and Code Officials Partner to Create Green Standard

    News Analysis

    The National Association of Home Builders is working with the International Code Council to create a new residential green building standard.

Perspective

Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.


Learning Resources

Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.


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  • Everyday ESG: Real People Share How It’s Done

    Webcast

    Four experts in ESG representing design, construction, and consulting firms will come together during this virtual roundtable to share their field notes and lessons learned.

Just For Fun

Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...


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