Policies & Programs
Whether it’s regulatory pressure or voluntary incentives, there are many external forces that affect green building practices. Here we collect info on everything from local codes to award programs to the internal policies of the federal government.
Policies & Programs
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Innovative Products and Technology from the Greenbuild Expo
Feature Article
Our product editors pick some winners from the expo floor at Greenbuild 2013 while raising questions about some materials.
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Energy Reporting: It's the Law
Feature Article
As building owners comply with new laws to report energy use, the data may change the industry-and the act of reporting it already has.
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Ten Strategies for Growth in a Recession
Feature Article
The economic collapse hit small and mid-sized design firms hard, but many with a green focus have adapted. We asked them to share their stories.
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Water Policies: Encouraging Conservation
Feature Article
Conserving water goes beyond building design and technology. Water use is governed by federal, state, and local policies, from maximum flow requirements to pricing structures that encourage or discourage conservation.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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From Ozone Depletion to Global Warming: The Kigali Amendment
Primer
The amendment builds on the Montreal Protocol’s legacy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
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TSCA Reform: Chemical Regulations, at a Cost
Primer
In a world where we can’t even ban asbestos, a new law revamps how the federal government regulates chemicals—but some worry it steps on the toes of progressive states.
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The Lacey Act and the Building Industry: Sourcing Legal Wood
Primer
Lumber Liquidators will pay millions for importing illegal wood products. Could architects or contractors be fined for buying them?
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Is Particleboard Deadly? Formaldehyde Emissions Explained
Primer
Formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products will soon be strictly regulated in the U.S., but questions remain.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Full Line of Residential LED Lighting Arrives
Product Review
In June 2006, Permlight Products, Inc., and Progress Lighting announced the introduction of a complete line of LED residential lighting products. To be sold as the HI-EF line, the licensing of Permlight's Enbryten Down line promises high-efficacy luminaires that meet strict California energy standards.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Local Governments To Be Disenfranchised After Voting for Green Codes
News Brief
Although government officials ultimately implement the energy code, the ICC is blocking them from voting on it.
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Washington D.C. Releases Resilient Design Guidelines
News Brief
Designers in the District are being encouraged to design for extreme heat, flooding, and power outages.
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COVID-19 Relief Bill Aligns U.S. with International Climate Goals
News Brief
Just before leaving office, Trump signed the most important climate legislation in a decade.
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New AIA Contracts Reinforce Sustainability Plans
News Brief
New to creating a sustainability plan for an AIA agreement? Latest guidance references COTE TOP Ten metrics, ASHRAE 209, among others.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Opting Out of Paris Accord Fortifies Global Warming Battle
Op-Ed
By making the administration’s position clear, Trump’s decision unleashed a wave of actions to stabilize the climate.
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Architectural Board Should Reinstate Sustainability Criteria
Op-Ed
Collaboration skills and sustainability concepts are being “elevated” by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)—but it’s really a demotion.
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Three Steps To Make Green Globes Part of the Solution
Op-Ed
An entry-level alternative pushing LEED to get better would be great, but GBI’s Green Globes needs to start by joining the green building community.
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Climate Change Fatigue? How to Read the IPCC Reports
Op-Ed
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, has been busy churning out report after report. Rather than tuning out, we should be reading closely.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Energy Reporting: It's the Law
Feature Article
As building owners comply with new laws to report energy use, the data may change the industry-and the act of reporting it already has.
Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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Bewitching Designs Snag Coveted Resilience Awards
April Fools
Self-propulsion wins the night at this year’s Rizzies, but a controversy brews.
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GSA Adopts LEED, Green Globes, Living Building Challenge, and Weimaraner
April Fools
