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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Is Nano a No-No? Nanotechnology Advances into Buildings
Feature Article
Nanotechnology takes advantage of the novel properties that particles can exhibit at a billionth of a meter in size. Those properties are being used in building materials, where they can improve thermal performance and the effectiveness of photovoltaics, among many possibilities. The field has little regulation, however, despite significant health and environmental concerns.
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Climate Change Dominates Greenbuild Conference Agenda
Feature Article
With several announcements at the 2006 Greenbuild conference in Denver, the U.S. Green Building Council signaled that it would use its LEED Rating System to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, by tightening LEED requirements and by increasing the number of buildings designed to LEED standards.
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The Evolution of Exit Signs (and Why the Latest is a Bad Idea)
Feature Article
Searching for reliable, energy-efficient exit signs, EBN's Alex Wilson explains why photoluminescent exit signs, one of the newest "energy-saving" devices, are one of the worst from a total-energy-use standpoint. The article reviews current technology, including LED and electroluminescent exit signs, and offers recommendations.
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Greening Your Electricity
Feature Article
Many businesses and homeowners are choosing to buy green power, including renewable energy credits (RECs). This article examines the environmental benefits of green power, including on-site renewables, what REC buyers should know about their purchases, and investing in energy conservation.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Safety Sheets Getting New Format—And Some New Data
Primer
The new Globally Harmonized System for the MSDS will make reporting requirements stricter and should make the forms easier to read.
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Standards for Standards: ISO and ANSI
Primer
ISO is an international standard-setting body that offers accreditation to certifying organizations and approves standards that meet certain criteria.
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The Precautionary Principle
Primer
The precautionary principle employs "guilty until proven innocent" methodology, and suggests that we should avoid using questionable chemicals and materials until we know they're safe.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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UK’s 2050 Carbon Law Requires Bold Plan for Buildings
News Brief
With new legislation requiring net-zero carbon by 2050, buildings will be a major focus.
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Learning from the Best: The 2019 COTE Top Ten
News Analysis
The 2019 winners of AIA’s COTE Top Ten are all about education and connection to place.
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New York City Mandates Carbon Limits for 50,000 Buildings
News Brief
NYC has a goal of 80% carbon reduction by 2050 and has set carbon emission limits for nearly all NYC buildings over 25,000 square feet.
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Stemming Illegal Logging with a New LEED Credit
News Brief
Timber Traceability is one group’s answer to the controversial Legal Wood pilot path.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Plastics Industry Still Shouting "Fire" At Its Own Peril
Op-Ed
The foam insulation industry's united stand against code changes could backfire in the marketplace.
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Congratulations, Hanley Award Winner Alex Wilson
Op-Ed
EBN founder Alex Wilson is being recognized for his green building thought leadership with the 2010 Hanley Award for Vision and Leadership in Sustainable Housing.
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Ontario Feed-in Tariff Deserves Attention
Op-Ed
Ontario reader Charles Simon calls attention to his province's new feed-in tariff for renewable energy sources, which is one of the most progressive in the world.
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Greening Our Infrastructure
Op-Ed
The infrastructure stimulus plan being shaped by the incoming Obama Administration is an opportunity to reduce automobile dependence while improving public transit, bicycle commuting, stormwater management, and other green measures.
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Just For Fun
Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...
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