Policies & Programs

Photo: Stan9999 (public domain)

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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