Sustainable Materials
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Sustainable Materials
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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The Cost of Comfort: Climate Change and Refrigerants
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Refrigerants with very high global warming potential can negate the energy-efficiency benefits of many HVAC systems, including popular heat pumps.
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The Potential of Prefab: How Modular Construction Can Be Green
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Offsite modular construction not only cuts costs and construction times but also benefits people and the planet.
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Finding Products for LEED v4 and v4.1
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Finding and managing product information for LEED has changed—and v4.1 has added even more to think about.
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Wood: What’s Good?
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Mass timber seems alluring because of its low carbon footprint, but not all wood is equally sustainable. We dig deep into the controversy over which types of timber are “climate smart.
Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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A Low-Emissivity Coating That Really Works
Product Review
Despite manufacturer claims, not all insulating coatings are created equal. Coatings with ceramic particles are not effective, but coatings with metallic particles, like LO/MIT-II from SOLEC-Solar Energy Corporation, can reduce radiant heat transfer.
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Composite Panel Industry Adapts to Pending CARB Regulation
Product Review
California will adopt stringent new standards for emissions from composite wood products in 2009, pushing the panel industry to convert to more environmentally friendly binders.
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Three-in-One Insulating Sheathing from Dow
Product Review
A new polyisocyanurate sheathing from Dow uses recycled content and provides structural shear bracing, wraparound insulation, and a water-resistant barrier in one product.
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Coolerado: Evaporative Cooling Without Added Humidity
Product Review
As an indirect evaporative cooler, the Coolerado provides cool air without adding moisture. Its innovative technology also delivers lower temperatures than conventional evaporative coolers, and it's much more efficient than conventional central air-conditioners.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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New Chemical to Reduce Climate Impact of Foam Insulation
News Analysis
New blowing agents will reduce the global warming potential of SPF, XPS, and the rigid polyurethane foam used in appliances.
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Phthalate-Free Vinyl Flooring One Step Closer to Mainstream
News Analysis
Tarkett manufacturing in North America will transition to a phthalate-free formulation for virgin vinyl flooring. Used to provide flexibility to PVC, phthalates are endocrine disruptors that may also affect IQ and cause respiratory illness.
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Setting Carbon Footprint Rules for Concrete
News Analysis
New rules standardize how we calculate the carbon footprint and other impacts of concrete.
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Making Sense of LEED's Formaldehyde Ruling
News Analysis
Does LEED's new ruling allowing added urea formaldehyde in some circumstances conflict with its Low-Emitting Materials credit?
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, 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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