Sustainable Materials

Deep Dives

Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.

Build Green on a Budget: Lessons from Affordable Housing

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Sustainability doesn’t have to cost more—and no one knows that better than affordable housing experts. But every project type can benefit from these 12 cost-reducing ideas that support people and the planet.
Using Low-Carbon Concrete in Your Next Project

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Advancements in low-carbon concrete materials and strategies have led to greater adoption in much of the U.S. Now it's time to start using them.
Seal, Tape, Gasket: A Sticky Search for Better Materials

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Given the importance of sealing hidden joints in our air and water barriers, you'd think we'd know how long our sealants, adhesives, and gaskets last.
The Promise of Biobased Materials—and How to Use Them Now

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There is a lot of hype about carbon storage and other benefits of natural materials, but their potential is real. Read about those that are ready for prime time—and the ones we hope will take off next.

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

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Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.

Masonite Offers Straw-Core Door With No Added Urea-Formaldehyde

Product Review

Masonite's Safe 'N Sound Emerald door features a wheat-straw core, FSC-certified veneers, and adhesives with no added urea-formaldehyde.
Lime Stucco from American Clay Enterprises

Product Review

American Clay Enterprises, known for its popular natural earth plaster, has introduced a setting lime stucco to the national market.
Sealed Blinds from Unicel Offer Flexibility, Low Maintenance

Product Review

Vision Control sealed interpane louvers, available with any type of glazing, offer numerous benefits, including energy savings and reduced maintenance compared with other blinds.
Sherwin-Williams Debuts Low- and Zero-VOC Industrial Paints

Product Review

Sherwin-Williams now offers low- and zero-VOC paints for commercial and industrial applications.

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

California Pioneers New Limits on Toxic Chemicals in Consumer Products

News Analysis

Trendsetting regulations in California will have manufacturers disclosing ingredients and reformulating their products.
Is That Drywall "Just"? New Label Aims for Social Equity

News Analysis

Building product manufacturers and other organizations can now declare their performance on metrics like worker safety, diversity, and happiness.
Flame Retardant Whack-a-Mole Continues

News Analysis

Levels of the worst chemicals are finally declining in our bodies, but health concerns about alternatives grow.
New Flame Retardants Less Toxic but Still Persistent, Says EPA

News Analysis

The agency finds no perfect solution to replace HBCD in polystyrene insulation, but one alternative appears far safer.

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

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

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