BuildingGreen.com News

Energy Dashboards: Using Real-Time Feedback to Influence Behavior

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Real-time feedback on energy use can change occupant behavior and save energy. Several products now on the market provide this feedback in varying degrees of complexity.

Making Indoor Plants Safe for Birds

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Indoor plants have many benefits, but may confuse birds, causing them to fly into windows.

ICC Launches Sustainability Verification for Products

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

As part of its Evaluation Service, the International Code Council has launched a program to evaluate building products for compliance with numerous sustainability criteria.

Biomimicry Guild, HOK in Alliance

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

A partnership between one of the world's major architecture firms and the preeminent biomimicry consulting firm may bring "ecological performance standards" to the built environment.

Albuquerque Lawsuit Threatens Green Building Codes

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Implementation of the Energy Conservation Code in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been halted by a preliminary injunction on the basis that federal regulations may preempt it.

Tax Credit Promotes Green Roofs in NYC

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Illinois Synagogue Earns LEED Platinum

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

USGBC Announces Leadership Award Winners

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Green Building Council has announced its annual Leadership Award winners. EBN executive editor Alex Wilson is among them.

Proximity Hotel in North Carolina is First to Earn LEED Platinum

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

ICLEI Developing Rating System for Communities

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Sustainable Sites Initiative Draft Guidelines Available

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Federal Agenda for High-Performance Buildings Released

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Innovations in Water Conservation Products

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The first annual WaterSmart Innovations Conference featured dozens of new water-conservation products. We review a handful of the most exciting.

No-Compromise Green Fabrics from O Ecotextiles

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

O Ecotextiles offers luxury textiles made from rapidly renewable fibers. The company continues to work toward eliminating toxic chemicals, unfair labor practices, and water pollution at each step in the textile production process.

ThermaRock Brings Advanced Insulation to Wallboard

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Aerogel gives ThermaRock wallboard a high insulation value of R-2.5 to R-4.1, but the product comes with a hefty pricetag.

BuildingGreen Announces 2008 Top-10 Green Products

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

BuildingGreen's 2008 Top-10 Green Products include FSC-certified bamboo flooring, zero-VOC paints, and an integrated heating and ventilation system, among others.

Driven by LEED, Steelcase Gets FSC Certification

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Defining Recycled Content

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Accepted definitions bring some clarity to the term "recycled content," but still leave gray areas that are open to interpretation by product manufacturers.

USGBC Members Approve LEED 2009

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Members of the U.S. Green Building Council have approved LEED 2009, which contains major revisions to the LEED Rating System.

AskNature.org Connects Designers to Biomimicry Research

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

AskNature.org offers designers an encyclopedia of user-generated information about natural solutions to design problems.

Integrated Project Delivery: A Platform for Efficient Construction

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Integrated project delivery, or IPD, is a new contract mechanism for design and construction. Among its benefits for green building, it enshrines integrated design and building information modeling (BIM) into a legally supportive framework.

Uncertain Future for ASHRAE Standard 189

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The committee developing ASHRAE Standard 189, a proposed minimum, code-enforceable standard for commercial green buildings, has been cleared, possibly due to influence by disaffected industry stakeholders.

California Seeks Reduced Emissions Through Regional Planning

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

California Senate Bill 375 provides incentives for compact, transit-oriented development that reduces reliance on cars and their greenhouse gas emissions.

California Sets Up Toxic Chemicals Registry

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New legislation in California requires the government to identify and prioritize toxic substances needing further assessment, but critics argue that it will delay needed action.

Bailout Bill Extends Green Building Tax Benefits

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Public Energy Benchmarking Causes Embarrassment in U.K.

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

USGBC Announces Research Grant Recipients

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Suspended Ceilings Save Energy, Says Industry Study

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New Tool Quantifies Shade Tree Benefits

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Berkeley, California, Finances Solar Installations Through Property Taxes

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

'Delving Deeper' Workshop Series Announced

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Guide to Best Practices in Commissioning Released

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

ASTM Gives New Prominence to Sustainability

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Study Finds Quick Payback for LEED Investments

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bella-Dura Contract Fabric Touts Its Green Credentials

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bella-Dura indoor/outdoor fabric offers contract-quality performance in a competitively priced product. The company claims that Bella-Dura solution-dyed polypropylene fibers are colorfast and require less energy and water to produce than nylon or polyester.

New Group at Bentley for BIM and Building Performance

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Sherwin-Williams Debuts Low- and Zero-VOC Industrial Paints

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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

Low-Temperature Heat-Pump Manufacturers Settle Suit

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Serious Windows from Serious Materials

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Reducing Heat Flow Through Windows

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bringing daylight into a building through windows usually means a loss of heat; low-emissivity coatings, multiple panes, and gas fills can make windows more energy-efficient.

Uncertain Future for ASHRAE Standard 189

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bringing Nature Indoors: The Myths and Realities of Plants in Buildings

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Some proponents of indoor plants promise that they will clean the air and promote occupant health and productivity. But will they? Scientific backing for these claims is still being developed, but some of the results are promising.

Regulations Demanding Actual Data Are Leapfrogging LEED

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Now that California and Washington, D.C., are mandating energy use reporting for commercial buildings, the designation "LEED Certified" should be reserved for projects that document their actual performance through LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance.

Energy-Use Reporting Mandated in California

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

California is following Washington, D.C., in mandating energy reporting for commercial buildings.

Green Roof Study Finds Big Variation in Stormwater Retention

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Researchers in Austin found that, while several common green roof designs all moderated temperature effectively, they varied in their ability to retain stormwater.

Illegal Timber Trade Targeted by New Law

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

An amendment to the Lacey Act gives federal agencies the authority to prosecute those trading in illegally logged timber and to seize illegal timber shipments.

Free Energy Modeling in Google SketchUp

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With a new plug-in for Google SketchUp, Integrated Environmental Solutions offers free energy simulations for projects in the early stages of design.

Michigan Building First to Earn Double LEED Platinum Certification

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Australians Promote Cap-and-Trade System for Building Energy Use

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New Rules Will Reduce Lawnmower Emissions

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Canadian LEED Update Close to Balloting

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Aon Offers Green Rebuilding Policy

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Greenhouse Gas Emissions a Factor in California Land-Use Cases

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Kaiser Opens Green Medical Center in Modesto

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Puget Sound Decision Mandates Low-Impact Development

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Advisory Issued for Louisiana Pacific Composite Decking

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Lime Stucco from American Clay Enterprises

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Vision Control sealed interpane louvers, available with any type of glazing, offer numerous benefits, including energy savings and reduced maintenance compared with other blinds.

Foam-in-Place Polyurethane Insulation

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Sprayed polyurethane foam offers several advantages over other forms of insulation, including R-value and airtightness. Installation, R-value, and ozone safety vary with the type of foam used.

Free Energy Modeling in Google SketchUp

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With a new plug-in for Google SketchUp, Integrated Environmental Solutions offers free energy simulations for projects in the early stages of design.

Bamboo Flooring

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Energy Use Reporting Mandated in California

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

California's new energy reporting requirement for commercial buildings will affect the real estate industry and will likely improve building performance.

Green Kitchen Certification Launched

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

USGBC Announces Research Grant Recipients

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

USGBC has awarded $2 million in research funding to projects that will study topics from indoor air quality in schools to transportation energy intensity to porous pavement.

Water Policies: Encouraging Conservation

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Sustainable Design Leaders Explore Their Profession

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

With BuildingGreen's help, a group of sustainable design directors met in Colorado Springs to discuss this growing profession.

Aspen Considers Renewable Energy Requirements for Commercial Buildings

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Certified Wood Credit in LEED Gets Makeover

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After more than two years of work, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has proposed a major change for certified wood in its LEED Rating System.

Regional Standards for Air-Conditioners in the Works

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Challenge of Creating Living Buildings

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As the first buildings attempt to meet the Living Building Challenge, the difficulties of designing and building to such a rigorous standard are becoming apparent.

California Adopts Voluntary Green Building Standards

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The first state to do so, California has adopted voluntary green building standards that will become mandatory in 2011.

Paint Companies Not Responsible in Rhode Island Lead Case

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Department of Energy Focuses on Net-Zero Commercial Buildings

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Groups Set Mercury Limits for Flyash in Concrete

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Fears about mercury content in coal flyash used as recycled content in concrete are leading to new rules in green building rating systems.

Electrical Contractors Group Endorses Green Training

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Canadian Development Dockside Green Earns LEED Platinum

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Groups Merge to Coordinate Greening of Hospitals

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

San Francisco Passes Stringent Green Building Requirements

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

D.C. Requires Building Owners to Report Energy Use

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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

LEDs Get Energy Star Label, Amid Controversy

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Just before a Department of Energy standard for Energy Star LEDs becomes effective, the Environmental Protection Agency announced its own standard, taking the industry by surprise.

Building-Integrated Wind Arrives at Logan International Airport

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Vapor Retarders and Air Barriers: Managing Moisture in Building Envelopes

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Air barriers, which prevent air leakage, and vapor retarders, which control moisture diffusion, are both important for controlling moisture in a building envelope.

Certified Wood Credit in LEED Gets Makeover

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Green Building Council has proposed a revision to the certified-wood credit in its LEED Rating System and has opened a 30-day public comment period.

New Group Certifies Green Building Materials Retailers

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Utah Goes to Four-Day Work Week to Save Energy

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Giant Dow Chemical Grows with Rohm and Haas Acquisition

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Ductless Mini-Splits and Their Kin: The Revolution in Variable-Refrigerant-Flow Air Conditioning

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Ductless split systems using heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow offer an energy-efficient alternative to conventional heating and air-conditioning systems for a variety of settings, from homes to hotels and schools. Three major manufacturers—Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Sanyo—offer the greatest variety of products.

Congressional Caucus Focused on Green Building Legislation

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

EPA to Study Formaldehyde

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Canadian Study Finds Regulations Can Handle Nanotechnology

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Autodesk, Bentley Continue to Expand, Agree to Collaborate

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Design software giants Autodesk and Bentley Systems have announced plans to support each other's software as both companies continue to push towards real-time performance feedback during the design process by acquiring and partnering with software companies that offer energy and other green design analyses.

"Right to Dry" Protected in Colorado

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

San Francisco Allocates $3 Million for PV Incentives

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

First Canada Green Building Council Summit a Success

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Massachusetts Enacts Far-Reaching Energy Legislation

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Mazria Publishes Code Equivalents for 2030 Challenge

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Architecture 2030 has published a white paper showing the amount by which buildings have to beat various codes to meet the 50% energy reductions called for by the 2030 Challenge. More than a dozen codes and standards are presented, with 20%-30% improvement required for most.

Solar Water Heating Required in New Homes in Hawaii

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A new law in Hawaii requires solar water heaters for new houses, but several groups, including a solar energy organization, see problems with the legislation.

Jones Lang LaSalle Gives Green Globes a Boost

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Property management and brokerage giant Jones Lang LaSalle now owns the creator of the Green Globes rating system, which it hopes to leverage into enhanced capabilities for assessing the environmental responsibility of clients' buildings and entire real estate portfolios.

Energy-Efficient Water Coolers from Elkay and Halsey Taylor

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Elkay and Halsey Taylor have introduced two pressure water filters, the VRCGRN and HVRGRN, respectively, with improved compressor and bubbler technology that lowers energy and water consumption.