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Features
Integrated Project Delivery: A Platform for Efficient Construction
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.
Environmental Building News—November 1, 2008
Bringing Nature Indoors: The Myths and Realities of Plants in Buildings
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.
Environmental Building News—October 1, 2008
Water Policies: Encouraging Conservation
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.
Environmental Building News—September 1, 2008
Ductless Mini-Splits and Their Kin: The Revolution in Variable-Refrigerant-Flow Air Conditioning
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.
Environmental Building News—August 1, 2008
Counting Carbon: Understanding Carbon Footprints of Buildings
Everyone seems to be talking about measuring carbon footprints and designing carbon-neutral buildings, but these terms mean different things to different people. Some focus just on operating energy, while others also look at transportation, materials, and other building-related emissions. As with so many things, the results depend on what you count and how you count it.
Environmental Building News—July 1, 2008
Making Air Barriers that Work: Why and How to Tighten Up Buildings
Incorporating a continuous air barrier into a building’s design and construction can save energy and improve the indoor environment, among other benefits. The right materials and assemblies can help accomplish that goal, but careful attention during design and close oversight during construction are essential.
Environmental Building News—June 1, 2008
Alternative Water Sources: Supply-Side Solutions for Green Buildings
Both the recent drought in the normally-wet Southeast and impending water shortages in the Southwest are a reminder that water efficiency should be a top priority for our buildings. At the same time, finding alternative sources of water is also important for sustainability and passive survivability. Several sources of water can be harvested at the building level as well as through municipal-scale wastewater treatment and desalination.
Environmental Building News—May 1, 2008
Navigating Incentives and Regulations for Green Building
When used in combination, incentives and regulations can be a powerful force for encouraging green buildings. Incentives can be complicated to navigate, but are often well worth the effort. Regulations, on the other hand, can be slow to change, but can raise the baseline for building performance.
Environmental Building News—April 1, 2008
Is Nano a No-No? Nanotechnology Advances into Buildings
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.
Environmental Building News—March 1, 2008
Water: Doing More With Less
The U.S. uses about 400 billion gallons of water a day, and water shortages are becoming more common. Water conservation is possible in several areas in and around buildings, however, with water-saving products and technologies currently on the market and in development.
Environmental Building News—February 1, 2008
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Member Comments
Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters Dave Mountin says, “Hi Brent, That is too bad! Looks like my next 45 tankless water heaters will be bought from a manufacturer that...” More... Brent Ehrlich says, “Hi Dave, I spoke with Rinnai this morning and, unfortunately, the company does not have a department set up to...” More... Sustainable Design Leaders Explore Their Profession William Brown says, “How might a sustainability director tap into this network? Is there another session planned?...” More... Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters Dave Mountin says, “I just completed installing 45 Rinnai (R50LSi and R75LSi) tankless water heaters. The installation went fine and they are working...” More... Water Policies: Encouraging Conservation Nathan Brown says, “Although the article aptly describes many approaches that can be critical for reducing water use, it fails to address fundamental...” More... Alternative Water Sources: Supply-Side Solutions for Green Buildings Tristan Korthals Altes says, “Thanks for the question. We are making some improvements to the condensate calculator and plan to post a new version...” More...
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