BuildingGreen.com News

Green Cleaning Required in LEED for Existing Buildings

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Affordable Housing Benefits from IRS Rules Change on Solar Tax Credit

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Counting Carbon: Understanding Carbon Footprints of Buildings

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

LEED Exam Required of ASU Real Estate Students

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bike Sharing Comes to the U.S.

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Green Real Estate Certification Available

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Los Angeles Limits "Mansionization"

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Nanotech Textile Finish Gets (Mixed) Environmental Ratings

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Soy-Based Composite Introduced in Waterless Urinal

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Furniture Gets Multiple-Attribute Sustainability Certification

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Thermal Energy Storage Units Come Down in Size

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

FSC Certification Available for All SierraPine Composites

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Get Ready for Fuel Switching

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As the cost of heating fuel rises, utilities must prepare for increased demand as homeowners switch to cheaper electric-resistance heat.

Massachusetts Code Requirements for Air Barriers

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Two readers offer more details on Massachusetts' building code requirements for air barriers.

Cities Mandate LEED But Not Certification

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Cities that adopt policies requiring private buildings to meet LEED standards—without actual certification—must figure out how to ensure green requirements are being met.

An Affordable Heat-Pump Water-Heater Retrofit

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

AirTap is an affordable heat-pump module that can be retrofit onto a conventional electric or gas water heater. The unit has a first-hour rating of 42.5 gallons, an efficiency of 240%, and a GAMA-tested energy factor of 2.11.

Forbo Offering Marmoleum Composition Tile

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

To compete with vinyl composition tile, Forbo has introduced a thinner, less-expensive version of its Marmoleum tile.

Nation's First LEED Platinum Affordable Housing Built in Massachusetts

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Comparing Fuel Costs

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

One would think comparing the costs of different heating fuels would be simple, but figuring out the amount heat available in a given quantity of fuel—and the associated cost—can be tricky.

Facility Operating Costs Increase Despite Drop in Energy Consumption

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Plastic Water Piping Leads to Greater Corrosion, Lead Levels

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

CO2 and Other Greenhouse Gases

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The family of greenhouse gases extends beyond CO2, with each gas contributing to global warming to some degree.

ASID Endorses 2030 Challege

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Making Air Barriers that Work: Why and How to Tighten Up Buildings

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Use of Home Energy Rating Index Grows

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The HERS Index, an energy rating system based on a straightforward scale that puts a net-zero home at zero and a basic code-built home at 100, has been adopted by a variety of programs that evaluate the environmental performance of homes.

Fears Grow with Polycarbonate Chemical Bisphenol-A

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bisphenol-A, a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic for numerous building materials as well as consumer items, is under growing scrutiny in the U.S. and Canada.

USGBC to Outsource LEED Certification

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Green Building Council is conforming to international norms and scaling up certification capacity by handing off responsibility for certifying LEED buildings to its sister nonprofit organization, the Green Building Certification Institute.

Next Generation of LEED Out for Public Comment

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Green Building Council has opened a public comment period for a new version of the LEED rating systems, incorporating changes to the point structure and putting greater emphasis on climate change.

FEMA Working to Limit Formaldehyde

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As FEMA looks to limit formaldehyde emissions in its emergency housing units, trade associations for the recreational vehicle and trailer industry are following FEMA's lead.

FSC National Standard Friendly to Small Forests

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. affiliate of the Forest Stewardship Council is moving towards a national standard that incorporates some of the streamlined procedures used for smaller forests.

L.A. Community Colleges on the Road to Energy Independence

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Groups Petition EPA to Regulate Nanosilver

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

GBI National Standard Released for Public Comment

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

EU Bans DecaBDE Flame Retardant

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Insurers Promote Green Rebuilding

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Strong Growth for Unvented Gas Heaters, Despite Hazards

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Major Cities Require Private Buildings to Go Green

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Utility-Scale Solar Thermal Growing Fast

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New utility contracts confirm that concentrating solar power is one of the fastest growing utility-scale, renewable energy sources in the country.

WaterSense Offers Certification for Houses

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

KB Home Leads Calvert's Green Ranking of Major Homebuilders

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Whey-Based Floor and Furniture Finishes

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

PolyWhey floor and furniture finish from Vermont Natural Coatings uses whey protein, a byproduct of the cheese industry, to create a durable product with low levels of volatile organic compounds.

Top-Performing Pellet Stoves

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

High-efficiency pellet stoves from Quadra-Fire and Harman Stove Company offer heat from a renewable source with low particulate emissions.

Life-Cycle Assessment: Tracing a Product's Impacts

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Life-cycle assessment—accounting for all of the environmental impacts of a product from its manufacture to its disposal—is a simple concept, but using it to compare products in practice can be difficult.

Next Generation of LEED Out for Public Comment

Tue, 20 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Green Building Council has opened a public comment period for a new version of its LEED Rating System that incorporates significant structural changes.

USGBC to Outsource LEED Certification

Tue, 20 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Alternative Water Sources: Supply-Side Solutions for Green Buildings

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Readers Respond to Taunton Partnership

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Readers congratulate BuildingGreen on its partnership with Taunton Press, while discussing some concerns.

More Solar Gain, Not R-Value, Better for Heating Climates

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Low-emissivity glazing, like technologies from Guardian and Alpen discussed in recent articles, is not always appropriate and may work against energy-efficient passive solar design.

FSC-Certified Bamboo Plywood Now Available

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In an industry first, Smith & Fong now offers bamboo plywood panels certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council.

Boulder County Limits Energy Use for Homes

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New ordinances passed in Boulder County and the City of Boulder require larger homes to be more energy and resource efficient; ordinances under consideration may limit home size more directly.

Higher Occupancy, Higher Lease Rates for Green Buildings

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A new study from CoStar Group finds that buildings that carry LEED or Energy Star certifications have higher occupancy rates and lease for more money than their peers.

AIA Requires Sustainability in Continuing Education

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A new continuing education requirement from AIA stresses environmentally friendly design in CEUs. Meanwhile, some feel that the topic is not present enough in architectural education and testing.

Contractors Subject to New Lead Paint Regulations

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

ICC Developing Green Building Certification for Inspectors

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New Wetland Rules Favor Off-Site Mitigation

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Residential Water Heaters to Get Energy Star Label

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Forest Certification Ranks Last in Product Selection Criteria for Retailers

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Home Depot Partners with Habitat on Green Affordable Housing

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

AIA/COTE Announces 2008 Top Ten Green Projects

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment has announced the Top Ten Green Projects for 2008, including interpretive centers, schools, and a condominium building.

Coolerado: Evaporative Cooling Without Added Humidity

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Cree Acquires LED Lighting Fixtures

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

LED manufacturer Cree, Inc., has acquired LED Lighting Fixtures, maker of an innovative LED recessed downlight, giving the company access to greater technical, financial, and marketing resources.

Energy and Performance in Thermally Preserved Wood

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Cambia by Greenleaf recently joined Purewood in the market for wood preserved with high heat and without hazardous chemicals. The companies have competing products, as well as competing claims for the significant energy use during production.

Evaporative Coolers

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As water evaporates, it absorbs heat. Direct and indirect evaporative coolers use this property to cool homes efficiently.

FSC-Certified Bamboo Plywood Now Available

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

In an industry first, Smith & Fong now offers bamboo plywood panels certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council.

AIA/COTE Announces 2008 Top Ten Green Projects

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment has announced the Top Ten Green Projects for 2008, including interpretive centers, schools, and a condominium building.

Senate Adopts Clean Energy Tax Package

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Senate passes legislation designed to modify and extend energy-efficient and renewable-energy incentives, many of which are currently scheduled to sunset at the end of 2008.

Navigating Incentives and Regulations for Green Building

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Incorporate Passive Survivability into Building Codes

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Voluntary programs for incorporating passive survivability into designs will not go far enough, fast enough—it's time to use building codes to require these design features in our residential buildings.

Carbon Offsets Get Oversight

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Carbon offsets have become a popular way to fight climate change, but the market for them has been plagued by doubts about integrity. A new certification program as well attention from federal regulators may help to address key concerns.

Energy Star Labels for LED Lighting

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Energy Star ratings for LED light fixtures, to become effective in September 2008, provide assurance that products have been tested to meet a wide range of performance and durability specifications.

New Type of Waterless Urinal Cartridge Focus of Lawsuit

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A new type of cartridge for waterless urinals uses an elastomeric membrane as a trap and potentially lasts much longer than conventional cartridges. But it has been at the center of a legal settlement in which its manufacturer agreed not to sell it for use with certain urinals.

Certifying Buildings En Masse

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Property management giant CB Richard Ellis is following through on a major commitment to certify 100 buildings through LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance as a pilot participant in USGBC's volume certification program.

Gut Rehab Home Goes Platinum

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Architect Richard Renner designs the first gut rehab in the Northeast (and the second in the nation) to achieve a Platinum rating in the LEED for Homes rating system.

Study Links Biobased Products with Emissions

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Federal 2009 Budget a Mixed Bag for Green Building

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

IIDA Headquarters Achieves LEED Interiors Certification

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New Jersey Switches from Solar Rebates to Certificates

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Sandy Mendler Joins Mithun to Open San Francisco Office

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

CDC Finds Elevated Formaldehyde Levels in FEMA Trailers

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Composite Panel Industry Adapts to Pending CARB Regulation

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Three-in-One Insulating Sheathing from Dow

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A new polyisocyanurate sheathing from Dow uses recycled content and provides structural shear bracing, wraparound insulation, and a water-resistant barrier in one product.

How the Sun's Path Can Inform Design

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Designing a building with the sun in mind can help reduce both heating and cooling loads.

Televisions Must Meet New Requirements to Earn Energy Star

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

New Type of Waterless Urinal Cartridge Focus of Lawsuit

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Low Emissions, Quick Energy Payback for Thin-Film PV

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

A new study shows all current photovoltaic technologies offer at least an 89% reduction of air emissions compared with conventional electricity while also offering an energy-payback time of less than three years.

Is Nano a No-No? Nanotechnology Advances into Buildings

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

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.

BuildingGreen Partners with Taunton Press

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

BuildingGreen, publisher of Environmental Building News, announces a partnership with Taunton Press, publisher of Fine Homebuilding.

Focus on World's Uncertified Forests, Says SFI President

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Sustainable Forestry Initiative president Kathy Abusow discusses the merits of her organization's forest certification program, and argues that the certification community should focus on the 90% of the world's forests that aren't certified sustainably managed.

BIM Companies Acquiring Energy Modeling Capabilities

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Major building information modeling (BIM) software companies Autodesk and Bentley Systems have announced acquisitions that will give them energy modeling and other sustainable design capabilities.

NAHB Launches National Green Building Program

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The National Association of Homebuilders has unveiled its National Green Building Program, along with a Certified Green Professional program.

Wal-Mart Introduces Second Generation of High-Efficiency Stores

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Following a long program of testing green practices in experimental stores, Wal-Mart is now building high-efficiency stores that are expected to be 25% more energy efficient than conventional stores, but critics say that's not enough.

PV Prices Rising

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Contrary to predictions that increased demand for PV systems would result in continuing price reduction, the average cost of PV installations has risen slightly in the last three years.

Study Finds Elevated PCB Levels in Homes

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Northern Arizona University Research Facility Earns LEED Platinum

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

National Design Associations Propose National Academy

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

AQS Earns ISO-17025 Accreditation for Competence

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

RK Stewart Joins Perkins+Will

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

USGBC Doubles Research Funding

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Decorative Ceiling Panel Uses Recycled Content

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Chicago Metallic has introduced Monarch GE, a decorative ceiling panel system using gypsum and 70% recycled content from glass.

A Low-Emissivity Coating That Really Works

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

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.