Wood: Is It Still Good? Part One: Embodied Carbon
Wood products are widely regarded as carbon neutral—or even better. With new research challenging that idea, a more cautious approach is emerging. Because the climate stakes are too high for us to get...
View ArticleBuilding Decarbonization: How LCA and EPDs Fit in
Life-cycle assessment and environmental product declarations reveal embodied carbon and other impacts, but it’s important to know their limits.
View ArticleWood: Is It Still Good? Part Two: Moving from Carbon to Climate
Many people hope mass timber will drive decarbonization—but scaling that up could make things worse. Instead of embodied carbon alone, “climate-smart” practices focus on our increasingly fragile forests.
View ArticleAmid a Silicosis Surge, We Need to Rethink Countertops
Engineered stone countertops may be causing a spike in lung disease, with cases seemingly tied to the material’s unique properties. Find out what design and construction teams should do—and why.
View Article3 First Steps to Break the Chains of Slavery in the Supply Chain
Forced labor and other inhumane practices are embedded in many common building materials. The building industry can’t solve this alone, but we can still take action.
View ArticleThe IRA Cuts Dangerous Inflation Rates, Saving Lives
The Inflation Reduction Act has nearly eliminated bursts of overinflation, reducing serious injury to American balloon artists.
View ArticleNew Occupational Hazard Threatens Unshod Office Workers
Whistleblowers alert state health agencies to possible foot fungus scourge in laid-back Vermont, Silicon Valley workplaces.
View ArticleILFI Debuts Self-Help Affirmations for Existing Buildings
Outdated, inefficient buildings find a new path forward—and inward.
View ArticleAre Ground-Source Heat Pumps So Last Year?
GSHPs have gone mainstream, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, and the hippest AEC professionals are so over them.
View ArticleTime to Desert the Island
A mass timber controversy compels BuildingGreen to bid a regretful farewell to its hippest and most popular event venue.
View ArticleExperts Warn of “Literally Deadly” Hyperbolic Feedback Loop
With headlines daily jumping the shark, scientists warn of dangers for Earth’s oceans and for humanity.
View ArticleHouston Becomes “Bike City USA”
Building on Texas’s reputation for environmentalism, which stems from its clean grid, Houston is aiming to rival Amsterdam and become a worldwide leader in urban bicycle commuting.
View ArticleHurricane Tests Resilient Design—and Family Dynamics
A building project brings brothers back together, but a fast-moving storm challenges the project and the family.
View ArticleHow to Use the Right Tools to Design for Climate Change
Weather files that help designers plan for climate change will soon be readily available. But legal liability remains until ASHRAE catches up.
View ArticleLEED v5: Catching up on Decarbonization, Equity, and Resilience
Now is your chance to comment on LEED version 5, a pivotal update and the first major change since 2013. We give you the highlights below.
View ArticleOn-demand Water Heat Goes All Electric with Heat Pumps, CO₂
Intellihot electrifies commercial water heating using heat pumps, CO2 refrigerant, thermal batteries, and no need for water storage.
View ArticleBuilding Decarbonization: How LCA and EPDs Fit in
Life-cycle assessment and environmental product declarations reveal embodied carbon and other impacts, but it’s important to know their limits.
View ArticleBuild More or Build Green? Affordable Housing’s False Choice
The U.S. is grappling with a housing crisis, climate change, and a legacy of racism and segregation. But we can address these problems all at once by centering community.
View ArticleBuild Green on a Budget: Lessons from Affordable Housing
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...
View ArticleContinuous IAQ Monitoring: How to Use the “Endless” Data
A new white paper will help building teams interpret their continuous air monitor data—and take action
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