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HEADLINES ADDED: November 24, 2009
University of Calgary creates life cycle assessment chair
With the construction industry striving to improve sustainability and measure its environmental impact, the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Environmental Design is taking a major research and leadership role in the emerging field of life cycle assessment (LCA).... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: November 19, 2009
Fifty Percent Increase in Green Building Programs Since 2007
Local policies to promote energy-efficient buildings continue to thrive despite prolonged economic downturn.... Read More
Creating Vancouver Convention Centre's green roof no simple task
Working atop a structure built on piles and at sometimes extreme angles made life interesting for the crews working on the Vancouver Convention Centre’s green roof.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: November 10, 2009
Permits issued for Arthur Erickson-designed community in West Vancouver
Development permits for the first phase of the Evelyn Drive master planned community in West Vancouver, B.C. are in hand. It will go out to tender soon.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: October 30, 2009
Working the iron at Three Harbour Green in Vancouver's Coal Harbour
An ironworker cuts end pieces off a rebar cage that will form a column in the foundation of the Three Harbour Green project in Coal Harbour, Vancouver. Construction on the $110 million, 32-storey apartment tower began in January 2009.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: October 27, 2009
Canada Green Building Council set to release LEED rating update
The Canada Green Building Council is poised to launch an updated version of its flagship LEED Canada rating system for New Construction (NC) and Major Renovations.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: October 15, 2009
Building green has health benefits
With all the worries about energy efficiency, environmental degradation and climate change, most of us overlook the everyday health benefits that go with working in a green building.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 15, 2009
Building Product Manufacturers Speak Out about Green Building
In this HousingZone.com exclusive item, a roundtable of manufacturers provide unique insight to the role suppliers see themselves playing in the rapidly evolving green home building and remodeling markets. Don’t miss this compelling and insightful Q&A exchange.... Read More
Sustainable Landscaping: the Next Step in Green Building
Home builders are getting up to speed on sustainable landscaping practices such as bioswales, rain gardens and the use of native plant materials. Appeared as "Love the Land" in Professional Builder.... Read More
The UK Government has set the goal of reaching ‘Zero Carbon’ by 2060
The UK Government has set the goal of reaching ‘Zero Carbon’ by 2060. It introduced the Code for Sustainable Homes (CfSH) in April 2007 as a significant aspect of its strategy to achieve this, not least because the 21 million homes in the UK are responsible for 27% of CO2 emissions, and homes built [...]... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 14, 2009
90% of projects to incorporate sustainable design by 2012
Pete Baxter of Autodesk has contributed a great article to this week’s Buildingtalk, explaining why he believes sustainability will be the key dynamic in architecture over the next decade. He identifies changes in legislation as just one factor. For example, the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is having a major impact right [...]... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 11, 2009
Lakehead University seeks LEED Platinum certification
Lakehead University’s new Orillia, Ont. facility might become the first campus in North America designed to meet LEED Platinum standards.... Read More
Living and green walls are growing in popularity
Green building has taken on a more literal meaning recently as living and green walls become more common.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 26, 2009
Is Green the Yellow Brick Road to Success?
Down the road we'll see a return to “Green” building and Low Impact Development (LID), which were gaining momentum up to the housing downturn. Builders and developers who master this approach will gain a significant competitive advantage.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 19, 2009
Shipping containers find use as building material
Ocean shipping containers are being used by several companies in B.C. and Quebec for the construction of environmentally friendly portable or permanent buildings.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 18, 2009
British Columbia university to build green film centre
Capilano University in North Vancouver, B.C. plans to build a new film centre that will serve up to 400 students annually.... Read More
Ellis Don's Bankers Court project earns LEED CS Gold certification
The Bankers Court project in Calgary has earned LEED Core and Shell (CS) Gold certification, making it the first LEED CS certified office tower in the city.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 04, 2009
Quite the view at Eighth Avenue Place in Calgary
A steel worker puts bolts in a structural steel beam as Eighth Avenue Place takes shape in Calgary. The office tower and mixed use development is the first in Canada to earn Leed-CS (core and shell) precertification. The initial phase includes construction of the first of two planned towers.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 21, 2009
Good call on need for 'meaningful' green labels
U.S. engineers society is pleased with a JOC column looking at the need for a labeling program for “green” buildings.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 20, 2009
New Wildfire Coordination Centre in Kamloops, British Columbia
The B.C. government has started construction on the new Wildfire Coordination Centre in Kamloops.... Read More
David Suzuki school in Ontario to raise the bar for sustainability
When you’re designing a school named after famed Canadian environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki, you’d better ensure it’s as green in function as its namesake.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 08, 2009
Union highlights deficiencies in construction of Vancouver 2010 Olympic village
A union with members working on Vancouver’s Olympic Athletes village created a media firestorm after taking photos showing shoddy water pipe installation. In May the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers took their concerns and photos to Hank Jesper, the general manager of the Millennium Water development, also known as the Olympic athletes village.... Read More
The Top 100 Green Design Firms
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 07, 2009
Availability limiting biofuel adoption
With petroleum-based fuel products increasing in cost and scarcity, as well as adding to already-critical greenhouse gas levels, eco-friendly alternatives are beginning to power fleet-vehicles and heavy construction machinery.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 06, 2009
Competition produces new visions of seniors' housing
ronto’s Burka Architects Inc. has won first place in an international competition designed to generate ideas for affordable seniors’ housing in Atlantic Canada. The firm’s concept, called Generations Living, envisions an interactive community of multiple generations under one roof.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 29, 2009
Inter-American Development bank is a key tool for Canadian companies
Canadian companies looking to capitalize on construction opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean have the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as a key tool at their disposal. The bank has approved a total of $170 billion in loans and guarantees to finance projects as of the end of 2008.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 24, 2009
New pipeline construction goes green in Alberta
Innovations in Alberta pipeline construction are creating a greener way to do business. The new building method disturbs less topsoil by making a trench just slightly wider than the pipe.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 23, 2009
USGBC’s Greenbuild Announces 2009's Conference Speakers
Internationally renowned industry experts and leaders make up Master Speaker Roster for Greenbuild 2009... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 17, 2009
Carbon-neutral design requires new approach
The leap to carbon-neutral design requires a shift in mindset on the part of design professionals, says Terri Meyer Boake, associate director of the school of architecture at the University of Waterloo.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 16, 2009
Green labels need more precision
My eye caught a quote from Terri Meyer Boake recently, telling an audience of architects that mindsets must shift to accommodate changing design criteria in a world in which continued, unchecked emissions of carbon into the atmosphere must stop.... Read More
Green labels need more precision
My eye caught a quote from Terri Meyer Boake recently, telling an audience of architects that mindsets must shift to accommodate changing design criteria in a world in which continued, unchecked emissions of carbon into the atmosphere must stop.... Read More
Green Act Right Approach for Affordable, Sustainable Homes, Says NAHB
... Read More
Development Achieves Both LEED Gold and Certified Green Status with GE Ecomagination
Spencers Crossing achieves the nation's first Gold Level Project status with the U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes program, along with a Certified GREEN status in the homes inspired by GE's Ecomagination program. ... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 15, 2009
Green Act the Right Approach for Affordable, Sustainable Homes, Says NAHB
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 13, 2009
Pilot project set to morph into regular program to save energy
With a Canada Green Building Council pilot for existing buildings scheduled to re-emerge this fall as a full-fledged program, several participants say they plan to use the knowledge they’ve gained to work internally on energy and environmental measurement and performance.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 29, 2009
House Approves “Green” Schools Bill
H.R. 2187, 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act has been officially passed by the House.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 26, 2009
Green Prefabs
From the shameless commerce department of Washington Construction Law, herewith a promo for an excellent option to consider if you are looking for really cool, well-designed prefabricated homes with a sustainability focus.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 25, 2009
Is Going Green Really Worth It?
Cleantech Homes says eco-friendly home technology can be scalable, enabling dealers to capture a broader market. Small green systems can go a long way -- for both installer and client.... Read More
Best designed projects earn accolades for British Columbia architects
The best architectural projects in British Columbia were recently given their due at an awards gala in Vancouver.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 20, 2009
Humboldt Street Supportive Housing Project
A new supportive housing apartment building is planned for Victoria B.C. The Humboldt Street Supportive Housing Project will include 44 units in the four-storey structure, which is aiming for LEED Gold certification. It was designed by Chow Low Hammond Architects Inc. and the project manager is CitySpaces Consulting Ltd. Consulting engineers on the project include Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. (structural), Hirschfield Williams Timmins (mechanical) and Applied Engineering Solutions Ltd. (electrical). Chatwin Engineering Ltd. is another consulting engineer working on the project.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 18, 2009
Eco-friendly custom home to use Bejamin Obdyke Home Slicker
Eco-friendly custom home to use Bejamin Obdyke Home Slicker to protect cedar shingles... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 14, 2009
Dockside Green LEEDs the way to sustainable architecture solutions
Dockside Green in Victoria has recently been named one of the top 10 examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment. The development earned the highest ever LEED Platinum rating for its first phase, Synergy – breaking a world record for the number of points awarded. The second phase of the project includes the construction of two condominium towers (above), which are nearing completion. Dockside Green was designed by Busby,... Read More
Dockside Green LEEDs the way to sustainable architecture solutions
Dockside Green in Victoria has recently been named one of the top 10 examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment. The development earned the highest ever LEED Platinum rating for its first phase, Synergy – breaking a world record for the number of points awarded. The second phase of the project includes the construction of two condominium towers (above), which are nearing completion. Dockside Green was designed by Busby,... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 13, 2009
Carleton University launches engineering program in Sustainable and Renewable Energy
With energy high on the list of many companies<0x2019> concerns, a new program at Carleton University is grooming a new generation of engineers to help meet a growing need for energy expertise.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 06, 2009
Don't Be Colorblind to Green Risks
The problem of defining "Green" Before too much energy and money are spent on delivering a Green project, it is beneficial for all participants to define what they mean by or want from a Green or sustainable project. Just like the label "Organic," the word "Green" can have many meanings. Different definitions of a Green or sustainable project can lead to different expectations, and unmet expect...... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 04, 2009
Congress should encourage home energy efficiency with tax cuts and incentives, NAHB says
The NAHB is asking Congress to ensure that legislation intended to make homes more energy efficient focuses on measures that provide the greatest environmental benefit without putting housing affordability at risk.... Read More
AIA, San Francisco Mayor Select 'San Francisco's Greenest' Buildings
Buildings exemplify excellence in sustainable design principles and reduced energy consumption... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 29, 2009
Going Green In The Midwest
All across America, there is a clear buzz about the need to go green. The construction industry is hopeful that that this provides opportunity to prosper from new construction revitalized by a dearth of LEED projects, which were helped by government policy from a new administration. The construction industry in the Midwest seems quite conscious and hopeful of a new wave of green.... Read More
Top 10 Green Projects Named by AIA
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: March 27, 2009
House Energy Bill Seeks Improved Energy Efficiency and Green Development for the Built Environment
On Tuesday of last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the much talked about energy bill, H.R. 6899, by a vote of 236 to 189. Politicians and the press have spent a great deal of energy focusing on this year's hot button issue, offshore drilling, but the bill also includes a number of provisions that could have an impact on sustainable development and construction. For example, Title VI of the bill is a reformulation of a bill originally proposed by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Co) last spring, the Green... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: March 23, 2009
Green Building a Bright Spot Among Murky Headlines
Headlines have continued to decry this historic correction in the first quarter of 2009. But despite the foreboding coverage, green building has proved sustainable in more than one sense. Firms and consumers are embracing the trend and proving that the economic downturn will not discourage the practice. In fact, quite the opposite appears to be happening. According to Turner Construction’s 2008 Green Building Barometer, 75% of commercial real estate executives said that credit market conditions would not stop them from constructing green buildings. Citing reduced energy costs, higher building... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: March 05, 2009
Wisconsin Division of State Facilities Develops Standardized Recycling Program
The Wisconsin Division of State Facilities (DSF) has adopted a sustainable facilities policy and is in the midst of setting ...... Read More
From Coconuts To Condominiums
The Coconut Building in Hoboken, NJ, once served as a coconut storage facility for the production of Hostess snack cakes. Today, half of the original ...... Read More
Calgary's Telus World of Science plans new $160-million facility
The Telus World of Science in Calgary will build a new $160 million dollar facility because the existing centre is too small.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 20, 2009
First LEED-related lawsuit in the U.S. sets off warning bells for builders >
In the wake of the first LEED-related lawsuit, green building proponents are being advised to do due diligence and pay careful attention to contracts.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 13, 2009
The Green Low-Rise Condominiums of Camelview Village
In the hot Arizona climate, Camelview Village showcases how Optima combined new technology, prefabrication and thoughtful design to create exemplary green low-rise condominiums... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 12, 2009
Green building has shifted into the mainstream, ACEC president says
Not all that long ago, green building proponents were viewed as tree-hugging liberals in some circles. But that is no longer the case, said Jeff Morrison, president of the Association of Canadian Engineering Companies.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 01, 2009
Future Duchess Park Secondary School facility features reduced carbon footprint
The changing profile of the new Duchess Park Secondary School under construction in Prince George reflects only a snapshot glimpse of the project’s overall energy and design features.... Read More
Massive Saanich shopping centre redevelopment goes green
The massive redevelopment of Saanich’s 47-year-old Town and Country Shopping Centre is easily the most significant construction project on southern Vancouver Island, says a spokesperson for the company behind the overhaul.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: December 27, 2008
New Kwantlen Polytechnic University campus earns LEED Gold
Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Cloverdale campus, Canada’s newest high-tech facility for trades, technology and applied training programs, has achieved LEED Gold certification.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: December 23, 2008
Cashman Sets the Gold Standard
Cashman Equipment, Nevada's Caterpillar dealer, is setting the gold standard for green building with its new 300,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in Henderson. The company is seeking to build the state's largest Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design (LEED) Gold-certified industrial complex.... Read More
Project Green House Profile: A Low Stress, Less Mess Green Home
Two builders work together on a modular, sustainable home suitable for time-pressed D.C. buyers... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: December 18, 2008
Green building rating systems could become more stringent, Lim says
Green building rating systems will continue to evolve and become even more stringent in their ratings, the vice president of energy and sustainability for real estate portfolio manager BLJC told contractors and project managers in Toronto recently.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: December 17, 2008
MetroTower III aims to reach new heights for green building
Ivanhoe Cambridge Inc. has announced that the third tower at its Burnaby MetroTower Complex will carry the highest commercial green rating possible.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: December 16, 2008
Korky Koroluk: When designing green roofs, think ‘stormwater retention’
We’ve all heard by now of the benefits of green roofs — how they can save some of the energy that would otherwise go to heating and cooling, how they can be used to create park-like spaces for building staff, and how they can contribute greatly to stormwater retention and management.... Read More
MetroTower III aims to reach new heights for green building
Ivanhoe Cambridge Inc. has announced that the third tower at its Burnaby MetroTower Complex will carry the highest commercial green rating possible.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: December 09, 2008
Challenge 2030 helps build a green economy
The 2030 Challenge – a global initiative which the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a part of – calls for an immediate 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in all new buildings and major renovations.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: December 08, 2008
Dominion Fairmile builds green library for Burnaby
Work proceeds on the new LEED-registered Burnaby Public Library project.... Read More
Challenge 2030 helps build a green economy
The 2030 Challenge – a global initiative which the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a part of – calls for an immediate 50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in all new buildings and major renovations.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: December 06, 2008
U.S. Green Building Council Pushes Obama to Act on Green Promises
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: December 02, 2008
Not all ‘green’ buildings are healthy buildings, Sterling says
That new green building, which may have received a lot of positive publicity, might not actually be as healthy as it seems.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: November 28, 2008
Just 15 zero carbon homes qualify for £15m scheme
A £15m project to build hundreds of zero carbon homes has been labelled an “eco-con” after only 15 properties qualified in the first year.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: November 20, 2008
Department of Energy Focuses on Net-Zero Commercial Buildings
... Read More
Michigan Building First to Earn Double LEED Platinum Certification
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: November 18, 2008
Keeping It Clean
Public owners are demanding that contractors keep their roads and storm sewers free of jobsite mud and debris. To help contractors with this important and growing issue, Pro-Tec developed the Rumble Grid tire cleaning system. “We had planned on using the traditional crushed rock for the project's entrance until Pro-Tec approached us with the Rumble Grids.... Read More
Greening Hillsides For Safety
It is California's wildfires season again, with the potential of destroying thousands of acres, even threatening to overtake cities and forcing evacuations. If there is any positive to this type of natural disaster, it is that communities and even companies come together for the common good. An erosion control project in the aftermath of southern California wildfires took place near Corona, lat...... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: November 05, 2008
Just one in 12 eco-town sites passes green test
Only one of 12 proposed eco-town sites has passed a green assessment, putting the entire programme in doubt.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 24, 2008
Will ‘green’ buildings and building products survive economic downturn
Will the vogue for ‘green’ buildings and building products be able to survive the current economic downturn? The logic for saying ‘no’ goes like this. Finances are more pinched; people become more interested in simple cost equations; and the motivation to look at more environmentally friendly options dissipates. Whatever the cost implication (good, bad or [...]... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 22, 2008
Stormwater Management – A Green Construction Issue
Stormwater management is a significant green/sustainable construction issue and one can obtain LEED points for implementing it. That was not the case only 15 years ago, however, when stormwater management was not at the top of the list for consideration when it came to new construction projects. “No one really talked about 'green' then,” said Gregory Yazhbin, plant manager at Rink...... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 20, 2008
Emory Freshman Live "Green"
Emory University opened the doors to the school year with two new "green" freshman residence halls. Known as Few and Evans, they are the second and third residence halls to open that the university anticipates will achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. ... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 11, 2008
The Hidden Risks of Green Buildings
Avoiding post-construction moisture and mold problems is a big concern among green building experts. We must not, however, abandon sustainability as a concept. Rather, let’s combine best practices with new ideas.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 04, 2008
Green Building in Maryland
Upon meeting certain standards for energy efficiency and environmental designs, a developer or contractor can decrease its actual cost on a project, despite the additional costs associated with building a more energy and environmental efficient building. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Maryland, as well as several municipalities throughout the State, provides tax credits for the construction of LEED certified buildings. For example, Baltimore City passed a... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 03, 2008
Great Green: Project Proves Net-Zero is Attainable
This Georgia model is a prides itself on using alternative, green power sources.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 02, 2008
Great Green: ICFs Seal this Home for Energy Efficiency
This Wisconsin home's construction methods make it a solid example of green.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 01, 2008
Green design and construction lead the way to customer delight
Home builders that have embraced green construction will be in the best position to reap the most sales in the new market.... Read More
Great Green Building Projects: So Fresh, So Green
These homes, chosen by Professional Builder editors, showcase simple ways you can build green.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 28, 2008
USGBC Tours Virginia Cement Plant
Members of the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Southwest Virginia Chapter toured Roanoke Cement Company's (RCC) Troutville, VA, plant recently to learn from the company's successes in reducing energy use, as well as how cement and cement-related products help build a more sustainable community.... Read More
Government's green HQ gets woeful rating for energy efficiency
Energy efficiency assessors have handed an 'F' rating to the headquarters of Communities and Local Government (CLG) - the department responsible for cutting public buildings' carbon emissions.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 27, 2008
Victoria’s Dockside Green community achieves LEED Platinum certification
The first phase of Dockside Green, a 1.3-million-square-foot community built on a former brownfield site in the heart of Victoria, has achieved LEED Platinum certification from the Canada Green Building Council.... Read More
EllisDon wins contract for Education Centre in Calgary, Alberta
An $80.5 million contract for an Education Centre for the Calgary Board of Education has been awarded to EllisDon. The project will be LEED certified, targeting Silver.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 26, 2008
Victoria’s Dockside Green community achieves LEED Platinum certification
The first phase of Dockside Green, a 1.3-million-square-foot community built on a former brownfield site in the heart of Victoria, has achieved LEED Platinum certification from the Canada Green Building Council.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 23, 2008
The Hidden Risks of Going Green
In a recent article entitled "The Hidden Risks of Green Buildings: Avoiding Moisture and Mold Problems", authors J. David Odom, Richard Scott and George H. DuBose of the Liberty Building Forensics Group, LLC caution owners and other parties thinking of building a "sustainable" or "green" building to pay close attention to the materials being used to determine whether the materials have been adequately tested to ensure that the materials not only qualify as sustainable or LEED certified materials, but also to ensure that the materials are durable and will... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 08, 2008
£10m earmarked for green technology to help builders
More than £10m has been earmarked to develop cutting-edge sustainable technologies that could be used to “green” existing buildings.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: August 01, 2008
Hanley Grange eco-town scaled back
Developers have scaled back plans for a proposed eco-town in South Cambridgeshire after a medical charity refused to sell its land.... Read More
Tightened eco-town rules 'toughest ever'
Housing minister Caroline Flint has tightened the rules for eco-towns amid public opposition and the failure of key proposals.... Read More
Eco-town designs 'improved' but still suffer transport issues
The government’s eco-town advisory panel says developers have improved their designs for the settlements but are still struggling with transport issues.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 28, 2008
Green Construction Institute Established
To further the cause of green building, the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Chicago has established the Green Construction Institute, dedicated to the advancement of sustainable practices in the construction industry. The Green Construction Institute offers educational opportunities to keep the association's member contractors up-to-date with the latest green building technology.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 25, 2008
Preliminary design for Strathcona Dam upgrade proposes underwater seismic isolation
The design calls for the use of a method known as seismic isolation of a structure that is partially underwater, says John Sherstobitoff of Sandwell Engineering Inc.... Read More
California Buildings Go Green
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 24, 2008
TransCanada Corp. begins construction plans for $320-million Kibby wind-power project
TransCanada Corporation announced on July 9, 2008, that the $320 million Kibby Wind Power Project has received final development plan approval from Maine’s Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC).... Read More
Tightened eco-town rules 'toughest ever'
Housing minister Caroline Flint has tightened the rules for eco-towns amid public opposition and the failure of key proposals.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 23, 2008
TransCanada Corp. begins construction plans for $320-million Kibby wind-power project
TransCanada Corporation announced on July 9, 2008, that the $320 million Kibby Wind Power Project has received final development plan approval from Maine’s Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC).... Read More
Lawyers warn eco-town approvals could be unlawful
Government plans to push through eco-towns could be unlawful, lawyers have warned ministers.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 22, 2008
Liberal “Green Shift” plan fails to address transit woes, industry officials say
Liberal leader Stéphane Dion’s Green Shift plan does not address the woes plaguing Canadian transit and infrastructure, say some industry officials.... Read More
100th Verifier Accredited for National Green Building Certification
Those trained by the NAHB Research Center are authorized to conduct inspections to verify whether a home meets the national certification criteria based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 18, 2008
Sustainable Construction Goes To School
A charter grade school in Palm Bay, FL – which recently achieved the U.S. Government’s Energy Star rating for high performance buildings – is serving as a model for new sustainable school building in the state.... Read More
Government considers expansion into green belt
Thousands of homes will be built on green belt land over the next 20 years under government plans to ramp up housing in the south east.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 16, 2008
'Greening' existing buildings better than 250,000 transatlantic flights
Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings could save the same amount of carbon as 250,000 flights between London and New York.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 14, 2008
'Greening' existing buildings better than 250,000 transatlantic flights
Improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings could save the same amount of carbon as 250,000 flights between London and New York.... Read More
What makes a home ‘healthy’?
“Green building” is a popular buzz phrase these days, but does anyone really know what it means? I think of it as a broad term, encompassing many different definitions depending on the context in which it’s used. Generally it refers to a building process that lessens the impact construction can have on the environment. For instance, it may mean designing a building to maximize daylighting to reduce electricity needs; or it maymean choosing sustainable flooring materials such as bamboo or cork in placeof hardwoods; or it may simply mean... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: July 08, 2008
Builders Go for Green Education
Home builders have been busy pursuing the Certified Green Professional™ designation from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Here's a look at exactly what it takes to become a certified green builder. ... Read More
Contractors need to be up to speed on LEED, says expert
So you think “green buildings” are something only architects and engineers have to really understand? Dan Roberts begs to differ and he explained why during an intensive four-hour introductory course at the Vancouver Regional Construction Association.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 28, 2008
ASU Goes Downtown
The assignment: Design and build a 223,000-square-foot building with a 35,000-square-foot footprint on a parcel of land in downtown Phoenix. Give it a strikingly distinctive high-tech appearance and make sure it is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Here's your budget. Oh, by the way, you have just 20 months to have it ready for move-in.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 25, 2008
USGBC to Outsource LEED Certification
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 18, 2008
Light House Sustainable Building Centre becomes beacon for green-building practices
The green-building movement is coming on fast, pushed by government regulations and financial realities.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 16, 2008
Going Green From The Ground Up
The green build wave is rising, and right now general contractors have the opportunity to ride its crest. It is fast becoming expected that professionals in the building trades are ready, willing and able to work green — and that means understanding the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: June 11, 2008
Prince’s eco town gets green light
An eco-town partly designed by Prince Charles' architectural foundation has been given final approval by the local planning authority.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 31, 2008
Elon University joins growing list of "greening" campuses
On May 21, Elon University, located in Elon, North Carolina, broke ground on Lindner Hall, planned to be the "greenest" facility on campus. The 30,000-square-foot building will house administrative offices and various academic departments and include high-tech classrooms, a computer lab, faculty offices and space for student-faculty mentoring. As noted in an Elon University press release, "Environmental sustainability is a key component in both the construction and operation of the building. Seventy-five percent of construction waste will be recycled, much of the building will be made of steel and... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 23, 2008
Shetland Islands zero carbon house used as sustainable template
A couple living on the Island of Unst have built a home powered entirely by the wind and sun.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 19, 2008
Green Building Trends
Green building has become a force in the construction industry. So much so that it is predicted to be a $21 billion industry in 2008 with continued signs of growth for years to come. But there is a whole new set of skills and knowledge your company will need to posses to successfully thrive as a green builder. Briston Blair of FMI Corp. joins us in this edition of the Construction Equipment Owner’s podcast to discuss the emerging trends in green building and how companies need to adjust to... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 15, 2008
Eco-towns are 'veneer' to plans for 3m homes
Campaign groups have branded the government's plans for eco-towns a "green veneer" to mask its plans for three million new homes across the country.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 09, 2008
Green Talk: Sustainable Building Center Co-Director Discusses LEED, Green Guide for Health Care
Gail Vittori, of the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems, was the sustainability consultant to the architects of the new Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas project in Austin, scheduled for completion this spring. The $200-million medical center on 32 acres of the former Austin airport site is a likely candidate to be the nation's first hospital to achieve platinum LEED certification.... Read More
Authentic architecture addresses social and economic differences
In a world that has accepted the concept of globalization, it is now necessary to consider whether the notion of authentic architecture continues to be valid.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 08, 2008
What Can You Contribute to the Green AV Movement?
Just about everything is going green. As more and more consumers become educated about the environment and how to decrease their footprint, green is becoming a successful commodity. In two recently released studies--one put out by the New Buildings Institute and one by CoStar Group... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 05, 2008
Green Demolition Gaining Ground
Edited by Loren Faulkner Although green design and construction has been much talked about the past few years, one part of green building is not mentioned as often: green methods used during the demolition phase of a construction project. Many U.S. cities require — or strongly encourage — contractors to minimize the amount of construction and demolition material being sent to the la...... Read More
RFIDs offer another step toward sustainability
According to a new report from the Renewable Energy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), renewable energy generating capacity has doubled since 2004 and accounts for 2.4 million jobs.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 02, 2008
Seattle Adopts New Green Landscaping Initiative
Advocates of green development are keeping a close eye on Seattle, the first city in the nation to adopt a "green area ratio" requiring developers and designers to incorporate green elements into their site designs.... Read More
Prince of Wales' new eco-town gets green light
Planners have given the go-ahead to Prince Charles' new Devon eco-development, billed as Britain’s greenest town.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 30, 2008
Architects must encourage real progress on green building, not ‘greenwash’
Buildings are the biggest source of emissions and energy consumption in Canada. They play a major role in the environmentally unfriendly trends that project that energy consumption will increase by 37 per cent and greenhouses gases by 36 per cent over the next 20 years in North America alone.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 26, 2008
The Push for Greener Home Remodeling
Green remodeling practices have become more popular as homeowners cope with ever-increasing energy costs, health concerns and diminishing natural resources.... Read More
The "green building" revolution may be upon us
The San Francisco Chronicle ran an interesting article on the trend toward "green building" yesterday. Increasingly, cities are looking to require privately developed buildings to comply with a series of environment-friendly construction elements. Pleasanton was one of the first cities to adopt such requirements, Boston and Washington D.C. recently joined the movement, and San Francisco is looking to do the same. While green building may increase construction costs up to 2%, the savings from reduced energy and water needs, reduced waste and reduced maintenance could exceed this amount by 10 times... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 25, 2008
Concern over 'zero carbon' homes
UK home-owners are not prepared to make the changes needed to live in ‘zero carbon’ homes, according to the NHBC.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 24, 2008
Hitting EU's energy targets will cost Brits at least £2,000
It will cost every household in the UK at least £2,000 to comply with the new European Union target of producing 15% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020.... Read More
Twelve experts sign up for eco-towns challenge
Twelve experts from the worlds of design, the environment and transport have signed up to join the Eco-towns Challenge, playing a key role in shaping the future of the new towns programme.... Read More
SMEs ‘cynical of benefits of going green’
High costs involved with being more environmentally friendly are making a growing number of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) more cynical to the business benefits of going green.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 23, 2008
Eco-towns: Living a greener future - consultation paper
Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has released a new consultation paper on eco-towns.... Read More
Eco-town shortlist announced
The government has announced a shortlist of 15 locations for the first eco-towns in England.... Read More
Second flatpack homes site announced
Developers are set to submit proposals to build the UK's second development of eco-friendly flatpack homes.... Read More
San Francisco leads green-building wave
San Francisco has set up a task force with the job of expanding green-building standards for major new private construction projects. Now a set of new rules will require projects to earn green points by introducing energy and water-saving measures. If they don’t, they may not get their building permits.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 22, 2008
Green Roofing Upgrades Atlanta Building
Strong design geometry combining a fully landscaped garden roof, outdoor dining terraces, two new 56-foot dome skylights, and a walkway connection to the office tower highlight the recently completed green roof renovation project at Atlanta's Northpark 500, leased and managed by CB Richard Ellis. The 18-story building, built in 1989, is one of three buildings comprising Northpark Town Center, a...... Read More
LA To Adopt Strict Green Building Ordinances
Earlier this month, two Los Angeles City Council committees passed green building ordinances that could eventually change the face of the city. The LA Times reports that “under the ordinance, privately built projects over 50,000 square feet…must meet a ’standard of sustainability’ by incorporating a checklist of green practices into their building plans.” Both commercial and residential developers are affected by the change, and a large number of developers and building trade groups endorse it. The U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) checklist has... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 16, 2008
Getting More Green by Going Green: New Study Finds Strong Economic Case for Developing Green Buildings
In recent weeks, there have been a number of news articles published on the growing trend among owners, developers and contractors in the area of "green" building and "sustainable development". Until recently, most buildings that obtained LEED certification were mostly found in the areas of higher education and government according to the U.S. Green Building Council ("USGBC"). That trend is changing in part due to the results of new studies being conducted to examine the business case for "going green".In a recent study published by the CoStar Group ("CoStar"),... Read More
Go Cyber Green! Click and vote for best green building products and ideas
Green Log Awards uses viral online campaign to get votes, raise awareness of sustainable building solutions... Read More
Architects must encourage real progress on green building, not ‘greenwash’
Buildings are the biggest source of emissions and energy consumption in Canada. They play a major role in the environmentally unfriendly trends that project that energy consumption will increase by 37 per cent and greenhouses gases by 36 per cent over the next 20 years in North America alone.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 15, 2008
World’s first wind-powered mega structure
The world’s first wind-powered mega structure has just been completed. The Bahrain World Trade Center is the first commercial development with integrated large-scale wind turbines within its design. Three massive blades, 29 meters in diameter, are supported by bridges spanning between the two 50-story sail-shaped towers. The wind turbines will deliver 15% of the [...]... Read More
ASHRAE creates “net zero” energy building tools
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is intent on developing tools to help designers create “net zero” energy buildings by 2020.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 11, 2008
Two California Energy Providers Adding Solar Power
PG&E (www.pge.com) announced this week that it will construct five solar-thermal plants in Southern California’s Mojave Desert, eventually ...... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 10, 2008
20 Wind Turbines at Logan
The Massachusetts Port Authority recently partnered with AeroVironment of Monrovia, Calif. and Groom Energy Solutions of Salem, Mass. to install 20, building-integrated wind turbines on the roof of the Logan Office Center at Logan Airport in Boston.... Read More
Environmental benefits of refurbishing empty homes overlooked
Bringing empty buildings back into use is a far more effective way of cutting carbon than building new ones from scratch, concludes new research.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 09, 2008
Contractor's Guide to Green Building Construction: Management, Project Delivery, Documentation, and Risk Reduction
By Thomas E. Glavinich. Wiley and Sons. Price: $79.95. Publish Date: 03/2008... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: April 04, 2008
Save the environment by going to the pub
An eco-friendly pub built with “green” timber that uses water heated by a canal and contains waterless urinals will open in Scotland in two weeks.... Read More
Homebuilders can build an affordable green home
PATH deconstructs why the big picture proves green homes can be affordable.... Read More
Homeowners opting to go green will face less red tape
Homeowners will be allowed to install solar panels and other small-scale renewable energy technology in their homes without planning permission, under new proposals announced by the Scottish Government.... Read More
Ready-mix operations turning green
I recently received a press release announcing an agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association(NRMCA) to develop and promote environmental management tools to help ready mixed concrete plants comply with theirClean Water Act obligations. This is one of many positive steps the concrete industry has been taking in the green direction. In addition, the NRMCA has a webpage that brings together all its “green industry” resources, and recently made available a CD-ROM containing reports and articles about sustainability and concrete. The “Research... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: March 26, 2008
Building Sector Needs Reeducation
Tall-building designers say their pursuit of sustainable high-rises is stymied by a dearth of performance metrics to validate their green-building system modeling.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: March 25, 2008
National Green Building Standard Almost Ready
In a previous posting we discussed the new green building standard being developed jointly by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the International Code Council (ICC) and the NAHB Research Center. The new standard is intended to be seamlessly incorporated into existing building codes, thereby providing a code-based standard for jurisdictions considering mandatory green building requirements. In contrast to currently existing green building rating systems (e.g., LEED), the proposed standard specifically addresses multi-family development and construction.The NAHB, ICC and NAHB Research Center have developed the National Green Building... Read More
City of New Westminster, architect Eric Pattison pick up 2008 Green Building award
The city of New Westminster’s new Combined Sewer Overflow Operations Building earned the Green Building award in the B.C. Wood Design category from the Canadian Wood Council. The structure is located on the north Bank of the Fraser River and is a one-storey, 259-square metre structure occupying a previously vacant sawmill brownfield site.... Read More
GreenWorks supplies contractors, architects and designers with green building materials
If the green building movement is going to work, products that carry the concept into the marketplace need to become readily available to contractors, subcontractors, interior designers and architects looking for alternate choices. That’s the reason why Simon Fraser University-graduated environmental planners Alastair Moore and Peter McGee opened a wholesale-retail outlet, GreenWorks Building Supplies in Vancouver.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: March 23, 2008
Waywell Development’s Radius project incorporates sustainable technology
Radius is a $165 million project that includes 111 condominiums in two buildings of seven and 14 storeys, a commercial section of 16,000 square feet, a private university campus for University Canada West, a 14-storey office tower and a child-care centre for 36 children.... Read More
Green Building is killing birds at Emory University
Reflective glass on the Mathematics and Science building at Emory University is so attractive that dozens of birds confuse the view, smashing into the panes during migratory season. The problem is not unique to Emory, however. "Turns out, environmentally friendly buildings are often bird killers. Ornithologist Daniel Klem, a professor at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania who has studied the problem for decades, said between 100 million and 1 billion birds die in the United States each year in collisions with glass," as reported in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The story... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: March 21, 2008
USGBC, NAHB Green Programs Grow in Influence
LEED for Homes increases its network; NAHB’s National Green Building Program launches at Builders’ Show... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: March 19, 2008
ODA tries to get contractors interested in Olympic turbine
Construction firms expected to tender for a project to construct a wind turbine at Olympic Park today toured the site to learn more about the project.... Read More
Construction Set To Move On West Virginia Electric Plant
Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power Co.'s Appalachian Power unit received approval on March 7 from the West Virginia Public Service Commission to build a 629-MW integrated-gasification combined-cycle powerplant next to the firm's existing Mountaineer Plant near New Haven, W.Va.... Read More
New green remodeling guidelines go live
The American Society of Interior Designers and the U.S. Green Building Council officially introduced their new green remodeling guidelines Friday a...... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: March 18, 2008
Waywell Development’s Radius project incorporates sustainable technology
Radius is a $165 million project that includes 111 condominiums in two buildings of seven and 14 storeys, a commercial section of 16,000 square feet, a private university campus for University Canada West, a 14-storey office tower and a child-care centre for 36 children.... Read More