EcoBuilding Pulse: Latest News

Prepare to Measure Performance

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:21:29 EST

Ralph DiNola, the new executive director of the New Buildings Institute, foresees a big focus on measured performance.

U.S. Colleges Take ‘Climate-Neutral’ Pledge

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:53:25 EST

More than 600 colleges have signed a pact to reduce the global warming potential of their campus buildings.

How Green Building Standards Can Actually Change People's Behavior

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:16:28 EST

New research suggests LEED-ND-certified buildings dramatically cut down on driving rates.

The Secrets of Roman Concrete

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:04:42 EST

Could Roman concrete—the ultra-durable building material—make a modern-day comeback? New research seems to think so, Blaine Brownell reports.

Countdown to the 2013 AIA National Convention

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:02:54 EST

We're counting down the 21 days to Convention with 21 reasons to go. Here are a few reasons to get yourself to Denver.

Energy Benchmarking and Why It Matters

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:55:24 EST

Energy use data for commercial and residential buildings has implications for a variety of stakeholders, so benchmarking is critical. Here's a closer look.

SOM on Taking Timber Towers from Tall Tales to Reality

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 01:19:04 EST

Following the publication of its Timber Tower Research Project, the design firm known for building tall discusses how timber towers can lead to more sustainable cities and meet building codes.

In Phoenix, an erstwhile porn emporium gets a net-zero makeover

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 02:19:10 EST

DPR Construction transforms a one-time adult superstore in Phoenix into an net-zero energy showstopper.

Six Reasons to Choose NGBS Green Certification Over LEED

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 02:18:13 EST

Is the National Green Building Standard certification program a better residential green system than LEED? The folks at Home Innovation Research Labs say yes, and offer six reasons for choosing their system over the UGSBC's option.

Taking a 20-Year-Old Florida House to Net Zero

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:21:15 EST

Forget the gizmos. One builder shows how starting with an energy-efficient home and using available incentives made it easier to move toward net-zero energy.

‘Designing Recovery’ Competition Launched in Three Cities

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:40:05 EST

An ideas competition launched at the Clinton Global Initiative calls for better design to reduce damage caused by natural disasters. Those rebuilding in New Orleans, New York, and Joplin, Mo., can enter for the chance to win $10,000 and a spot in the ideas portfolio.

Eco-Friendly Steel Production Creates Oxygen on the Moon

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:36:22 EST

A new process to create steel produces less greenhouse gas emissions and a higher-quality product, with a twist: It produces oxygen on the moon.

Northwest Builders Test the Market with New Homes Pilot

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 02:37:44 EST

The NEEA program identifies cost-effective methods for achieving the greatest amount of energy savings.

Product: WaterSense-Labeled Toilet from Icera

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:21:48 EST

The one-piece Muse toilet uses 1.28 gallons per flush.

Climate Change Could Bring Severe Thunderstorms to the Southeastern U.S.

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 03:08:06 EST

Places like Atlanta could see a 100 percent increase in the number of days with damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.

Small Iowa Town Leads By Energy Savings Example

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 02:36:08 EST

The town of Fairfield, Iowa launched a campaign one year ago to cut its energy consumption by 4 percent – an ambitious goal in the energy efficiency world. They’ve blown past that.

5 Imaginative Buildings That Breathe Pollution And Clean The Air

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 01:54:07 EST

Can buildings of the future might be used for "systemic" roles: say, generating power, or reusing garbage? Or, as in the designs here – cleaning up the air.

Net-Zero Training Facility Makes Green Building History

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 08:23:38 EST

The Zero Net Energy Center is considered the first renovated commercial building in California to achieve zero-net energy.

Minneapolis Sets Its Sights on 100 Green Homes

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:25:18 EST

The city aims to build dozens of affordable green homes over the next five years.

There is No Such Thing as a National Building Energy Code

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 01:32:05 EST

Does the federal government have the authority to mandate a national building code? This architect says no and explains why.