• New Website Focuses on Integrated Design

    The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance’s BetterBricks initiative and the University of Oregon’s Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory collaborate for online resource.

     
  • EPA Provides Easier Access to Chemical Information

    A new Web-based tool aims to offer easy access to health and safety studies on industrial chemicals

     
  • Two New Guides Offer Guidance on Sustainable Building

    ASHRAE offers the third edition of its GreenGuide: The Design, Construction and Operation of Sustainable Buildings, while the U.S. Green Concrete Council releases its second guide on concrete sustainability.

     
  • IGCC Public Version 2.0 Released

    The International Green Construction Code Public Version 2.0 is now available for download. Code change proposals will be accepted until Jan. 3.

     
  • Study Predicts Energy Efficiency to Be Growing Focus in 2011

    A new white paper from Pike Research lists 10 key trends that may have an influence on efficiency measures in the commercial building industry in 2011.

     
  • USGBC Accepting Proposals for Greenbuild 2011 Sessions

    USGBC is now accepting session proposals for several events, including Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Toronto in October 2011.

     
  • A Year of Possibility

    On the heels of a special post-Greenbuild e-newsletter produced last week comes this week’s missive—our regular monthly edition and the last of our Eco-newsletters for 2010.

     
  • Oregon State University Launches Renewable Materials Degree Program

    Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore., is now offering a Bachelorof Science degree program in renewable materials.

     
  • NSF International Launches Sustainable Product Assurance Services

    The program aims to verify products' environmental and social claims.

     
  • LEED for Healthcare Passes Member Ballot

    The USGBC’s LEED for Healthcare rating system passed by member ballot with an 87 percent approval rate.

     
  • Trend USA Liberty Collection

    Trend USA has introduced seven new combinations of hand-cut, post-consumer recycled Liberty Collection glass mosaics.

     
  • Consol Energy Center

    With the 2010 hockey season is underway, the 2008 Stanley Cup Champions Pittsburgh Penguins are adjusting to their new LEED Gold-certified arena.

     
  • Evie Garrett Dennis Campus

    Denver Public Schools’ Evie Garrett Dennis Campus is the first facility within the district to obtain LEED Gold certification from the USGBC.

     
  • Knauff Insulation KISS

    Knauff Insulation has introduced the Knauff Insulation and Sealing System (KISS), which is a combination of EcoSeal, Water-Based Elastomeric Sealant, and EcoBatt Insulation or Jet Stream Ultra Premium Blowing Insulation.

     
  • Panda Windows and Doors Slider Door

    The S. 83 slider door from Panda Windows & Doors is a slim profile aluminum multi-slide glass door with a thermally broken profile and frame.

     
  • Going Green Without Going Broke

    Tsoi/Kobus & Associates’ sustainability practice leader talks about the firm’s recent study examining the cost of LEED certification

     
  • Hunter Douglas Contract

    GreenScreen Revive is made from 100 percent PVC-free polyester.

     
  • Lutron Venetian Blinds

    Intelligent Tilt Alignment assists with tilt and lift positions, independent control of blinds, and preset heights and tilt angles for blinds.

     
  • Armstrong TechZone Ceilings

    The company’s TechZone Ceiling System is now compatible with both LED lighting and chilled-beam technologies.

     
  • Greenbuild 2010

    For those readers who could not attend the green building extravaganza in Chicago, here’s a brief look at some of show’s news.

     
  • USGBC Announces LEED Automation to Streamline and Create Capacity for LEED Projects

    The program is open to multiple technology companies to improve data tracking and information and content integration for green building projects.

     
  • GreenSpec and the Pharos Project Announce Strategic Partnership

    Two Web-based green building research sites partner to create GreenSpecPharos.com

     
  • Global Leadership in Our Built Environment Alliance Issues Call for Partners

    The international coalition GLOBE seeks to advocate for sustainable building practices as a key strategy in combating climate change.

     
  • USGBC Launches Two New LEED Offerings

    LEED for Retail is the latest version of the LEED green building rating system, while the LEED Volume Program is designed for high-volume property developers.

     
  • Call for Entries: 2011 AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects

    The AIA Committee on the Environment is now accepting projects for the program’s 15th year.

     
  • USGBC Opens Public Comment Period for Next Version of LEED

    Proposed changes to the LEED green building rating system are posted for public comment through Dec. 31.

     
  • The Pursuit of Excellence

    ECO-STRUCTURE's third annual competition seeks out outstanding environmental performance and design in four categories.

     
  • Atrium School

    Lessons in reuse are brought to life in a 1920s warehouse that was transformed into an environmentally conscious school.

     
  • Twelve | West

    Forward Momentum: A mixed-use building in Portland puts its efficiency efforts in plain sight.

     
  • Lone Star

    In the nation's oil capital, one house—ECO-STRUCTURE's 2010 Greenhouse winner—proudly declares its independence from fossil fuels.

     
  • The Ocean Adventure Lab

    Playing House

    A net-zero playhouse is serious about the environment.

     
  • Marc J. Cohen

    The 2010 Evergreen Awards Jury

    Meet the five green building professionals who judged this year's Evergreen Awards.

     
  • Office entry

    Digital Media City Landmark Tower

    Jolly Green Giant: SOM's Digital Media City Landmark Tower takes eco-design to new heights.

     
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    BIM: As Green As Users Make It

    Two engineers discuss the benefits of using BIM to project and modify sustainable initiatives and building operations.

     
  • Natural light was a key design element as President Clinton sought to emphasize openness, accessibility, and light. The west-facing glass bridge, however, proved challenging in Little Rocks hot, humid climate. The solution to controlling solar heat gain was a floating glass scrim with a sun-screening interlayer and coating.

    Bridge of Possibilities

    Through its design and modified operations and maintenance practices, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center & Park achieved LEED certification twice.

     
  • Peter Busby

    ECO-STRUCTURE speaks with Peter Busby of Busby Perkins+Will about the current state and future of green building.

     
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    Money Matters

    One of HOK's sustainable-design specialists describes the process of searching for and incorporating green building incentives into projects.

     
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    Longest Indoor Living Wall Opens

    With a total surface area of 4,072 square feet, the new indoor living wall at Longwood Gardens horticultural center is the longest of its kind.

     
  • Rhode Island Adopts IGCC

    Rhode Island adopts the International Green Construction Code as a compliance path for the Rhode Island Green Buildings Act.

     
  • Wallquest Brasilia

    The Brasilia wallpaper collection from Wallquest draws inspiration from leaves, grasses, tree bark, and other natural elements.

     
  • Redeux, by Trove, is a PVC-free commercial grade wallcovering that contains 31 percent post-consumer recycled material. It contributes to enhanced indoor air quality because of its high level of breathability and resistance to mold and mildew with no harmful gas emissions. The company offers a reclamation program for Redeux in which excess material or waste can be sent back to Trove for reuse and recycling. troveline.com; 212.268.2046.

    Trove Redeux

    Redeux, by Trove, is a PVC-free commercial grade wallcovering that contains 31% post-consumer recycled materials.

     
  • The Dimension Walls line by MDC Wallcoverings offers 3D wallcovering options that create distinct accents and add texture to a room. Two new additions to the zero-VOC lineElliptical and Hammeredbring the total texture options up to nine. Designers can choose from 28 standard finishes, some of which are half postindustrial recycled content. The panels have an overlapping lip to create an almost seamless wall application. mdcwall.com; 847.437.4000.

    MDC Wallcoverings Dimension Walls

    The Dimension Walls line by MDC Wallcoverings offers 3D wallcovering options that create distinct accents and add texture to a room.

     
  • Knight Wall Systems has launched CI-Girt, a rainscreen system that accommodates continuous rigid insulation on the exterior to increase a structures energy efficiency. The adaptable system eliminates the need to manually cut and fit insulation around girts and allows for cladding attachment over continuous insulation. knightwallsystems.com; 509.262.0104.

    Knight Wall Systems CI-Girt

    Knight Wall Systems has launched the CI-Girt, a rainscreen system that accommodates continuous rigid insulation on the exterior to increase the structure’s energy efficiency.

     
  • Kawneer Versoleil SunShades

    Kawneer Co., an Alcoa business, has introduced Versoleil SunShades. Beginning with the Single Blade SunShade System, Versoleil SunShades offer a broad range of versatile products.

     
  • Waterfall Damask from Cirqa captures the richness of natural fibers through 12 saturated colors ranging from complex neutrals to mid-tones. Colors incorporate a glint of metallic gold or silver that pays homage to antique royal textures. The wallcovering is available with 20 percent recycled content as part of Versas Second-Look technology, which recycles post-consumer vinyl wallcovering into new product. Made of low-VOC type II vinyl with Osnaburg backing, the wallcovering measures 52 inches by 54 inches, and uses water-based inks and adhesives. cirqawallcovering.com; 502.458.1502.

    Cirqa Waterfall Damask

    Waterfall Damask from Cirqa captures the richness of natural fibers through twelve saturated colors ranging from complex neutrals to mid-tones such as aqua to earth tones.

     
  • Accoya Solid Wood

    Accoya wood is a solid wood product for outdoor applications such as cladding, decking, and more.

     
  • Performance Issues

    As green building-related litigation rises, ECO-STRUCTURE offers a less-litigious enviornment in which to explore building performance and sustainability. This month: the 2010 Evergreen Awards.

     
  • PNC Place

    Gensler achieves LEED Platinum certification for PNC’s 12-story office building in downtown Washington, D.C., making it the 104th LEED certified building for PNC Financial Services Group.

     
  • Milwaukee Community Sailing Center

    The new two-story facility on Lake Michigan uses a geothermal heating and cooling system.

     
  • Battery Park City Parks Conservancy Maintenance Facility

    Dattner Architects’ design for the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy earns LEED Platinum certification.

     
  • 'Tis the Season

    ECO-STRUCTURE and ARCHITECT team up to give you a taste of what to expect at Greenbuild International Conference and Expo.

     
  • GSA Raises Federal Building Requirement to LEED Gold

    GSA's facilities standards will be updated by the end of 2010.

     
  • Moen Eco-Performance Shower System

    Moen’s commercial division has released five new Eco-Performance shower systems that offer a 36 percent water savings compared to standard shower systems.

     
  • Designtex Affinity Collection

    The Affinity collection is Designtex’s newest offering in recycled content wallcoverings.

     
  • Sun Valley Lighting VLED Optical Modules

    Sun Valley Lighting’s VLED Optical Modules feature Philips/Lumileds Luxeon Rebel emitters to deliver full-spectrum illumination.

     
  • Residence Hall Wins EPA National Building Competition

    Morrison Residence Hall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill beat out 13 other buildings in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s competition monitoring energy use and waste reduction.

     
  • ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 Available As Free Download

    The energy standard is now available as a free downloadable PDF thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.

     
  • RIBA Launches Online Sustainability Hub

    The online portal, run by the Royal Institute of British Architects, is designed to a one-stop site for sustainable design information.

     
  • Three Buildings Complete First Living Building Challenge Audits

    Two projects earn Living Building certification, and a third project earns partial program certification from the International Living Building Institute

     
  • Class Is In Session

    The education market continues to be fertile ground for green projects and lessons.

     
  • Green Procurement Toolkit Launched

    The California Sustainability Alliance offers the Local Government Green Procurement Toolkit and Guide to help governments adopt environmentally friendly procurement plans.

     
  • University of Arizona Student Recreation Center Expansion

    A 54,000-square-foot expansion to a campus hub for student life at the University of Arizona, designed by Sasaki, earns LEED Platinum certification.

     
  • Noritz America MR-2 Commercial Racking System

    The prefabricated MR-2 Commercial Racking System from Noritz America is designed for outdoor flat rooftops and indoor mechanical room applications.

     
  • HomerWood Reclaimed American Oak

    HomerWood Premium Hardwood Flooring has added 100% Reclaimed American Oak to its collection of flooring.

     
  • Kawneer Trifab Sunshade

    Kawneer Co. Inc. has introduced its Trifab SunShade as an option for the company’s Trifab 451 and Trifab 451T Storefront framing systems.

     
  • The USGBC Launches The Center for Green Schools

    Expanding its efforts on the design, construction, and operation of schools and campuses, the USGBC aims for green schools in K-12 facilities and on higher education campuses within a generation.

     
  • The EPA Solicits Input on Its Role in the Sustainable Products Realm

    The agency is accepting public input to help identify how it may contribute to the development, manufacture, designation, and use of sustainable products.

     
  • Animal Care and Protective Services

    Animals, like humans, need clean environments to live in. Designed by Jacksonville, Fla.-based Ebert Norman Brady Architects, the new LEED Gold certified Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services building provides just that for its four-legged population.

     
  • Legislation for National Renewable Electricity Standard Introduced

    The proposed Renewable Electricity Promotion Act of 2010 would require utilities to produce at least 11 percent of their power from renewable sources.

     
  • Major League Green

    Allen Hershkowitz, senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, talks about the greening of professional sports.

     
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    Shining Overseas

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University takes top honors at the Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 competition.

     
  • Nine Elements of a Sustainable Campus

    A college president offers a look at the process of greening higher education from the administrative perspective.

     
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    A Big Hit

    One of the smallest ballparks in Major League Baseball hits the farthest homerun for sustainability.

     
  • Specs

    Specs

     
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    Continuity & Contrast

    Working with a 1915 building, SRG Partnership reveals a sustainable renovation at Portland State University.

     
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    Energizing Lessons

    Learning about renewable energy generation is a breeze at Hawaii Preparatory Academy's Energy Lab.

     
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    Branching Out

    A new public library gives a downtown Washington, D.C. neighborhood an anchor for the future.

     
  • Systems Integration

    Green Roofs for Healthy Cities explores the potential of collaboration between green roofs and roof-mounted solar panels.

     
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    Sensitile Scintilla

    Each Sensitile Scintilla panel is internally structured to have thousands of light conducting channels.

     
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    Hunter Douglas Contract Techstyle Canvas

    Techstyle Canvas from Hunter Douglas Contract is an acoustical ceiling tile system.

     
  • GE Hybrid Water Heater

    GE’s hybrid water heater consumes up to 62 percent less energy than a standard electric water heater.

     
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    Dri-Design Ombrae

    Dri-Design’s Ombrae Imaging Technology uses an advanced computer software system to cut 3-D pixels into panels.

     
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    Armstrong Cirrus HRC

    Armstrong has increased the total recycled content of its Cirrus HRC Square Lay-In and Cirrus HRC Tegular ceiling panels to 82 percent; the Ultima HRC Tegular has a recycled content of 80 percent.

     
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    Amtico International Metals

    Metals, by Amitco International, features a rippled, beaten texture and six metal shades: gold leaf, coin, fuse, foil, tin, and shot.

     
  • Lessons in High Performance

    Bill Orr, executive director of the Collaborative for High-Performance Schools, talks about upgrading the sustainability of today's learning environments.

     
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    Extra Credit

    When a green roof fails to perform, a school starts over with a new, more appropriate, design.

     
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    Ready To Tip?

    An industry consultant and strategists asks: Is LEEDigation--litigation involving the green building certification process--about to rise?

     
  • Making the Grade

    From K-12 classrooms to high schools to public learning spaces such as libraries, today's educational facilities are experimenting in sustainability.

     
  • New Standards in Development

    Several industry standards addressing smart grid communication, electrical consumption management, and stone products are in development.

     
  • Greenbuild’s Legacy Announced

    The 2010 conference and expo will build two LEED for Homes Platinum-certified homes.

     
  • Greenbuild’s Legacy Announced

    The 2010 conference and expo will build two LEED for Homes Platinum-certified homes.

     
  • Móz Designs Decorative Panels

    Móz Designs' decorative perforated panels are constructed from 80 percent post-industrial recycled aluminum and are designed for use in interior retail and commercial applications.

     
  • Kroon Hall

    Kroon Hall, home of Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, is a 56,467-square-foot facility that is LEED Platinum certified from the USGBC.

     
  • Where Biology Meets Building

    Tyson Living Learning Center steps up to the Living Building Challenge.

     
  • Sheffield Metals SOLR

    Sheffield Metals International’s SOLR solar standing seam roof system comes in 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 120 kilowatt standard system sizes.

     
  • Caroma Invisi Series II

    Caroma’s Invisi Series II wall-hung and wall-faced toilet suites feature plumbing hidden inside the wall to create a roomier and more luxurious look suited for smaller bathrooms.

     
  • Bay Area Climate Collaborative Releases Green Building Policy Assessment

    The Bay Area Green Building Policy Assessment includes maps illustrating Bay Area green building policies, as well as a matrix documenting local standards, levels, and thresholds.

     
  • Your Turn

    ECO-STRUCTURE and ARCHITECT are looking for industry feedback on the process of evaluating and specifying green materials, as well as submissions of new sustainable products.

     
  • Second Washington Community Passes Living Building Challenge Pilot Program

    Clark County, Wash., has created a pilot program for residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects pursuing the Living Building Challenge.

     
  • SBIC Call for Entries

    The 2010 Beyond Green High-Performance Building Awards competition is now accepting entries