Category Archives: LEED
24
Mar
Mar
Lightweight construction materials modeled on nature; high stability at low density; ceramic microstructures produced by 3-D laser writing Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed microstructured lightweight construction materials that show extremely high stability. The density of this material is said to be below that of water, yet their stability relative to weight…
20
Mar
Mar
As one of the most influential tech companies in the world, Apple tends to lead by example. When it comes to sustainability, the Cupertino-based tech giant hasn’t always had a sterling reputation; however, in recent years, Apple has doubled down on…
19
Mar
Mar
Cooling in the heat of summer can be a daunting challenge in congested urban areas. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg have been working on innovative sorbents that can store a particularly large amount of water vapor that can be used for cooling purposes. This research information released today…
18
Mar
Mar
Guest writer Michael Craig provides GBE readers with this glimpse of important construction and building innovations he is looking at this year. Radical advancements that will significantly impact building and construction concerns in 2014 and beyond By Michael Craig With the construction industry on the upswing, with 2013 construction starts on the whole advancing 6%…
12
Mar
Mar
A week-long series of events—starting with a ticketed gala on Saturday, March 8—will celebrate the grand opening of Emerson Los Angeles (ELA), a spectacular new academic and residential facility that will enable the College to significantly expand its contribution to the city and to the entertainment and communication industries. Guests scheduled to attend the gala include…
12
Feb
Feb
As compared to traditional lighting, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been getting a lot of publicity for the benefits and advantages as far as energy efficiency goes. LED lighting is by far smartest solution as well as the most power saving compared to other illumination methods available in the industry. The LED revolution is a…
12
Feb
Feb
The Green movement has reached the construction trade. From affordable public housing that has adopted green construction methods — such as ergonomically designed furniture in common areas and the use of sustainable, renewable building materials — to the use of green building standards throughout the country, construction companies are embracing the opportunity to construct eco-friendly…
05
Feb
Feb
As the focus for sustainability has been gaining strength throughout the last decade, many developers are trying to accommodate the mindset. Standardized rating systems provide a measure for those developers to strive for in order to connect to a growing market need. While some of these rating systems may have some good points to them,…
07
Nov
Nov
Tony Denzer recently wrote to see if we were interested in writing something about his new book, “The Solar House – Pioneering Sustainable Design.” We are glad we came across this pertinent work, especially for those wanting to know more about the history of solar. As Denzer aptly points out, “Few people are aware of…
01
Nov
Nov
The Green Building Council’s Leadership LEED system is no longer the only program the General Services Administration (GSA) endorses for federal building construction and renovation; now there is Green Globes. The Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes has received a recommendation from the GSA during a scheduled review of the building certification system. Government construction is…
10
Oct
Oct
Any commercial activity that relies on heavy plant machinery also has a vested interest in making sure that downtime, whether due to maintenance, improvements or repairs, is kept to an absolute minimum. Continued operational effectiveness has to be maintained if disruptions to production processes are to be avoided and this can present particular problems depending…
04
Oct
Oct
VENICE UNIVERSITY EXCEEDED HARVARD AND US TREASURY The Venetian Gothic palace overlooking the Grand Canal received the prestigious certification from the U.S. Green Building Council Ca’ Foscari, Venice University’s headquarter, is the oldest LEED-certified building on the planet. The Venetian Gothic palace, built in 1453 on the Grand Canal, exceeded two American buildings, Fay House…
03
Oct
Oct
Whether you are thinking about constructing a new building, you have already entered the planning and design stages for your building, or you are renovating a building, you understandably want to take a closer look at what it takes for your building to qualify for LEED certification. This is a special type of certification that…
15
Aug
Aug
What happens to renewable energy programs in a country that gets whacked by a full-scale debt crisis, like the one that struck Greece beginning in 2009 — do the programs whither and die in the winds of austerity? And how do people view such programs when many of them can’t afford to heat their houses?
14
Aug
Aug
As manufacturing costs of solar panels and equipment have decreased, many hotels are investing in the realization that patrons are more likely to visit and return to a hotel that is more green. Hotels around the world are mounting solar arrays in order to improve the natural habitat of humanity while saving money on energy…
12
Aug
Aug
Sustainable composite surfaces show great promise to green designers
We have written before about this sustainable counter product made from recycled waste paper. It is time now to revisit Hoquiam, WA-based PaperStone.
09
Aug
Aug
Mumbai is the wealthiest city in India and receives significant international investment. Many foreign banks and financial institutions have branches here, enabling Mumbai’s economy to grow and become a world city. It’s in a rush to expand and prosper. We have picked a couple of recent green building projects in the heart of Mumbai. These…
11
Jul
Jul
If you are the kind of person that appreciates a green lawn in the summer, no doubt you have been burned with an outrageous water bill during the dry periods of the year. Water bills can get to be outrageous, as much as $500 per month in hottest periods of the year for an average-sized lawn.