6 green certifications contractors should know about

Though they trail LEED and Energy Star, several other unique benchmarks for building in a way that is healthy for both occupants and the environment are gaining ground and can't be ignored.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 29, 2018

10 contractors profiting from sustainable building

These are the industry leaders, per ENR revenue rankings, that are implementing sustainable practices in innovative, effective ways.

By Kathleen Brown • Oct. 29, 2018

Mass timber's striking case for sustainability

As mass timber lays claim to increasingly innovative technology and prefabrication, it also hopes to get an edge up on its traditional building material counterparts through its lower carbon footprint and renewability traits.

By Laurie Cowin • Oct. 26, 2018

AR, VR to drive efficiencies at every building phase

From increasing stakeholders' confidence to ensuring changes are error-free, the benefits of augmented and virtual reality will soon extend from design to operations stages, writes Microdesk CEO and principal Michael DeLacey.

By Michael DeLacey • Oct. 10, 2018

Cement faces special challenges in quest for sustainability

With each ton of the nearly 3 billion tons of cement produced per year globally releasing one ton of carbon dioxide, manufacturers are ramping up approaches to finding alternative methods and materials.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 20, 2018

MIT class designs 82,000-square-foot mass timber prototype

The more tall wood structures that can be built and safely occupied, the better the chances that building codes will eventually change, a research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 13, 2018

New Orleans eschews new water management techniques in $2B post-Katrina program

The city claims the scope of Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for hurricane repairs doesn't allow for eco-conscious​ water management systems.

By Kim Slowey • July 31, 2018

SmartLAM head: The US is ready for cross-laminated timber

Adoption has been slow, Casey Malmquist said, but now, "that's all changing," especially after initiatives like the 2015 International Building Code made more allowances for mass timber.

By Laurie Cowin • July 30, 2018

BREEAM New Construction standard launched in US

United Kingdom-based Building Research Establishment teamed with architecture, engineering and design firm HOK to introduce a green building certification program for the U.S. market.

By Kim Slowey • June 22, 2018

The smart buildings dilemma: Redevelop or start fresh?

Adding technology to an older structure can make the building more efficient and boost occupant productivity, but new construction may be a better option.

By Chris Teale • May 30, 2018

Microsoft, PCL Construction to develop cloud-based smart building solution

Microsoft claims its cloud and Internet of Things technologies will increase operating efficiency and lower costs.

By Kathleen Brown • May 9, 2018

Cities are 3-D printing their way to more sustainable futures

The disruptive, fascinating technology could revolutionize the construction industry and make cities' infrastructure more resilient and affordable.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 11, 2018

The case for constructing resource-efficient buildings

Andy Feth of C.W. Driver Companies writes that a holistic approach to building offers competitive advantages and long-term cost savings.

By Andy Feth • April 10, 2018

Zero-energy buildings see big boost

Solar panels, efficient heat pumps, radiant cooling systems and techniques that improve building envelopes all contribute to green building's continuing rise.

By Laurie Cowin • March 14, 2018

Report: Global construction waste will almost double by 2025

Lack of global recycling standards is one hurdle the construction waste market faces in its efforts to reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfills.

By Kim Slowey • March 13, 2018

5 tips for winning a LEED project

Green Badger founder and CEO Tommy Linstroth discusses how firms can set their LEED project proposals apart from the competition.

By Tommy Linstroth • Feb. 28, 2018

Report: Cities of all sizes can achieve sustainable energy solutions

The NRG report found that leading cities shared four main tactics in their efforts to boost sustainable energy: dedicated staff resources, employing unique assets, finding funding and accessing expertise.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 27, 2018

Massachusetts tops list of top 10 states for LEED

This is the second-straight year that Massachusetts led the U.S. Green Building Council's rankings.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 1, 2018

Report: Resilient design saves an average of $6 for every $1 spent

Building more resilient structures and those that surpass minimum building code requirements could create as many as 87,000 new jobs.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 19, 2018

Green Building Initiative buys global rights to Green Globes rating system

The deal allows nonprofit GBI to expand the sustainability rating system for commercial and multifamily buildings worldwide.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 17, 2018

This rock-like aggregate is made from recycled post-consumer glass

Foamed glass aggregate weighs 85% less than stone, has insulating qualities and can be used for road building and bridge abutments.

By Laurie Cowin • Dec. 13, 2017

Wings, sports, and sustainable construction

A Buffalo Wild Wings in Michigan set out to build a sustainable facility from top to bottom, which helped their bottom line.

Dec. 12, 2017

Can 3-D printing boost turbine tower heights?

RCAM Technologies won a $1.25 million grant to develop and test 3-D printing technology so that ultra-tall concrete turbine towers can be made onsite.

By Laurie Cowin • Dec. 6, 2017

Building with recycled materials could reduce carbon footprint

Steel, concrete and other building materials production releases more carbon pollution than each car, minivan and truck on the planet combined.

By Laurie Cowin • Nov. 29, 2017

CA bill would require state contractors to use low-carbon construction materials

Contractors bidding on state projects would have to prove that the materials they're using are produced at or below average greenhouse gas emissions.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 16, 2017