Wood construction: How does it stack up?

The Sandy Springs, GA, decision to ban wood construction in large-scale construction projects will force developers to take a look at other building materials.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 5, 2016

Atlanta suburb alters building codes to prohibit wood-framed construction for tall structures

Despite the growing popularity of CLT, proponents of the code change maintain that steel and masonry construction methods are safer than wood.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 30, 2016

Seattle architect plans city's first Passive House apartment building retrofit

Project designers said they believe the strict building standard is a key way for the building industry to help slow the progress of global warming.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 25, 2016

Australia's moment in the sun: Developers planning nation's first solar-powered high-rise

The exterior of the Sol Invictus building will be wrapped in solar cells, with power stored in a solar battery system. 

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 24, 2016

AECOM exploring infrastructure-environment connection with new research partnership

The partnership between AECOM and the University of Salford will examine the effect of large infrastructure projects on the surrounding natural environment.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 18, 2016

AECOM announces goal to cut greenhouse emissions by 20%

Company officials said reducing its carbon footprint is not only good for the environment but also serves as a boon for business.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 11, 2016

UK BREEAM green building standard coming across the pond to target US commercial sector

Although LEED is the more widely adopted green certification, BREEAM proponents claim their standard is less expensive and time-consuming to implement.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 9, 2016

Burgeoning green building materials market set to reach $255B by 2020

A report found the market's growth is largely driven by greater attention to environmental issues and new regulations requiring sustainable construction.

By Emily Peiffer • Aug. 3, 2016

Green buildings deliver higher rents and occupancies

A Bentall Kennedy study of its properties found that LEED certified buildings collected 3.7% higher rents than noncertified buildings.

By Kim Slowey • July 21, 2016

'Agrihood' appeal: Farm-centered communities growing in popularity among homebuyers

Homebuilders are capitalizing on buyer preferences to live in developments with farm or garden features included.

By Kim Slowey • July 13, 2016

USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi pivots to leadership role at WELL Building group

Fedrizzi, who will serve as International WELL Building Institute CEO and chairman, was a co-founder of the U.S. Green Building Council.

By Kim Slowey • July 7, 2016

World Green Building Council initiative aims for all buildings to be net-zero by 2050

Eight countries are spearheading the ambitious program, which seeks to reduce the building sectors' massive environmental impact.

By Kim Slowey • June 30, 2016

World's tallest Passive House-certified building rising on Cornell Tech campus

Developers estimate the 26-story dormitory will save 70%-90% on energy bills when complete in 2017.

By Kim Slowey • June 23, 2016

Branching out: Why cross-laminated timber is making advances in the US

In a guest article, Pete Kobelt of McKenzie Construction explores the reasons behind surging interest in prefabricated wood construction.

By Pete Kobelt • June 22, 2016

PulteGroup debuts 'invisible' net-zero energy home

The push for net-zero buildings has been largely reserved for the commercial sector, but the energy efficiency standard is starting to pick up steam in residential.

By Kim Slowey • June 15, 2016

Offsite builder, architect launch line of energy-efficient prefab homes

The Passive House standard has been widely adopted in Europe and can reduce heating and cooling requirements by 80%-90%.

By Kim Slowey • June 14, 2016

Skanska JV snags $77M OH school construction contract

The company will build the three new elementary schools according to LEED Platinum standards and expects to finish construction in 2018.

By Kim Slowey • June 9, 2016

NAHB: Homebuyers' desire for green features holding steady

Buyers are willing to pay more for energy-efficient home features but are looking for a median 20% return on investment through energy bill savings.

By Kim Slowey • June 1, 2016

Architect unveils design for 436-foot-tall wooden tower in Stockholm

If constructed, the cross-laminated timber skyscraper would be the Swedish city’s tallest building.

By Kim Slowey • April 28, 2016

AIA: Top 10 green buildings of 2016

The winners represent a variety of sustainable construction philosophies, such as net-zero, Living Buildings, WELL and LEED.

By Kim Slowey • April 27, 2016

CLT needs change in codes, increased demand to become 'game changer'

Cross-laminated timber proponents say the engineered wood is a viable commercial building alternative to concrete and steel.

By Kim Slowey • April 24, 2016

San Francisco passes mandatory solar ordinance for new buildings

Under the Better Roofs mandate, new buildings with 10 stories or less must have solar panels.

By Kim Slowey • April 21, 2016

Snarl of codes and regulations 'ultimate inhibitor' to going green

Experts say homeowners' association rules around aesthetics are often the biggest obstacles.

By Kim Slowey • April 20, 2016

AIA partners with WELL Building Institute to boost health and design initiative

The partnership will "more effectively link the built environment with public health and well-being," AIA CEO Robert Ivy said.

By Kim Slowey • April 13, 2016

Architects propose 984-foot-tall wooden skyscraper in London

If constructed, PLP Architecture's residential building would set a new bar for the growing "plyscraper" movement.

By Kim Slowey • April 11, 2016