Going green: Why those who need it most can't afford it

Three recent studies recommend energy education for low-income tenants.

By Sharon O'Malley • March 11, 2015

How to talk homebuyers into 'green' upgrades

A builder’s choice of words can turn a confused consumer into the owner of an energy-efficient house.

By Sharon O'Malley • Feb. 17, 2015

U.S. is largest market for green building

The newly released Global Green Building Market Outlook 2020 analyzes North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

By Sharon O'Malley • Feb. 12, 2015

88% of commercial contractors plan to 'go green' within 3 years

Most of the builders called the high initial cost of energy-efficient and high-performance improvements "a challenge."

By Sharon O'Malley • Feb. 11, 2015

Apple to build massive solar farm in CA

The building project will be the company’s "most ambitious" to date, the firm’s CEO said.

By Sharon O'Malley • Feb. 11, 2015

Country's largest geothermal community to open in Louisville

The 1,800-lot development will feature underground heating and cooling systems.

By Sharon O'Malley • Feb. 11, 2015

One World Trade Center's 'green' status called into question

Fuel cells lost during Hurricane Sandy flooding were never replaced.

By Sharon O'Malley • Dec. 9, 2014

'Positive-energy' Boston building to open in November 2016

The structure will become the largest in New England to produce more energy than it consumes.

By Sharon O'Malley • Dec. 1, 2014

Up to 78% of house hunters would pay more for energy-efficient home

Builders will attract more buyers if they use easy-to-understand terms to explain ‘green’ features.

By Sharon O'Malley • Dec. 1, 2014

Hotel construction increases 15% over past year

Green building has caught on in the sector as the number of rooms increases.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 22, 2014

Another man's trash: Hawaii plant turns construction debris into fuel

The plant turns 1,775 tons of construction debris into fuel used to produce electricity.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 20, 2014

Report: The demand for green homes isn't going anywhere

The market for energy-efficient and sustainable houses will double within two years.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 10, 2014

Lennar builds 'healthy' house for 'The Doctors' giveaway

The $1 million abode features solar energy and formaldehyde-free materials.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 29, 2014

Solar design, upgraded insulation can cut energy bills by half

The Passive House Institute has a free, online brochure of passive building tips.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 28, 2014

Philadelphia is latest member of DOE's Better Building Challenge

The aim is to cut energy use in public buildings by 20% in 10 years.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 17, 2014

'World's greenest skyscraper' under construction in Pittsburgh

The 800,000-square-foot tower features a unique double façade.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 14, 2014

The next generation of skyscrapers: Made with wood?

The architect of the proposed world’s tallest wood building is giving away an instruction manual.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 10, 2014

New KB Home model introduces 'double zero energy' features

The country’s 5th-largest home builder unveils its second ultra-efficient house in California.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 8, 2014

Algae-powered apartment building opens in Germany

The 15-unit structure is 50% energy independent as researchers continue to explore algae’s promise.

By Sharon O'Malley • Sept. 25, 2014

High-performance home saves three-quarters on energy bills in research study

TVA equipped each house with ‘robot’ families so all homes would be ‘lived in’ equally.

By Sharon O'Malley • Sept. 25, 2014

Want an energy-efficient building? Use walls made of hemp

More states could follow Colorado’s lead and make harvesting legal for ‘hempcrete’ ingredient.

By Sharon O'Malley • Sept. 23, 2014

Futuristic 'city' wins SuperSkyScraper Award

The conceptual 984-foot tower would mimic a London neighborhood within its walls.

By Sharon O'Malley • Sept. 20, 2014

Michigan home is built from metal shipping containers

Dozens of the eco-friendly structures are popping up around the world.

By Sharon O'Malley • Sept. 18, 2014

Taking the competition out of green-building standards

Major players in setting standards for what green building and energy efficiency mean have had a meeting of the minds and will work together.

By Ron Gallagher • Aug. 25, 2014

Official 'green construction code' in the pipeline

Four important agencies are collaborating to develop an international code for green construction.

By Mattie Quinn • Aug. 25, 2014