This call to action is a comprehensive introduction to “sustainable urbanism,” the emerging and growing design reform movement that combines the creation and enhancement of walkable and diverse places with the need to build high-performance infrastructure and buildings. Read more
Lutron Electronics Co. Inc.’s Quantum whole-building lighting- and energy-management solution gives building owners and facility managers control of a building’s lighting system. Read more
Envirocoatings’ Ceramic InsulCoat exterior wall and roof products contain Cerylium, which helps prevent heat loss and gain and protects against extreme coastal or desert weather conditions. Read more
ELUX America has introduced a solar-water-heating system that reduces greenhouse-gas emissions by not operating with fossil fuels. Read more
The UNA-CLAD SC-1 extruded aluminum sunscreen system from Firestone Metal Products can be customized with a selection of blade types, outrigger profiles, wall-attachment options and custom-fabrication capabilities. Read more
The EnerLume-EM from Enerlume Energy Management Corp. ensures a ballast draws power for lighting only when it is most efficient. Read more
EcoTimber’s Woven Bamboo flooring for homes and businesses looks like hardwood and reportedly is harder than than other bamboo flooring products. Read more
The PVP30kW commercial inverter from PV Powered Inc. expands module compatibility and increases total system energy harvest. Read more
Smith & Fong Co., manufacturer of Plyboo bamboo architectural plywood and flooring, has had its products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Read more
Johnson Controls has updated its Metasys building-management system to support end-to-end wireless building infrastructure. Read more
GreenRoo, an industrial-duty turbine ventilator, provides an airflow of 5,000 to 10,000 cubic feet (142 to 283 m3) per minute without the use of electricity; the ventilator is powered by wind. Read more
EnviroGLAS products are made from recycled and reclaimed materials. Read more
Ecommercial
Windows to the Soul
The Terry Thomas provides a window into the soul of Seattle-based design firm, Weber Thompson, a firm that practices what it preaches about sustainability. Read more
Plans for the Tour Carpe Diem office building in Paris seize sustainability. Read more
The Cottages at Spring House Farm sit at the base of the mountains in Marion, N.C., and provide a tranquil and secluded retreat. Read more
The newly formed Commercial Buildings Initiative plans to achieve broad acceptance and deployment of zero-energy buildings. Read more
John Tooley, senior building science consultant with Advanced Energy, Raleigh, N.C., explains that doing it right the first time is an often-neglected aspect of sustainability. Read more
Natural conditions and influence from neighbors inspired the design of the sustainable complex, Caltrans District 11 in San Diego, for a district of California's transportation authority. Read more
Product manufacturers are looking beyond petroleum-based feedstocks to rapidly renewable or bio-based materials. Read more
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, most adults are at the office, striving to meet their deadlines and come up with innovative solutions that will boost business for their company. Employees are embracing the push toward sustainability and more are citing their employers’ environmental initiatives as important. In a cross-culture study by the Kenexa Research Institute, Wayne, Pa., 54 percent of employees indicated that a company’s environmental initiatives significantly influence worker motivation and affect their opinion of senior management. Read more
In today's era of mobile technology, offices often waste energy by sitting empty. Read more
A recently completed study proves ballasted roof systems can shield a building from solar heat gain. Read more
Amelia Park Development, Fernandina Beach, Fla., implemented water-wise landscaping in a residential development. Read more
A 120-year-old brick structure underwent a complete rehabilitation, incorporating clever resource-conservation strategies and setting some precedents along the way. Read more
Working from home can be extremely environmentally friendly, so I can’t help but notice all the things done inefficiently in an office. Read more