Kaiser Borsari Hall will draw 100% of its electricity from a rooftop solar panel array. Photo courtesy Perkins&Will

Mass timber a big part of Western Washington University’s net-zero ambitions

Western Washington University, in Bellingham, Wash., 90 miles from Seattle, is in the process of expanding its ABET-accredited programs for electrical engineering, computer engineering and science, and energy science. As part of that process, the university is building Kaiser Borsari Hall, the 54,000-sf new home for those academic disciplines that will include teaching labs, research labs, classrooms, collaborative spaces, and administrative offices.

MFPRO+ New Projects

Two San Francisco multifamily high rises install onsite water recycling systems

Two high-rise apartment buildings in San Francisco have installed onsite water recycling systems that will reuse a total of 3.9 million gallons of wastewater annually. The recycled water will be used for toilet flushing, cooling towers, and landscape irrigation to significantly reduce water usage in both buildings.

MFPRO+ News

ENERGY STAR NextGen Certification for New Homes and Apartments launched

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently launched ENERGY STAR NextGen Certified Homes and Apartments, a voluntary certification program for new residential buildings. The program will increase national energy and emissions savings by accelerating the building industry’s adoption of advanced, energy-efficient technologies, according to an EPA news release.

HVAC

Department of Energy unveils resources for deploying heat pumps in commercial buildings

To accelerate adoption of heat pump technology in commercial buildings, the U.S. Department of Energy is offering resources and guidance for stakeholders. DOE aims to help commercial building owners and operators reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs by increasing the adoption of existing and emerging heat pump technologies.

Apr 25, 2012

J.C. Anderson selected for 50,000-sf build out at Chicago’s DePaul University

The build-out will consist of the construction of new offices, meeting rooms, video rooms and a state-of-the-art multi-tiered Trading Room.

Office rental rates are expected to rise steadily, increasing 3.0% in 2012, 3.7%

Apr 24, 2012

ULI Real Estate Consensus Forecast, projects improvements for the real estate industry through 2014

Survey is based on opinions from 38 of the nation’s leading real estate economists and analysts and suggests a marked increase in commercial real estate activity, with total transaction volume expected to rise from $250 billion in 2012 to $312 billion in 2014.

Apr 24, 2012

McLennan named Ashoka Fellow

McLennan was recognized for his work on the Living Building Challenge.

Sustainability Base will save more than 60% of the energy and more than 80% of t

Apr 24, 2012

AECOM design and engineering team realizes NASA vision for Sustainability Base

LEED Platinum facility opens at NASA Ames Research Center at California’s Moffett Field.

The $300 million project is part of a six-phased inpatient facility construction

Apr 20, 2012

McCarthy completes Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Replacement Facility

The new hospital’s architectural design combines traditional Santa Barbara Spanish colonial architecture with 21st century medical conveniences highlighted by a therapeutic and sustainable atmosphere.

Apr 20, 2012

Registration open for Solar Power International 2012 in Orlando

President Bill Clinton to deliver keynote address at ?largest solar energy event in the Americas.

Apr 18, 2012

Positive conditions persist for Architecture Billings Index

The AIA reported the March ABI score was 50.4, following a mark of 51.0 in February; greatest demand is for commercial building projects.

Apr 17, 2012

Princeton Review releases “Guide to 322 Green Colleges”

The guide profiles 322 institutions of higher education in the U.S. and Canada that demonstrate notable commitments to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation.

Apr 17, 2012

FMI report examines federal construction trends

Given the rapid transformations occurring in the federal construction sector, FMI examines the key forces accelerating these changes, as well as their effect on the industry.