BuroHappold commits to all new building projects achieving net-zero carbon by 2030

Buro Happold has committed to all new building projects achieving net-zero carbon for operations by 2030. The engineering firm has also made a significant two-year investment in supporting the International Living Future Institute (ILFI).

“We have long been avid supporters of the International Living Future Institute, and we are formalizing our partnership in advancing the Institute’s aims, which truly reflect our own beliefs and business direction in addressing the climate crisis and human wellbeing,” said David Herd, BuroHappold Managing Partner. “Buro Happold is focused on urgently tackling the climate crisis with our global client base, increasing our portfolio of work in the areas of regenerative design, and expanding strategic consulting in carbon, water, waste reduction and climate resilience.”

Buro Happold’s work for the new Santa Monica (Calif.) City Services Building will help it become one of the first municipal facilities to meet criteria for ILFI’s Living Building Challenge, one of the world’s most rigorous building certifications. Buro Happold also uses ILFI’s Declare Labels for healthy building materials.

In 2016, the engineering firm earned a JUST Label—the ILFI designation for socially just and equitable organizations.

Climate change is having a dramatic impact on urban design, in terms of planning, materials, occupant use, location, and the long-term effect of buildings on the environment. Joining BD+C's John Caulfield to discuss this topic are two experts from the Boston-based CBT Architects: Kishore Varanasi, a Principal and director of urban design; and Devanshi Purohit, an Associate Principal.

Building Team | Jul 1, 2022

How to apply WELL for better design outcomes

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) cites attracting top talent, increasing productivity, and improving environmental, social or governance (ESG) performance as key outcomes of leveraging tools like their WELL Building Standard to develop healthier environments.

Green | Jun 22, 2022

The business case for passive house multifamily

A trio of Passive House experts talk about the true costs and benefits of passive house design and construction for multifamily projects.

Green | Jun 22, 2022

World’s largest commercial Living Building opens in Portland, Ore.

The world’s largest commercial Living Building recently opened in Portland, Ore.

Coronavirus | May 20, 2022

Center for Green Schools says U.S. schools need more support to fight COVID-19

The Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council released a new report detailing how school districts around the country have managed air quality within their buildings during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Green Specifications | May 12, 2022

MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System

Learn how MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System helps clients, prospects, and staff choose the most environmentally feasible materials for their building projects. Candon Murphy, LEED GA, Assoc. IIDA, Design Lab Manager and Materials & Sustainability Specialist with MG2, speaks with BD+C Executive Editor Rob Cassidy.

Planning for hospital campus access that works for people

This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.

For glass openings, how big is too big?

Advances in glazing materials and glass building systems offer a seemingly unlimited horizon for not only glass performance, but also for the size and extent of these light, transparent forms. Both for enclosures and for indoor environments, novel products and assemblies allow for more glass and less opaque structure—often in places that previously limited their use.

Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022

Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide

Real estate management and investment firm Hines has released the Hines Embodied Carbon Reduction Guide. The free guide, produced with Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA), is the result of a two-year effort, relying on MKA’s industry-leading knowledge of carbon accounting and involvement in programs such as the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) Tool.