flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Improving the performance of existing commercial buildings: the chemistry of sustainable construction

Improving the performance of existing commercial buildings: the chemistry of sustainable construction

Retrofitting our existing commercial buildings is one of the key steps to overcoming the economic and environmental challenges we face.


By By BASF | March 12, 2012

It’s time to raise the performance of our existing commercial buildings. To reduce energy consumption. To increase durability. To lessen environmental impact and lifecycle cost. The 4.8 million existing commercial buildings in the United States have an impact and an influence on every man, woman and child in the country. They are our offices, stores, healthcare facilities, schools and places of worship, our warehouses and storage facilities, hotels and places of assembly.

Yet as a group, these buildings are not sustainable—not for the long-term business goals of their owners and operators, and not for the health and welfare of their occupants and visitors. Retrofitting our existing commercial buildings is one of the key steps to overcoming the economic and environmental challenges we face.
 
To view the related white paper, click here. BD+C

Related Stories

Sustainability | Apr 8, 2024

3 sustainable design decisions to make early

In her experience as an architect, Megan Valentine AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, WELL AP, Fitwel, Director of Sustainability, KTGY has found three impactful sustainable design decisions: site selection, massing and orientation, and proper window-to-wall ratios.

Brick and Masonry | Apr 4, 2024

Best in brick buildings: 9 projects take top honors in the Brick in Architecture Awards

The Ace Hotel Toronto, designed by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, and the TCU Music Center by Bora Architecture & Interiors are among nine "Best in Class" winners and 44 overall winners in the Brick Industry Association's 2023 Brick in Architecture Awards.

Retail Centers | Apr 4, 2024

Retail design trends: Consumers are looking for wellness in where they shop

Consumers are making lifestyle choices with wellness in mind, which ignites in them a feeling of purpose and a sense of motivation. That’s the conclusion that the architecture and design firm MG2 draws from a survey of 1,182 U.S. adult consumers the firm conducted last December about retail design and what consumers want in healthier shopping experiences.

Healthcare Facilities | Apr 3, 2024

Foster + Partners, CannonDesign unveil design for Mayo Clinic campus expansion

A redesign of the Mayo Clinic’s downtown campus in Rochester, Minn., centers around two new clinical high-rise buildings. The two nine-story structures will reach a height of 221 feet, with the potential to expand to 420 feet.

Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 2, 2024

How university rec centers are evolving to support wellbeing

In a LinkedIn Live, Recreation & Wellbeing’s Sadat Khan and Abby Diehl joined HOK architect Emily Ostertag to discuss the growing trend to design and program rec centers to support mental wellbeing and holistic health.

Architects | Apr 2, 2024

AE Works announces strategic acquisition of WTW Architects

AE Works, an award-winning building design and consulting firm is excited to announce that WTW Architects, a national leader in higher education design, has joined the firm.

Office Buildings | Apr 2, 2024

SOM designs pleated façade for Star River Headquarters for optimal daylighting and views

In Guangzhou, China, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has designed the recently completed Star River Headquarters to minimize embodied carbon, reduce energy consumption, and create a healthy work environment. The 48-story tower is located in the business district on Guangzhou’s Pazhou Island.

K-12 Schools | Apr 1, 2024

High school includes YMCA to share facilities and connect with the broader community

In Omaha, Neb., a public high school and a YMCA come together in one facility, connecting the school with the broader community. The 285,000-sf Westview High School, programmed and designed by the team of Perkins&Will and architect of record BCDM Architects, has its own athletic facilities but shares a pool, weight room, and more with the 30,000-sf YMCA.

Market Data | Apr 1, 2024

Nonresidential construction spending dips 1.0% in February, reaches $1.179 trillion

National nonresidential construction spending declined 1.0% in February, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.179 trillion.

Affordable Housing | Apr 1, 2024

Biden Administration considers ways to influence local housing regulations

The Biden Administration is considering how to spur more affordable housing construction with strategies to influence reform of local housing regulations.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021