AGC releases decarbonization playbook to help assess, track, reduce GHG emissions

The Associated General Contractors of America released a new, first-of-its-kind, decarbonization playbook designed to help firms assess, track, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on projects. The AGC Playbook on Decarbonization and Carbon Reporting in the Construction Industry is part of the association’s efforts to make sure construction firms play a leading role in crafting carbon-reduction measures for the industry.

Mass Timber

Bjarke Ingels Group designs a mass timber cube structure for the University of Kansas

Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and executive architect BNIM have unveiled their design for a new mass timber cube structure called the Makers’ KUbe for the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design. A six-story, 50,000-sf building for learning and collaboration, the light-filled KUbe will house studio and teaching space, 3D-printing and robotic labs, and a ground-level cafe, all organized around a central core.

Laboratories

Why lab designers should aim to ‘speak the language’ of scientists

Learning more about the scientific work being done in the lab gives designers of those spaces an edge, according to Adrian Walters, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal and Director of SMMA's Science & Technology team.

Airports

The next destination: Passive design airports

Today, we can design airports that are climate resilient, durable, long-lasting, and healthy for occupants—we can design airports using Passive House standards.

Green | Aug 29, 2016

Vancouver, B.C., to require zero emissions on new buildings by 2030

No net GHG emissions will be allowed.

Energy Efficiency | Aug 17, 2016

Investor Confidence Project aimed at raising trustworthiness on energy efficiency projects

The new initiative screens projects to see if they are investor-ready.

Sustainability | Aug 4, 2016

S.F. Bay Area voters approve first-of-its-kind tax to fight impact of climate change

The funds from the tax will be used to restore wetlands

Sustainability | Paladino | Jul 12, 2016

Wellness is the missing link to sustainable real estate value

Healthier and happier employees benefit a company’s bottom line. Paladino senior project manager Divya Natarajan writes that the proof lies within results from the evidence-based WELL Building Standard.

Urban Planning | Jun 9, 2016

Triptyque Architecture designs air-cleansing hanging highway garden in São Paulo

The garden would filter as much as 20% of CO₂ emissions while also providing a place for cultural events and community activities.

Sustainability | Jun 8, 2016

New program certifies the performance of existing buildings in the U.S.

BREEAM USA, an offshoot of a program already in place in Europe, aims to ease the point of entry.

Urban Planning | May 31, 2016

The entire Swedish city of Kiruna is being relocated to prevent it from collapsing into underground iron mines

Kiruna, the northernmost city in Sweden, and its 20,000 residents will be moved two miles to the east by 2040.

Green | May 23, 2016

Perkins+Will achieves first Living Building Challenge Certification with Vancouver visitors center

The VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre was recognized for its use of healthy building materials, on-site renewable resources, and filtered rainwater to meet greywater requirements.

Wood | Apr 29, 2016

Anders Berensson Architects designs 40-story wooden skyscraper for Stockholm

The structure, which will be made entirely out of cross-laminated timber, will rise 436 feet into the air, making it Stockholm’s tallest building.

Sustainability | Paladino | Apr 20, 2016

5 ways rapid tech growth can drive sustainability leadership in Seattle

Paladino's Nash Emrich writes that Seattle can keep its edge in sustainability by leveraging new energy performance transparency rules, using wellness to attract top tech talent, and embracing innovative commuting options.