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.

Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2015

USGBC concerned about developers using LEED registration in marketing

LEED administrators are concerned about a small group of developers or project owners who tout their projects as “LEED pre-certified” and then fail to follow through with certification.

Multifamily Housing | Feb 18, 2015

Make It Right unveils six designs for affordable housing complex

BNIM is among the six firms involved in the project.

Ground Breaks on Innovative Museum Design by Foster + Partners

Museums | Feb 18, 2015

Foster + Partners' National Museum of Marine Science and Technology breaks ground in Taiwan

The museum will be home to an aquarium, exhibition space, and waterfront views.

Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015

ASHRAE, USGBC, IES consider biomass requirements in green building standard

The proposal would add biomass to approved renewables.

Jan 21, 2015

Tesla Motors starts construction on $5 billion battery plant in Nevada

Tesla Motors’ “gigafactory,” a $5 billion project on 980 acres in Sparks, Nev., could annually produce enough power for 500,000 electric cars.

Dec 29, 2014

Leo A Daly's minimally invasive approach to remote field site design [BD+C's 2014 Great Solutions Report]

For the past six years, Leo A Daly has been designing sites for remote field stations with near-zero ecological disturbance. The firm's environmentally delicate work was named a 2014 Great Solution by the editors of Building Design+Construction.

Rendering: Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES)

Dec 28, 2014

Using energy modeling to increase project value [AIA course]

This course, worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW, explores how to increase project value through energy modeling, as well as how to conduct quick payback and net present value studies to identify which energy strategies are most viable for the project.

Gilbane invested $60,000 to acquire its first 3D laser scanner, the FARO Focus 3

Dec 23, 2014

5 tech trends transforming BIM/VDC

From energy modeling on the fly to prefabrication of building systems, these advancements are potential game changers for AEC firms that are serious about building information modeling.

Nov 25, 2014

Behnisch Architekten unveils design for energy-positive building in Boston

The multi-use building for Artists For Humanity that is slated to be the largest energy positive commercial building in New England.

Jerry Yudelson, President of the Green Building Initiative, with Grant Seiffert,

Nov 21, 2014

STEP Foundation, Green Building Initiative Team to Promote Building Sustainability

The STEP Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing technology industry benchmarks for sustainability practices in the built environment, and the Green Building Initiative, a nonprofit organization committed to accelerating the adoption of sustainable building practices, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.