Homeowners and builders looking for environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional pressure-treated lumber have turned in recent years to products like TimberSIL, a sodium silicate-treated wood that promised durability without toxic chemicals. Yet real-world experience has revealed a different story, as Trenching Safety How To Avoid Trenching Troubles With Your Trencher Attachment reminds us that even […]
Water-resistive barriers (WRBs) form a critical component of the building envelope, yet they are often misunderstood or improperly installed even by experienced builders. When the Green Building Advisor encyclopedia published its dedicated article on water-resistive barriers in 2013, it brought together decades of building science knowledge on how to keep water out of wall assemblies.
The California Superior Court ruling that ordered Sherwin-Williams Company, NL Industries, and ConAgra Grocery Products to pay $1.1 billion for lead paint abatement sent shockwaves through the construction and building materials industries. This December 2013 decision, which followed a five-week non-jury trial before Judge James Kleinberg in San Jose, arose from a public nuisance lawsuit
Across the United States, local governments are discovering that green building incentive programs offer a powerful way to accelerate sustainable construction without imposing new mandates. By offering rebates on permit fees, fast-tracked plan reviews, and public recognition for certified green projects, cities and counties are making it financially attractive for builders and property owners to
The push toward net zero residential construction has gained meaningful traction in recent years, and programs like the Connecticut Zero Energy Challenge offer a window into how builders, buyers, and policymakers are navigating this shift. Launched by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund, the Challenge invited builders to construct homes that meet rigorous energy performance standards,
Homeowners exploring metal roofing options often encounter compelling promises from manufacturers about dramatic energy savings. The Metal Roofing Alliance, for instance, claims that a cool metal roof can reduce energy costs by 25 percent compared to a dark gray asphalt shingle. But how much of this is genuine building science versus clever marketing? When a
Understanding Utility Incentives for EV Charging in Commercial and Residential Construction As building professionals navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of sustainable construction, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has emerged as a critical component of modern building design. The precedent set by utility companies offering free overnight charging, such as the Northern Indiana Public Service Company’s
One of the most persistent barriers to making energy improvements in homes and buildings is not a lack of desire or technical know-how, but rather the challenge of paying for the work upfront. Conventional home improvement loans and traditional bank financing typically carry short repayment terms of less than ten years, making the monthly payments
The Energy Lab at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, certified under the Living Building Challenge, offers practical lessons in net-zero energy and water design, passive ventilation, solar thermal cooling, and occupant engagement for construction professionals.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History made headlines in 2011 when it announced an unusual addition to its “Climate Change: The Threat to Life and a New Energy Future” exhibition. Alongside displays about melting ice sheets and shifting weather patterns, the museum would host a full-scale 2,500-square-foot home built to the rigorous Passivhaus standard on
