When seven U.S. Green Building Council chapters from across the Northeast come together for a single-day summit, it signals something important about the state of green building. The Upper Northeast Regional Summit, held in Burlington, Vermont, brought together over 100 professionals from six New England states and upstate New York for a day of connection […]
When shopping for energy-efficient windows or designing a building enclosure, one term appears repeatedly on product labels and specification sheets: U-factor. Found in the upper left-hand corner of the familiar NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) sticker on most new windows sold in the United States, this number represents a critical metric for thermal performance. U-factor
If you are new to the world of sustainable construction, the term green building can feel overwhelming. Yet the concept is simpler than most people realize. Green building means constructing homes that are energy efficient, durable, and healthy for the people who live in them. It also means using fewer materials and making better use
The connection between energy efficiency and sustainable building has never been more critical. As the building industry works to reduce its environmental footprint, energy efficiency remains the most cost-effective strategy for cutting energy waste in homes, workplaces, and commercial facilities. A comprehensive report from the Alliance to Save Energy, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy,
By now, most builders recognize that foundation insulation is essential in all but the warmest climates. Whether a project involves a basement, crawlspace, or slab-on-grade foundation, proper insulation plays a critical role in energy performance and occupant comfort. Conventional approaches typically rely on rigid foam boards or spray polyurethane foam. However, a growing number of
In early 2020, a major shift in federal energy policy took place when stricter energy requirements for new construction were removed from the American Energy Innovation Act as it moved through the U.S. Senate. The decision drew sharp criticism from environmental groups and energy efficiency advocates, who pointed to the National Association of Home Builders
Roof ventilation is one of those building science requirements that every modern home must address, yet it remains the subject of ongoing debate among designers and builders. The International Residential Code (IRC) mandates ventilation for most residential roof assemblies, prescribing a minimum ratio of net free vent area to the area of the vented space.
The years 2019 and 2020 brought a mixed picture for energy efficiency in home building. On one side, states and cities pushed forward with ambitious new codes and programs. On the other, federal rollbacks threatened to undo years of progress. For builders, architects, and homeowners alike, understanding these shifts is essential for making informed decisions
The International Builders Show (IBS) and Greenbuild represent two of the most important gatherings for professionals in the construction industry. These trade shows bring together manufacturers, builders, architects, and researchers to showcase the latest innovations in building materials, energy efficiency, and sustainable design. For those unable to attend in person, understanding the standout products and
Radiant heat transfer is one of the three fundamental mechanisms of heat flow, yet it remains the most misunderstood by builders and homeowners alike. While conduction and convection rely on physical contact or a fluid medium, radiation works across empty space at the speed of light. A striking example of this phenomenon can be observed
