Thermal mass plays an important role in how buildings respond to temperature changes throughout the day and across seasons. In building science, the role of thermal mass in passive solar design continues to spark discussion among architects and builders. At its simplest level, thermal mass refers to any solid or liquid material capable of storing […]
When the modern green builder looks at a can of paint, the environmental considerations go far beyond color selection. Traditional paint formulations have historically contained high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and synthetic chemicals that affect both indoor air quality and the broader environment. Fortunately, the paint industry has responded with a
The United States energy landscape reached a historic milestone when the Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecast that renewable energy sources would generate more electricity than coal for the first time. This shift, driven by decades of declining costs and mounting environmental concerns, signals a fundamental restructuring of how the nation powers its homes, factories, and
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.
