Sustainability

Residential energy efficiency remains one of the most cost-effective strategies for reducing household utility expenses and lowering carbon emissions. While many homeowners recognize the value of upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, and installing efficient appliances, taking the first step often proves challenging. In Seattle, the Environmental Outreach and Stewardship Alliance (EOS Alliance) launched the Green […]

Creating communities that can withstand disruption, reduce dependence on finite resources, and foster genuine human connection is one of the most urgent challenges facing the building and construction industry today. The concept of resilient communities extends far beyond individual building performance; it encompasses how neighborhoods are planned, zoned, and connected. When cohesive communities exist where

The Solar Decathlon has long served as a proving ground for innovative approaches to net-zero-energy home design, and few entries illustrate this better than the Refract House. Designed and built by students from Santa Clara University (SCU) and the California College of the Arts (CCA), this 800-square-foot dwelling was developed for the 2009 edition of

In July 2009, Pope Benedict XVI released a landmark encyclical titled Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth) that addressed the interwoven challenges of social justice, economic corruption, and environmental negligence. While much of the public discussion centered on the Pope’s progressive take on global economics and poverty, his direct address of environmental concerns marked a

Old Victorian homes hold undeniable charm with ornate trim, steep rooflines, and wrap-around porches, but they also carry a hidden legacy of energy waste. Many of these 19th century structures were built before anyone imagined insulation, air sealing, or double-glazed windows. The challenge for today’s owners is balancing historic character with modern energy performance. One

When a hurricane, ice storm, or wildfire strikes, the immediate danger is only half the story. The real test of a building’s resilience comes in the aftermath, when power outages can last for days or even weeks. A truly resilient home is one that maintains livable conditions without relying on grid electricity or heating fuel.

When natural disasters strike or widespread power outages occur, the communities that weather the crisis best are those where neighbors know each other and work together. This reality has been underscored time and again, from the aftermath of tropical storms to extended grid failures in extreme weather events. While strengthening individual homes with backup power

When builders and homeowners look for materials that combine durability, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility, few options compare to reclaimed wood. Sourced from demolished factories, old water towers, riverbeds, and century-old barns, salvaged timber offers character that new lumber simply cannot replicate. The tightly spaced growth rings, straight grain, and superior density of old-growth wood make

Homeowners who invest heavily in energy-saving features such as solar panels, high-performance insulation, and efficient HVAC systems often expect those upgrades to translate into higher property values. Yet a frustrating reality persists: many real estate appraisers overlook or undervalue these green enhancements when determining a home’s worth. This disconnect between what homeowners spend and what

In the summer of 2008, oil prices reached an all-time high of $147 per barrel, sending shockwaves through the building industry. Heating oil contracts soared past $4.50 per gallon, homeowners faced staggering utility bills, and construction professionals scrambled to find ways to reduce energy dependence. Then the economy collapsed, oil prices plummeted 80 percent to