Green Building Pyramid

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Here's the Green Building Pyramid we developed in 2009 and updated in 2011 to clarify the meaning of building sustainably.

CalGreen Sets Higher Standards

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The nation’s first state-wide green building and water saving building code addresses products, building techniques, and consumer ...

Fortress Mentality

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What kinds of homes will be able to withstand climate change?

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News > Building Science

Green Building Pyramid

Here's the Green Building Pyramid we developed in 2009 and updated in 2011 to clarify the meaning of building sustainably.

Interview with Wynne Construction

  

Interview with Kurowski Development Company

Interview with Pulte, Las Vegas

Green Builder magazine interviewed Robert Broad of Pulte in Las Vegas, Nevada about being an Energy Star Builder.

Research: Focus on Codes

When asked what elements will have the biggest impact on the green building market next year, performance-based codes was the highest response, second only to affordability.  Our next survey dug deeper to learn how our audience is affected by codes and how active they are in this arena. Here are the results.

SIPs Surprise

SIPs deliver winter surprise for unsuspecting owner.

Using Ice to Reduce Air Conditioning Loads

This is an interesting concept--storing energy from air conditioners in ice during peak cooling hours. We haven't seen one of these "Ice Bear" units at work in person yet, but the promotional video makes it look like a real game changer. Let's hope it lives up to the hype. Here's the video.

CalGreen Sets Higher Standards

The nation’s first state-wide green building and water saving building code addresses products, building techniques, and consumer behavior.

Fortress Mentality

What kinds of homes will be able to withstand climate change?

Strong is Sexy

Pioneering  stronger buildings.

Perfect Glass

Troubleshooting surface condensation on windows.

Put the Rubber Down

Underlayment made from recycled tires increases durability.

Seal Ducts; Save Energy

Sealing ducts offers a high return on investment.

The Role of Radiant Barriers

Understand the science to spec the right product.

Building a Green Legacy

This building company had green at its core from the beginning; the Building America program helped take it to the next level.

Weatherproofing Synthetic Stone Veneers

Mitigate water intrusion when using adhered manufactured stone veneer.  

Peril-Proof Building

New programs and products help VISION House Orlando up the ante on safety.

Should Solar Hot Water Be Mandatory?

Water heating is one of the biggest energy users in the home. Solar alternatives could lighten the load.

Do Plastics Belong in Green Buildings?

Plastics may be convenient and inexpensive, but they come with many hidden costs. Should we collect and recycle them, or rethink the whole experiment?

Nail Depth Matters

Study: The depth to which nails are driven impacts how durable the structure will be over time.

Air: Selling Up

Air conditioning upgrades are not always an easy sell, but if you factor in rising energy costs, resistance fades away.

Attic Caps - Fixing a Hole

Simple “caps” for attic stairways offer an affordable way to reduce air infiltration and protect indoor air quality.

Hybrid Insulation Systems

In response to demand for tighter more foolproof insulating jobs, some big insulation companies have cleverly merged old and new products and techniques under one roof.