With their
enormous energy consumption and abundant rooftop space, hospitals are strong
candidates for distributed power generation and solar electricity. Two projects
for the Department of Veterans Affairs typify the challenges and benefits of
retrofitting hospitals for solar energy while minimizing disruption to 24/7,
life-critical operations.
Until
very recently, the historic Richard Howe House in Akron, Ohio,
was an eyesore. Thanks to a painstaking renovation, including composite slate
tiles featuring a sustainable blend of limestone and virgin resins, the house
is now the jewel of Akron.
How important is
indoor air quality to environmental design and construction? We posed a series
of questions to experts and influencers in the sustainable building and design
industry.
In a marketplace inundated with product certifications and ecolabels, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for building and design professionals to determine which certifications are legitimate and which aren’t.
Now, more than ever before, green building is critical to sustaining our well-being and quality of life. Research showing the negative effects of climate change and environmental pollution on human health and well-being is mounting — and unfortunately, buildings are one of the biggest environmental offenders.
The impact of the built environment on the
planet is undeniable. Fortunately, over the last decade, manufacturers have
made significant progress in developing greener building products and materials
to reduce their carbon footprint and conserve the Earth’s natural resources.
