Green Building News

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside the Chicago Department of Housing, recently introduced the #greensocialhousing (GSH) enabling ordinance to the Chicago City Court in the pursuit of GSH development.? Using a unique #funding model through a $135 million revolving loan, the city intends to create?mixed-income #affordablehousing.?Developments will be planned to meet Green Building Standards, which will lower #carbonemissions, decrease utility costs and improve residents’ health. To attain #zeroemission status, GSH will be built and rehabbed around power sources such as #solar, #wind and #geothermal technology. Learn more about the innovative approach in Green Building News.

?? Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) – Smart and Sustainable! Did you know that old #concrete can be transformed into high-quality aggregate instead of ending up in landfills? RCA is paving the way for a more sustainable construction industry by reducing waste, lowering carbon emissions, and conserving natural resources. ???? Here is the Dufferin Concrete Markham plant crushing concrete into RCA which is then stockpiled for future use. ?? Check out the Toronto and Area Road Builders Association (TARBA)'s RCA initiative to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g8Grc-4c

Bright.Green and St Thomas University recently announced a $2 million investment to advance cutting-edge research in #microgrid technology. The funding will support the expansion of the university’s’ existing microgrid facility, making St. Thomas a leader in the development of the nation’s first #networkedmicrogrid systems.? Learn more at Green Building News #greenenergy #sustainability #sustainabledesign #greenbuilding

Green Building News delivers the latest #sustainability news to the facilities, #design, #construction and operations community. Subscribe for free to receive monthly news on #sustainable products, projects, services, emerging trends and best practices across the industry spectrum. Subscribe for free at https://lnkd.in/gs3Hzsze

The nonprofit Habitable (formerly Healthy Building Network) has been investigating the impacts of construction products for decades. Habitable takes a comprehensive view by considering the impacts of materials during production, installation, use, and disposal. They’ve made it easier for designers to choose building materials for new construction or remodels with rankings for common product categories with guidance called Informed?. Making a healthier choice is as simple as avoiding the red side of the spectrum and favoring the green side. This brief overview of the guide shows materials like insulation, countertops, wall surfaces, and more.? Find out why some building materials are healthier than others: https://lnkd.in/gUDz6y_7 #connectionsilluminated #PWinsights #designinsights?

As architects and designers learn more about the impact of the #builtenvironment on occupant wellbeing, aspects of #biophilicdesign are ever more thoughtfully and intentionally integrated into learning spaces. In addition to bringing natural elements and references inside schools, however, many schools are exploring true indoor/outdoor instruction spaces that increase student engagement and learning opportunities. Architect and education design expert Elizabeth Stoel, AIA, LEED AP BD+C,?director at Cooper Robertson, sees indoor/outdoor learning spaces as?one of the most significant #educationaldesign trends to emerge from the post-pandemic era.?For Stoel,?the growing interest in indoor/outdoor spaces reflects an evolving awareness of how children learn and thrive. Learn more on Green Building News.

Registration is open now: don't miss your opportunity to connect with other industry professionals for the 3rd annual Sustainability Summit. Details and registration at https://lnkd.in/gTgvmn8

The U.S. Climate Alliance continues implementing policies and programs to achieve a net zero future and advance climate initiatives. States are committed to advancing building #decarbonization efforts to meet long-term goals through zero-emission building codes. Learn more about USGBC's programs that help advance sustainable building strategies, and read the latest U.S. Climate Alliance letter. #USGBCAdvocacy https://bit.ly/4b5fNGO

When University of St. Thomas leaders embarked on the development of the Schoenecker Center for STEAM—a new facility to house the growing School of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences—they gave the project team some guiding principles: The facility had to reflect #inclusivity, innovation, adaptability, connection and #sustainability. Balancing these priorities was a welcome challenge for the design team of RAMSA | Robert A.M. Stern Architects and BWBR. Together with McGough, the team celebrated the opening of the Schoenecker Center in February 2024. In its first year, the building has created a more cohesive, collaborative environment between academic programs and has earned hashtag #LEED Gold certification. #inclusivedesign #STEAMdesign #sustainable #sustainabledesign #energyefficient #LEEDGold

The city of San Antonio’s $30 million #solar project is steadily advancing with 13 out of 42 solar-focused locations already commissioned, bringing the city closer to its goal of #netzeroenergy for all municipal building by 2040. As part of the plans, municipal facilities spread across the city’s council districts will install #PV and solar canopy shade structures, including placements on rooftops and over parking lots. Once installed, the 1.18-megawatt system will offset approximately 77% of the facility’s yearly electricity use.? #greenenergy #sustainableenergy #solararray #pvarray