Category: Sustainable Action
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Reducing Embodied Carbon in New Construction or Renovation
Planning new construction or renovation? Renovations vary tremendously in scope. The closer a renovation gets to a “full gut”, the closer the embodied carbon emissions become when comparing renovation with comparable new construction. Read more
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Flame Retardants: A Cautionary Tale
We all have moments when our personal and professional lives intersect. For me a particularly poignant moment involved a couch and my first Living Building Challenge project. I was just starting research on products, learning about chemicals of concern and, more important, exactly where they are used in building products. Including furniture. Read more
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Building with Healthier Materials: It’s Not Just Concrete and Gypsum Board
According to a 2020 AIA analysis of sustainability trends, 80% of architects would like to specify more sustainable materials. Yet, the study also showed that only one in three architects believe they are now meeting this responsibility. Read more
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ECON 101: Healthier Materials Edition
True progress on climate change requires government action, a notion perhaps best summarized by environmentalist Rev. Fred Small, “Changing a light bulb is good. Changing a senator is better.” Read more
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Buildings Are Easy; People Are Hard: Reflections on Living Future 2024
Storytelling is the bridge that connects minds and hearts, fostering a deep understanding and empathy. When we share stories about our projects—the successes and the challenges—we don’t merely exchange information; we create a shared experience that resonates on an emotional level allowing us to assimilate information unambiguously, understanding it through the lens of our experiences. Read more