Green Options » green construction

AIA Launches “GreenStep” Video Series

Dawn Killough — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:51:50 +0000

The American Institute of Architects recently launched its “GreenStep” online video series. The series presents short episodes on several green building topics. It is meant for those planning new buildings or the renovation of existing buildings, and shows how architects can help clients address their green concerns.

The schedule for the release of the videos is as follows:

Greenstep 1: Water Conservation - already posted.
Greenstep 2: Smart Controls - already posted.
Greenstep 3: Radiant Heating and Cooling - already posted.
Greenstep 4: Vegetation for Sun Control - already posted.
Greenstep 5: The Whole Building Approach - September 2
Greenstep 6: Green Tags - September 15
Greenstep 7: Energy Modeling - September 29
Greenstep 8: Green Roofs - October 13
Greenstep 9: Daylighting - October 27
Greenstep 10: Choosing Green Materials - November 10
Greenstep 11: Carbon Offsets - November 24
Greenstep 12: Deconstruction - December 8

Links to the videos can be found at http://www.aia.org/walkthewalk/.

Bad News For Green Builders? Not So Fast

mcmilker — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:31:12 +0000

The collapsing housing market has wreaked havoc in a variety of industries. Everyone from realtors, to mortgage bankers to builders has seen lay-offs and steeply declining sales. The savviest of the group have realigned their businesses to go after the new markets a recession creates or focused on smaller, still growing niche markets.

For builders who thought going green was the answer there’s some bad news. While the hype surrounding green building features would make one think this trend would last forever, a recent study by the New York Times reveals some holes in this theory.

Ninety-three percent of all home buyers, both nationally and in the New York metro area, are not willing to pay more for green or energy efficient features when building a home, according to a recent independent study commissioned by The New York Times Customer Insight Group.
Read more of this story »

Beverage Maker Unveils Green HQ

Shirley Siluk Gregory — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:43:41 +0000

Cott Corporation, a non-alcoholic beverage company, has opened a new “green” U.S. headquarters in Tampa, Florida.

The 60,000-square-foot facility, which marked its grand opening today, features energy-efficient lighting, carpeting that’s free of PVC and chlorine, and chairs made from 30 percent post-consumer recycled materials.