President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) into law in August of this year. While it is under the header of inflation, the act does much more than just target the rising inflation the U.S. has seen throughout 2022. In...

While most people in the sustainability space are familiar with sustainability certifications that apply to buildings — such as LEED, NGBS, and Green Globes — many don’t know about certifications for outdoor spaces and structures. SITES and...

When it comes to the natural resources that a building uses, water is always at the top of the list. Some communities across America are particularly challenged either by a lack of resources or failing infrastructure. For example, Phoenix and its...

In the Northern Hemisphere, the autumn season brings a time to enjoy the crisp leaves, cooler weather, and holiday festivities - including Oktoberfest! While fall is still a lovely season for some, the climate is changing, and extreme weather events...

Let us first state the obvious: Yes, it costs money to achieve LEED certification for a building - just like it costs money to achieve any other sustainable building certification. We often hear blanket statements such as it will cost just 10% more...

Across the United States, government bodies have legislation that dictates requirements to achieve financial incentives such as tax abatement, loans and grants, and permit expedition. Sometimes the incentives are for residential or commercial...

What does the future hold for our kids (and their kids) in a world where the planet's health is at risk? Across all facets of life, sustainability is coming to the forefront of the public consciousness as we consider the danger climate change brings...

In a building’s quest for reduced energy consumption and lower emissions profile, design teams are often tasked with evaluating system options for building owners. One such option is district energy. District energy systems utilize a central plant...

Historic buildings are beautiful and connect us with history. There is a lot of value in preserving old architecture so that it can be appreciated for generations to come. But how can these sites maintain relevance in the 21st century where...