Architects, engineers, and contractors contend with site conditions when designing and building buildings. For example, structural engineers must evaluate the efficacy of soil conditions to support the structure. Civil engineers understand potential...

In the ever-evolving construction industry landscape, sustainability has moved from a niche interest to a central focus for developers, architects, and builders in the United States. With the U.S. setting ambitious climate goals, including a more...

As the world strives for a sustainable future, the significance of sustainable buildings cannot be underestimated. Buildings play a pivotal role in shaping our environment, society, and personal well-being. They are the core building block of our...

Environmental sustainability is a growing theme in boardrooms across the U.S. while consumers and investors demand that businesses do more to assess and improve their impact on the environment. This growth in environmentally conscious business is...

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...

According to the Department of Energy, 39% of U.S. fossil-fuel emissions come from residential and commercial buildings. Most of this energy is used for space heating and cooling, heating water, and cooking. Emissions can be avoided through...

The availability of housing, and more specifically affordable housing, represents one of the most fundamental and significant challenges currently facing elected officials, community development organizations, and developers across the country. In...

Nearly one-half of the world’s population is currently living in cities--a figure that is projected to grow to two-thirds by 2050. The trend toward urbanization is clear, yet, in far too many instances, traditional development patterns have...