When considering Scope 1 and 2 emissions, most people think of the impact of energy use for heating, lighting, and transportation. But for those who serve businesses focused on emissions reductions, it is not enough to focus on a building design...

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...

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...

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...

When it comes to designing new builds or renovations, energy planning is a real challenge — and is often deprioritized in the early design stages, with the focus being on design, engineering, and construction. However, if the planning of energy is...

Wow, it was great to be back in person at USGBC Live in Twin Cities, Minnesota, after months of isolation from the broader USGBC community. In their break-out session, Emerald team members Matt Setzekorn and Abby McDonald shared stories and lessons...