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...

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...

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...

Research shows that people perform better when there is art in the workplace – or classroom. It makes people happier and healthier – and 32% more productive. That’s why there’s a link between the artwork and sustainable building certifications: At...

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...