Given the thermal shortcomings of glass, windows can significantly undermine the sustainability of a building. Most conventional windows allow heat to escape during cold weather, increasing heating costs, while, during hot weather, they allow sunlight to stream in, thus driving … [Read more...] about These water-filled windows can cool and heat buildings more sustainably
Sustainable Building
This energy-neutral Dutch school promotes sustainability by design
What better way to teach kids about sustainability than to have them study in a school building that has embraced the concept to the maximum? In the Dutch city of Utrecht, a recently completed primary school has done exactly that. Located in Utrecht, Dutch architecture firm … [Read more...] about This energy-neutral Dutch school promotes sustainability by design
Scientists created a rubber material that can be recycled over and over
Big news from the building industry. Scientists in Australia have created a new kind of rubber material that can be recycled in an almost endless loop, which could lead to a whole array of new sustainable building materials. The rubber polymer is made of sulfur and canola oil, … [Read more...] about Scientists created a rubber material that can be recycled over and over
New building code paves the way for more sustainable cities
Residential and commercial buildings are responsible for about 40 percent of U.S. energy consumption and GHG emissions. States and cities which approve the new 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will require new buildings to reduce their overall energy usage by 10 … [Read more...] about New building code paves the way for more sustainable cities
Boston University building the largest carbon-neutral construction in its city
Like many other major cities around the world, Boston aims to become carbon neutral by 2050. To give the city a sustainability boost, Boston University is erecting the city’s largest carbon-neutral, fossil-fuel-free building right on its campus. BU’s new Center for Computing … [Read more...] about Boston University building the largest carbon-neutral construction in its city