Recent Blog Posts
Back to Basics or Pushing Toward Innovation? This New LEED v5 Category Could Make or Break a Project
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently unveiled LEED v5, fundamentally transforming sustainable building certification with its enhanced focus on decarbonization, climate resilience, and occupant health. While project teams scramble to adapt to these changes, many risk overlooking a critical strategy that could earn up to 9 points—potentially the difference between Silver and Gold certification.
States Lead Building Performance Standards as Federal Policy Shifts: Maryland Acts, Who's Next?
As Maryland adopts Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), adding to a growing list of state and city regulations, commercial real estate owners nationwide watch closely. Building owners face a stark reality: similar regulations will likely arrive in their jurisdictions. What you need to know for strategic preparation:
Complications of NYC Local Law 97 Intensify: A Call for Building Owners to Rethink Compliance
New York City’s Local Law 97 (LL97) has sparked significant debate since its enactment. The ongoing pressure to decarbonize continues to create stress, particularly as regulations continue to evolve. By shifting focus from compliance anxiety to the advantages of proactive adaptation, building owners can unlock significant value from their properties.
BEPS Benchmarks on the Horizon: Maryland CRE's Roadmap for Preparedness
Maryland's commercial real estate (CRE) sector is facing a pivotal moment with the impending implementation of Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS). As compliance deadlines loom, CRE owners and managers must proactively address the challenges and opportunities presented by the proposed regulations to ensure their properties are well-prepared for the future.
Turning Colorado's Regulation 28 into an Opportunity for Building Owners
Colorado's Regulation 28, enacted last year, has sparked concerns among building owners and property managers as compliance deadlines draw near. With around 8,000 buildings falling under its scope, including commercial, multifamily, and public structures of 50,000 square feet or more, the pressure is on to meet stringent emissions reduction targets.
The Question at the Center of NYC’s LL 97 ‘Good Faith Efforts’ Debate
On October 24, 2023, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) held a virtual, public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to the non-compliance rules associated with Local Law 97. There’s a growing debate about the impacts of these ‘good faith efforts.’
Featured Thought Leadership
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Indoor Air Quality: The Hidden Climate Culprit
Jo Norris for Builtworlds
June 18, 2024The built environment produces many challenges in the crusade against climate change, but it may also provide overlooked opportunities. One of the largest challenges of direct air carbon capture is energy usage, and another is infrastructure. We wanted to find a way to leverage existing buildings, solve more immediate pain points for people and make carbon capture energy-positive.
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5 New Ways of Making Good Use of Carbon Waste
Whitney McGuire interview with Nick Martin
for Architectural Digest
April 22, 2024In essence, carbon dioxide is an indicator of life. It reveals the part we play in our planetary ecosystem. But like most things, too much of it can be detrimental. From filling carbon dioxide into tanks packed with algae to capturing CO2 and creating limestone and chalk for construction, these new innovations will be crucial in our fight against climate change.
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How HVAC can turn buildings into healthy spaces for all
Jo Norris and Charlotte Mallo for USGBC
Nov 14, 2023According to recent research, more than two-thirds of U.S. residents do not trust their building’s water and air quality, and many have experienced sick building syndrome (SBS), a situation in which occupants experience health symptoms that affect their well-being and absenteeism and decreased work productivity result.
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