Defense department report: Green design saves taxpayers money

The Department of Defense has released the findings of an independent report on energy efficiency and sustainability standards used by the Pentagon for military construction. The report strongly affirmed the value of LEED-certified high performing buildings to America’s military and U.S. taxpayers.

The study, conducted by the National Research Council, considered only energy efficiency. It recommended that the DoD continue to require new buildings or major renovations to be designed to achieve at least LEED Silver or the equivalent.

Roger Platt, Senior Vice President of Global Policy and Law at the U.S. Green Building Council, says, “LEED has played a significant role in reducing energy and water bills in public sector buildings across the country, saving taxpayers money and contributing to the nation’s security. This important new independent study from the National Research Council concludes that the LEED green building certification program should continue to be used in Defense Department buildings to advance energy efficiency in construction and reduce operational costs. Using LEED at Pentagon installations is a win-win proposition for the country and for the military personnel these buildings serve."

(http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=18282&utm_source=Press+Releases&utm_campaign=5fd1d3641e-Direct_PR_Military_Facilities2_15_2013&utm_medium=email)

Since early 2020, Americans have been forced to sequester themselves in their homes with outdoor activities, in most cases, being the sole respite for social distancing. And many of people are going back to the basics with a quintessential outdoor activity: biking. Bike sales absolutely skyrocketed during the pandemic, growing by 69% in 2020.

Senior Living Design | Aug 13, 2021

Designing with dignity for senior living, with Mike Rodebaugh, LEO A DALY

In this exclusive interview for HorizonTV, Mike Rodebaugh, AIA, Senior Living Sector Leader with LEO A DALY, describes how his firm applies "hospitality magic tricks" in its senior living communities, using design to lend dignity to residents, staff, and residents' families and social circles.

Architects | Aug 5, 2021

Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco

After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.