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)

In this exclusive video interview for HorizonTV, Fred Pierce, CEO of Pierce Education Properties, developer and manager of off-campus student residences, chats with Rob Cassidy, Editor, MULTIFAMILY Design + Construction about student housing during the pandemic and what to expect for on-campus and off-campus housing in Fall 2021 and into 2022.

FGM Architects designed this facility at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.

Architects | Jun 2, 2021

Two new practice leaders appointed at FGM Architects

FGM Architects appoints Jan Behounek to lead Higher Education and Scott Nall to lead Federal Practice.

Building Technology | Jun 1, 2021

Orro Announces Google Nest Integration for the Orro Switch

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The rooftop deck at The Net tower in Seattle, designed by NBBJ

High-rise Construction | May 27, 2021

The anti-high rise: Seattle's The Net by NBBJ

In this exclusive video interview for HorizonTV, Ryan Mullenix, Design Partner with NBBJ, talks with BD+C's John Caulfield about a new building in Seattle called The Net that promotes wellness and connectivity.

A digital twin of Marishal Square in Scotland

Digital Twin | May 24, 2021

Digital twin’s value propositions for the built environment, explained

Ernst & Young’s white paper makes its cases for the technology’s myriad benefits.

The post-COVID-19 state of senior living design

Senior Living Design | May 19, 2021

Senior living design: Post-COVID trends and innovations

Two senior living design experts discuss the latest trends and innovations in the senior living building sector.

Multifamily Housing | May 18, 2021

Multifamily housing sector sees near record proposal activity in early 2021

The multifamily sector led all housing submarkets, and was third among all 58 submarkets tracked by PSMJ in the first quarter of 2021.

Photo: Adohi Hall at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, designed by Boston-based Leers Weinzapfel Associates.

Wood | May 14, 2021

What's next for mass timber design?

An architect who has worked on some of the nation's largest and most significant mass timber construction projects shares his thoughts on the latest design trends and innovations in mass timber.