As the AEC industry braces for the changes posed by LEED v4, we examine the state of sustainable design and construction through an exclusive BD+C trends survey and analysis of green building in nine key building sectors.
Architecture firm trends
Exclusive survey: Architects balance ideals, skepticism regarding green strategies
Architects are seeking affirmation that the complex array of programs, systems, and tools at their disposal actually do result in more sustainable buildings, according to a recent survey of architects by Building Design+Construction. Read the article.
Healthcare sector
LEED for Healthcare offers new paths to green
LEED for Healthcare debuted in spring 2011, and certifications are now beginning to roll in. They include the new Puyallup (Wash.) Medical Center and the W.H. and Elaine McCarty South Tower at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas in Austin. Read the article.
Data centers
Facebook, Telus push the limits of energy efficiency with new data centers
Building Teams are employing a range of creative solutions—from evaporative cooling to novel hot/cold-aisle configurations to heat recovery schemes—in an effort to slash energy and water demand. Read the article.
Government/military sector
Government work keeps green AEC firms busy
With the economy picking up, many stalled government contracts are reaching completion and earning their green credentials. Read the article.
Multifamily sector
Net-zero bellwether demonstrates extreme green, multifamily style
The 10-unit zHome in Issaquah Highlands, Wash., is the nation’s first net-zero multifamily project, as certified this year by the International Living Future Institute. Read the article.
Higher education sector
Halls of ivy keep getting greener and greener
Academic institutions have been testing the limits of energy-conserving technologies, devising new ways to pay for sustainability extras, and extending sustainability to the whole campus. Read the article.
K-12 schools sector
Net-zero movement gaining traction in U.S. schools market
As more net-zero energy schools come online, school officials are asking: Is NZE a more logical approach for school districts than holistic green buildings? Read the article.
S+T sector
S+T buildings embrace 'no excuses' approach to green labs
Some science-design experts once believed high levels of sustainability would be possible only for low-intensity labs in temperate zones. But recent projects prove otherwise. Read the article.
Hospitality sector
.jpg)
Green hotel trends: Industry expands its sustainability focus beyond laundry
There’s more to creating a green hotel than saving water and power by asking guests to reuse their towels. Read the article.
Office sector
Can Big Data help building owners slash op-ex budgets?
Jones Lang LaSalle set out to answer these questions when it partnered with Pacific Controls to develop IntelliCommand, a 24/7 real-time remote monitoring and control service. Read the article.
Related Stories
| Jan 31, 2013
Map of U.S. illustrates planning times for commercial construction
Stephen Oliner, a UCLA professor doing research for the Federal Reserve Board, has made the first-ever estimate of planning times for commercial construction across the United States.
| Jan 31, 2013
More severe wind storms should prompt nationwide reexamination of building codes, says insurance expert
The increased number and severity of storms with high winds nationally should prompt a reexamination of building codes in every community, says Mory Katz, vice president, Verisk Insurance Solutions Commercial Property, Jersey City, N.J.
| Jan 16, 2013
2013 40 Under 40 application process now open
Building Design+Construction's 40 Under 40 is open to AEC professionals from around the globe.
| Jan 3, 2013
Answered prayers
A bold renovation enables a small church to expand its mission on a grand scale.
| Jan 3, 2013
5 things you should know about decorative concrete
Designing and installing decorative concrete is a lot more difficult that you might think. A veteran of many such installations offers a handful of tips to help you plan your next decorative concrete project.
| Jan 2, 2013
Trends Report: New facilities enhance the quality of campus life
Colleges and universities are building state-of-the-art student unions, dining halls, and other non-academic buildings to enrich the campus experience, boost enrollment, and stay competitive.
| Jan 2, 2013
Global data center market to ‘slow’ to 14.3% this year
Total global investment in data centers is expected to slow down somewhat this year but still increase at a respectable 14.3%, according to DCD Intelligence.
