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)

This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.

For glass openings, how big is too big?

Advances in glazing materials and glass building systems offer a seemingly unlimited horizon for not only glass performance, but also for the size and extent of these light, transparent forms. Both for enclosures and for indoor environments, novel products and assemblies allow for more glass and less opaque structure—often in places that previously limited their use.

The Forge in London is deploying industrialized, kit-of-parts construction. Images: Courtesy of Bryden Wood

Architects | May 3, 2022

A U.K.-based design firm flaunts industrialized construction as it expands into U.S.

Bryden Wood wants to set up a network for manufactured components for repeatable building types.

Codes and Standards | May 3, 2022

American Institute of Steel Construction updates environmental product declarations

The American Institute of Steel Construction has released updated environmental product declarations (EPDs) “to help designers and building owners design more environmentally friendly buildings and bridges,” according to an AISC news release.

Education Facilities | May 2, 2022

Texas School for the Deaf campus gateway enhances sense of belonging for deaf community

The recently completed Texas School for the Deaf Administration and Welcome Center and Early Learning Center, at the state’s oldest continuously operating public school, was designed to foster a sense of belonging for the deaf community.

Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022

Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide

Real estate management and investment firm Hines has released the Hines Embodied Carbon Reduction Guide. The free guide, produced with Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA), is the result of a two-year effort, relying on MKA’s industry-leading knowledge of carbon accounting and involvement in programs such as the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) Tool.

Building Team | May 2, 2022

HED and VAI announce merger to bring strategic expertise and drive community impact in Dallas

HED (Harley Ellis Devereaux), a leading national architecture and engineering firm, today announced a merger with award-winning, Dallas-based VAI Architects Incorporated (VAI).