171,271
Total of LEED ACCREDITED PROFESSIONALS recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council, as of September 2011.
LEED APs with specialty – 64,060
LEED APs without specialty – 83,985
LEED Green Associates – 23,226
Total LEED Professionals – 171, 271
Source: USGBC
$200.21
The cost per square foot to build a DAYCARE CENTER in San Francisco in 2011, according to RSMeans.
Source: RSMeans
1.0
The approximate U-FACTOR (Btu/hr-sf-°F) of currently available aluminum frame windows and doorframes. Also the number of AIA/CES DISCOVERY LEARNING UNITS that can be obtained by studying “High- Performance Windows + Doors” and passing the 10-question exam (80% score required). Source: BD+C
72%
The percentage a GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMP can reduce energy consumption when compared to conventional HVAC system, according to the EPA. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy reported that geothermal heat pumps can but HVAC energy demand by 50% and overall energy demand by 35%. Geothermal heat pumps are expected to gain market share as recent government mandates require newly constructed buildings to be zero net energy. Energy-efficient retrofits will also increase market demand for the pumps. Source: EPA
46.9
The September 2011 AIA ARCHITECTURE BILLINGS INDEX, following a score of 51.4 in August 2011. The monthly ABI index scores are based on a score of 50, with scores above 50 indicating an aggregate increase in billings and scores below 50 indicating a decline. In regard to September’s 46.9 score, “It appears the positive conditions seen last month were more of an aberration,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. Source: AIA
420
Buildings taller than 420 feet are now required to include an EXTRA EXIT STAIRWELL OR ELEVATOR that occupants can use for evacuations, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Source: NIST
$886.2
Total put-in-place CONSTRUCTION DOLLARS in billions predicted for 2012, according to the latest FMI forecast, which calls for 2% growth in 2011, and 6% for 2012. In 2012, the construction industry will return a level of construction in current dollars that is comparable to levels recorded in 2003. Source: FMI
83%
The percentage of AIR REDUCTION possible following the installation of an air barrier system in a commercial or industrial building, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The installation of an air barrier can also shrink gas bills by more than 40%, and reduce electrical use by 25%. Source: NIST
$65,000,000
Total funds currently invested in the energy-efficiency financing initiative known as the BILLION DOLLAR GREEN CHALLENGE. The fund aims to get colleges, universities, and other nonprofits to invest $1 billion in self-managed funds to be used to finance energy-efficiency upgrades. Source: BD+C
50,000
Owners of every New York City commercial and residential buildings larger than 50,000 sf will have to post each building’s ENERGY USE ONLINE, starting with commercial buildings in 2012, followed by residential buildings in 2013. Architects and environmentalists believe the measure will prompt owners to invest in cleaner, more sustainable designs. Source: BD+C
6
The number of sides to the Octagon House in Washington D.C., the original home of the AIA. Built between 1978 and 1800, the Octagon House was designed by Dr. William Thornton, the architect of the U.S. Capitol. Adapted to an irregular-shaped lot, the design of the three-story brick house combines a circle, two rectangles, and a triangle, resulting in a six-sided structure. Source: National Park Service
--
Submit your “By the Numbers” item to: Tim Gregorski, Senior Editor, tgregorski@sgcmail.com.
You must include documentation showing the source of your entry. Readers whose items are chosen will receive credit in the magazine and a $10 Amazon gift certificate. Decision of the editors of BD+C is final.
Related Stories
Steel Buildings | Feb 10, 2015
Korean researchers discover 'super steel'
The new alloy makes steel as strong as titanium.
Architects | Feb 9, 2015
The generalist architect vs. the specialist architect
The corporate world today quite often insists on hiring specialists, but the generalists have an intrinsic quality to adapt to new horizons or even cultural shifts in the market, writes SRG Partnership's Gary Harris.
Museums | Feb 9, 2015
Herzog & de Meuron's M+ museum begins construction in Hong Kong
When completed, M+ will be one of the first buildings in the Foster + Partners-planned West Kowloon Cultural District.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 9, 2015
GSEs and their lenders were active on the multifamily front in 2014
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac securitized more than $57 billion for 850,000-plus units.
BIM and Information Technology | Feb 8, 2015
BIM for safety: How to use BIM/VDC tools to prevent injuries on the job site
Gilbane, Southland Industries, Tocci, and Turner are among the firms to incorporate advanced 4D BIM safety assessment and planning on projects.
Museums | Feb 6, 2015
Tacoma Art Museum's new wing features sun screens that operate like railroad box car doors
The 16-foot-tall screens, operated by a hand wheel, roll like box car doors across the façade and interlace with a set of fixed screens.
Office Buildings | Feb 6, 2015
6 factors steering workplace design at financial services firms
Grossly underutilized space and a lack of a mobility strategy are among the trends identified by HOK based on its research of 11 top-tier financial services firms.
Cultural Facilities | Feb 6, 2015
Architects look to ‘activate’ vacant block in San Diego with shipping container-based park
A team of alumni from the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego has taken over a 28,500-sf empty city block in that metro to create what they hope will be a revenue-generating urban park.
Multifamily Housing | Feb 6, 2015
Fannie Mae to offer lower interest rates to LEED-certified multifamily properties
For certified properties, Fannie Mae is now granting a 10 basis point reduction in the interest rate of a multifamily refinance, acquisition, or supplemental mortgage loan.
Airports | Feb 6, 2015
Zaha Hadid-designed terminal in Beijing will be world’s largest
The terminal will accommodate 45 million passengers per year, and will be a hub for both air and rail travel.