New Orleans, La. (May 12, 2011) -- The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) today announced that the virtual tour of its LEED Platinum headquarters is now available online at www.usgbc.org. The tour features embedded videos, audio podcasts and information on building materials and products used throughout the space. By taking the virtual tour, professionals can earn GBCI Continuing Education (CE) hours for the LEED AP with specialty and LEED Green Associate credentials. The tour went live online concurrently with the AIA 2011 National Convention and Design Exposition in New Orleans.
“Our headquarters was envisioned to serve as an educational learning lab to professionals yearning for real-world examples of successful green practices,” said Richard Graves, USGBC’s SVP for Education and Community. “The virtual tour allows us to reach professionals in every corner of the globe, using an interactive, cutting-edge medium.”
Modeled after live tours given at its D.C. headquarters to members of the green building community worldwide, the three-dimensional tour explores the integrated design approach fundamental to the LEED green building rating system, and integrated throughout the offices.
Several educational courses offered by USGBC’s broad network of education providers are linked throughout the tour, including Excel Dryer Inc./Sloan Valve Company, The Mohawk Group, National Gypsum, USG Corporation, IceStone and Wilsonart International, Inc. These courses qualify for continuing education units (CEUs) for several industry organizations and professional development requirements, including AIA/SD LU's in addition to GBCI CE hours.
The virtual tour was developed by Igloo Studios using Google SketchUp and Google Earth, and continuing educational credit for the tour was made possible by AEC Daily Corp. Take the virtual tour.
About U.S. Green Building Council
The Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Green Building Council is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. With a community comprising 79 local affiliates, nearly 16,000 member companies and organizations, and more than 162,000 LEED Professional Credential holders, USGBC is the driving force of an industry that is projected to contribute $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product from 2009-2013. USGBC leads an unlikely diverse constituency of builders and environmentalists, corporations and nonprofit organizations, elected officials and concerned citizens, and teachers and students.
Buildings in the United States are responsible for 39% of CO2 emissions, 40% of energy consumption, 13% water consumption and 15% of GDP per year, making green building a source of significant economic and environmental opportunity. Greater building efficiency can meet 85% of future U.S. demand for energy, and a national commitment to green building has the potential to generate 2.5 million American jobs.
About AEC Daily
AEC Daily is the largest provider of FREE online continuing education to construction professionals. Over 300 courses are available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provide credits that are either registered or meet the requirements of over two dozen professional institutions. Architects, engineers, interior designers and other construction professionals rely on AEC Daily to maintain their accreditation with ease.
About Igloo Studios
Igloo Studios, an official Google SketchUp™ partner, develops 3D building product models and related productivity applications for design industry professionals. Having converted thousands of real-world products into Google SketchUp-enabled 3D models, Igloo Studios has collectively generated over 1.7 million product downloads to date from the Google 3D Warehouse for its manufacturing clients. Igloo Studios also offers the design industry custom SketchUp-based applications and training designed to assist in the finding, presenting and selling of projects and integrated products. Through the School brand, Igloo Studios provides worldwide training and consulting on 3D design software. Established in March 2005, Igloo Studios is headquartered in San Francisco, CA with an office in Los Angeles, CA.
Related Stories
| May 16, 2012
AIA issues guide to IGCC
Getting the IgCC adopted in all 50 states and in jurisdictions across the country is the primary mission of the ICC, which published the code in March.
| May 16, 2012
AEG releases 3D video of L.A.'s Farmers Field
The Los Angeles Convention Center footage depicts the new convention center hall spaces, including a new lobby above Pico Boulevard, pre-function space, and what will be the largest multi-purpose ballroom in Los Angeles.
| May 15, 2012
One World Trade Center goes to new height of sustainability
One of the biggest challenges in developing this concrete mixture was meeting the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey’s strict requirement for the replacement of cement.
| May 15, 2012
Suffolk selected for Rosenwald Elementary modernization project
The 314-student station elementary school will undergo extensive modernization.
| May 15, 2012
National Tradesmen Day set for Sept. 21
IRWIN Tools invites the nation to honor "The Real Working Hands that Build America and Keep it Running Strong".
| May 15, 2012
SAGE Electrochromics to become wholly owned subsidiary of Saint-Gobain
This deal will help SAGE expand into international markets, develop new products and complete construction of the company’s new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Faribault, Minn.
| May 14, 2012
Codes harvest rainwater
IAPMO’s Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement could make rainwater harvesting systems commonplace by clearly outlining safe installation and maintenance practices.
| May 14, 2012
Plumbing research coalition to study drainline transport issue
The effort is aimed at determining if decreasing levels of water flow––caused by increasingly efficient plumbing fixtures––are sufficient to clear debris from plumbing pipes.
| May 14, 2012
SOM to break ground on supertall structure in China
The 1,740-feet (530-meter) tall tower will house offices, 300 service apartments and a 350-room, 5-star hotel beneath an arched top.
| May 14, 2012
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture design Seoul’s Dancing Dragons
Supertall two-tower complex located in Seoul’s Yongsan International Business District.