Can top energy performance be achieved by combining fairly standard windows with really good storm windows or even a second set of prime windows?

We’ve run the numbers from our quiz on toxic chemicals in building products, and we all have some explaining to do.

LED lighting keeps on improving as yet another record efficacy is announced.

A few days ago I got yet another press release about a new efficiency record with LED lighting. These are almost commonplace as we ride the revolution that is redefining electric lighting.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has opened a new front in its battle with LEED and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)—one with similarities to greenwash tactics we’ve seen before.

Columbia University’s long-term project plan for its 17-acre Manhattanville campus in West Harlem has earned New York City’s first LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) Platinum certification; this is also the first LEED Platinum certification awarded to a university campus plan.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), along with the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, today hosted a second “listening session” on which green building rating system it should recommend for federal government use. Public comments almost universally favored a GSA determination to continue with LEED as the government’s rating system of choice.

Understanding the options with room air conditioners, central air conditioners, and heat pumps.

I have never owned an air conditioner, and I don’t have any immediate plans to change that. But if I did, what would I look for?

Green Globes may have come out slightly ahead in a recent “alignment” report, but support for LEED is strong in the building industry.

This is part of an ongoing series. Read all the Sticky Business posts here.

Take our quiz to find out how much you really know about VOCs, lead, toxic flame retardants, and other common hazards in building materials.

Food, toys, furniture, building product

A look at the fascinating history and operation of refrigerant-cycle air conditioners.

Photo Credit: Fedders

Passive solar design features have helped define what energy-efficient buildings look like. Have newer design practices left them behind?

In our experience with over 200 (real) LEED projects, we have seen four approaches.

Simple strategies to keep cool without the use of mechanical air conditioning.

A simple exterior window shade in Florida that doesn't interfere with window operation. Click on image to enlarge.Photo Credit: Alex Wilson

Furniture constantly touches our skin and can emit VOCs directly into our breathing zones.