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?