The International Living Future Institute (ILFI), owner of the Living Building Challenge, is going where no certification program has gone before with a new Net Zero Energy Building Certification program. Jason McLennan, chief executive officer of ILFI, sees this program as a response to environmental constraints that a growing human population is facing on an already stressed planet. More…
From the desk of Neil Young
I saved a copy of this National Trust report in our library under “Reports Existing and Historic.” It delves into the LCA of renovating existing buildings vs. building new. Here are the cliff notes…
The study finds that it takes 10 to 80 years for a new building that is 30 percent more efficient than an average-performing existing building to overcome, through efficient operations, the negative climate change impacts related to the construction process.
This validates what is intuitive about older buildings compared to more recent construction…
“…data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) demonstrates that commercial buildings constructed before 1920 use less energy, per square foot, than buildings from any other decade of construction…The comparative advantage of some older buildings may in fact be explained by the original building design, form, massing, and materials, as well as the window-to-wall ratio, limited installed equipment, or occupant density.”
From the desk of Jenn Rezeli
More on the mythical quest for vertical farming…the fact that it is in Sweden makes me think it will probably work. Click on the image to read more.
From the desk of Jenn Rezeli
These occupancy sensors can be used to turn off the office equipment at your desk when you forget to. A combination of sensors and controls ensures that your equipment isn’t turned off while you work. Click on the image for a spec sheet.
From the desk of Drew Lavine
This documentary follows a group of scientists who voluntarily maroon themselves offshore of the Antarctic continent to study the effects of climate change on the winter season there. The movie doesn’t get into any of the science behind climate change, but instead takes a look at the real world implications and the effects on wildlife in the Southernmost continent. More…
From the desk of Neil Young
Designed my Mike C., the Hunter residence is going to be one of our best performing buildings. Stay tuned for more updates as this project starts to come together (literally).
From the desk of Neil Young
This gallery contains 6 photos.
We are wrapping up the charrette with a final public meeting at the end of this month. Simone Collins (the LA) is moving through SD on the site plan for the DCNR report, but we have not been released yet to go through SD for the building. Soon we hope! (images by Simone Collins) From …
Developed by the Urban Green Council, the EBie Awards celebrate performance of existing buildings through a variety of categories. If you are working on a project with a building built prior to 2007, please let me know so we can look at potential submissions.
(Click here for more information)
From the desk of Neil Young
Imagine if the next coat of paint you put on the outside of your home could use light to generate electricity — electricity that could be used to power the appliances and equipment on the inside.
This material has been in development for some-time and this latest news is a sign that the future generators of renewable energy will be endless and will most likely become a part of everything we use. Read More…
From the desk of Jenn Rezeli
Re:Vision Architecture Blog 