UL Environment Teams Up with EcoLogo
In a major consolidation among the crowded field of green product labels, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has acquired Terrachoice, the manager of the EcoLogo Program.
USGBC Expands Data Collection from LEED Buildings
USGBC has started collecting energy- and water-use data from LEED-certified buildings, and is now inviting all certified buildings to participate in its efforts.
Transit-Oriented Development Threatened by Air Quality Rules
New guidelines may expose urban infill developments in California’s Bay area to more regulations due to their proximity to air pollution sources.
Norway First in Zero Carbon Initiatives, Again
According to a recent U.K. report, Norway’s renewable energy usage puts it first in a ranking of countries’ zero carbon initiatives. The U.S. ranks 25th.
New Company-Wide Certifications for Manufacturers
Manufacturers will soon have their choice of three green certifications, from Green Seal, UL Environment, and Leonardo Academy.
SketchUp 8 Opens Up New Green Possibilities
With its latest release, Google SketchUp offers direct access to geospatial data that gives models a context, and improves support for defined volumes.
USGBC to Offer Precedent-Setting “LEED Interpretations,” Along with CIRs
A long-awaited process for precedent-setting rulings for project teams using the LEED rating system is under development at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
HUD Rethinking Affordable Housing Location, Financing
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is revamping many of its programs to encourage dense, mixed-use, transit-oriented development.
Commercial Real Estate Stimulus Pushed by Architecture 2030
Architecture 2030 has released a report calling for an increased energy-efficiency tax deduction to solve a looming commercial real-estate crisis. Experts question whether the solution would help.
Mortgage Policies Threaten PACE Programs
Commercial and residential PACE (property assessed clean energy) programs have been steadily growing throughout the U.S. Now the secondary mortgage market has raise red flags that could kill the promising program, but states are fighting back.