Today the EPA released its second annual ranking of U.S. metropolitan areas with the largest number of buildings receiving the Energy Star label in 2009. California cities took two of the top three slots, but that's no surprise as these cities are at the forefront of green building.
Recently FreeGreen launched a contest for designers to create an affordable, contemporary, green home. Seeking to redesign single-family living in less than 1,800 square feet, designers could opt to design a starter or empty nest home, or both. After receiving +400 entries, the field has been chopped to 12 finalists with public voting now open through April 5, 2010. The winner will receive $5,000 and other opportunities with FreeGreen. Check out the top 12 (click the text link above the photo for more info), and tell us your favorite in the comments
Last week, the formation of the new International Green Construction Code was announced through the partnership of several organizations already deeply connected with green building efforts. The preliminary version of the model code is now available for public review and comment.
If you work with LEED, you’re familiar with FSC, and if you read good books and magazines, you’ve probably seen both SFI and FSC. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) both certify and provide labels for wood and paper products. Consumers look to these for comfort with regard to environmental impact and sustainable harvesting of wood, but after you read Monte Paulsen’s five-part series on the topic for The Tyee, you may not be so sure about what’s going on.
The Fourth Annual Green Building Survey, published by Allen Matkins, CTG, and Green Building Insider, was just released. It’s quick and to the point with some interesting perspective on the attitude of design and construction professionals. That is, green construction and design remains a top priority, while LEED certification may not necessarily carry the same weight. The survey was conducted in February 2010 and received over 1,600 responses.
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