The Desert Comfort Idea Home: a True Desert Oasis
A challenging environment, ambitious building-performance goals, and modern aesthetics come together in a stunning, net zero custom home in Arizona's Sonoran Desert
Top 10 States for NGBS Green Certification in 2022
To date, these are the top 10 U.S. states for green building certification
Here Are the Most Sustainable U.S. Cities in 2022
These metros are working to reduce their carbon footprints by blazing a trail toward eco-friendly living and green building
The Future of Residential Construction Is Not on Land, but in (or Very Near) the Sea!
Builders are rising to meet the challenge, as homeowners pursue more resort options
The Wrongs of Make It Right in New Orleans' Affordable Housing
The legacy of the Make It Right Foundation's failed efforts to restore and revive underserved neighborhoods in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward goes well beyond leaky roofs and toxic mold
NAHB Members Dominate Green Building Awards
A number of NAHB members were recently recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) for green building excellence
This Week's Codes and Standards, February 25
How historic districts hinder energy efficiency, Mandalay Homes' latest smart energy features, the rise of the rich renter, and software for 'entire lifecycle of building process,' and why walking and biking has become dangerous
This Week's Codes and Standards, February 18
Calculating potential solar energy yield, HVAC conversion programs to meet carbon reduction goals, New Jersey's new ban on smoke detectors with disposable batteries, drone use for inspectors, challenge to new sprinkler requirement
Net Zero
Net Zero Now in California
Net-zero energy homes are built to produce as much energy as they consume, through airtight construction of foundations, roofs, walls, and windows…
Labor + Trade Relations
Solar Industry's Hiring 'Pause'
In 2018, the solar industry lost 8,000 positions…
This Week's Codes and Standards, February 11
Fire sprinkler law, how downtown investment pays off for cities and regions, ISO publishes first global BIM standards, NYPL branch project to include affordable housing, tightening existing home envelopes in Boston to meet climate goals
Minimizing Liability for Net Zero Projects
Construction attorney Patrick Barthet is known for his weekly …
This Week's Codes and Standards, February 4
The role of solar carports in implementing Title 24 mandates, a car-free in Oslo, eco-friendly insulation alternatives, builder using wellness software for healthier homes, and relaxed environmental compliance requirements for guaranteed worker wages and benefits
Sustainability
The Puzzle of Selling Green Homes
Many home builders find that selling a green home (or a high-performance or sustainable or net zero home) is at least as hard as building one. Why?
Net Zero
Zero Net Energy Readiness—California Pioneers, Others Following
More states than just California are on the road to zero net energy home building in their codes, and builders may be closer than they think to achieving those standards