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The new Schoenecker Center for STEAM at St. Thomas University includes biology, chemistry, physics and robotics labs; a two-story engineering high bay; rehearsal and performance spaces for the music program; a newsroom; art studios and an art gallery; a cafe and gathering/study spaces. Photo Credit: BWBR
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St. Thomas University’s New Schoenecker Center for STEAM Reflects Sustainability Values

By Lindsey Coulter When leaders of St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn., first embarked on the development of the

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The multimillion-dollar project is Texas' largest on-site solar project. The energy generated will serve as the primary power source for the municipal buildings included in the plan, significantly reducing San Antonio’s carbon emissions and saving an estimated $7 million to $11 million over 25 years. Photo Credit: Big Sun Solar
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$30.8 Million Solar Project in San Antonio Progresses

The city of San Antonio’s $30 million solar project is steadily advancing with 13 out of 42 solar-focused locations already commissioned, bringing the Texas city closer to its goal of net-zero energy for all municipal building by 2040. 

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Findings from recent research conducted in Singapore showed that exterior greenery on buildings brought over 100 species to the studied areas while also regulating interior and exterior temperature. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Pawel Czerwinski
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New Study Uncovers Benefits of Biophilic Design in Urban Environments

New research shows that exterior green design, such as plant-covered facades, can boost biodiversity and regulate temperature. 

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An amendment to Boston's zoning code requiring that most new large buildings achieve net-zero carbon emissions from the day they open was recently approved. If policy had gone into effect in 2023, Boston’s annual total greenhouse gas emissions would have been reduced by 0.58%, a percentage equivalent to all waste-related emissions in the city. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Osman Rana
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Boston Advances Towards Carbon Neutrality through New Building Policy

The Boston Zoning Commission has amended the city’s zoning code to mandate that most new large buildings achieve net-zero carbon emissions from the day they open. This change will bring the metropolis one step closer to its 2050 carbon-neutrality goals. 

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Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots, was one of Massachusetts' more prominent projects of 2024. Photo Credit: Kraft Sports + Entertainment/USGBC
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USGBC Reveals 2024’s Top 10 States for Green Building

On Jan. 29, the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) released its annual Top 10 States for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) list. Determined based on LEED-certified gross square footage per capita, the 2024 list showcases the states that have best adhered to the LEED v4 framework.  

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The RISE Center at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa was recently awarded LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building was recognized for multiple sustainability elements including efficient HVAC systems and water use. Photo Credit: UH Foundation
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University of Hawai’i Mānoa’s RISE Center Earns LEED Gold Certification

The Walter Dods Jr. RISE Center, a six-story, live-learn-work facility at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UH), has officially achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). 

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The Green Building Initiative developed its new framework based on the Department of Energy's June 2024 definition of zero-emission buildings. This updated definition highlights three key principles: high energy efficiency, no on-site emissions from energy use and reliance solely on clean energy for building power. Pictured above, Harka Headquarters received GBI certification during the JNZ program's pilot period. Photo Credit: Harka Architecture
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Green Building Initiative Launches New Decarbonization Framework

On Jan. 15, the Green Building Initiative (GBI), an international nonprofit organization and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer, released the newest addition to its sustainability building assessment and certification tools for real estate owners: Green Globes® Journey to Net Zero™ (JNZ).  

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Swinerton provided general contracting services for the construction of Northlake Commons, a five-story, mixed-use building that provides high-performance, lab-ready office space. Photo Credit: Swinerton
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Mass Timber Buildings Proliferate Thanks to Sustainability Benefits, Efficiencies

As architects and construction professionals look to 2025, the year’s most exciting industry trend might just be…wood. More specifically, engineered wood products and mass timber are opening new doors and design possibilities, allowing forward-thinking project teams to build more efficiently and sustainably across a number of verticals.  

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This week the national firm Vornado Realty Trust became the first major real estate owner, operator and developer to achieve 100 percent LEED certification across its entire portfolio of in-service buildings. Photo Credit: Vornado
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LEED Certification of Commercial Properties Sees Big Post-Covid Increase

The Covid-19 pandemic changed the way many people in the United States work, shifting numerous companies to remote and hybrid operations and—for a time—pushing commercial real estate vacancies (specifically office buildings) to nearly 20% at the end of 2023. However, as companies begin to rebalance hybrid work and bring more operations back to the office, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reports that interest in its LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) certification has increased significantly.  

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Brought to life by Wold Architects and Kraus-Anderson, the renovated White Bear Lake High School brings ninth through 12th graders into one, three-story building that celebrates academics, athletics and performing arts. Photo Courtesy: Wold Architects
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Expanded Minnesota High School Unifies Student Body, Embraces Sustainability

After six years of planning, renovation and building, the state-of-the-art White Bear Lake High School has officially re-opened its doors to faculty, staff and students.

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