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The ASU Student Pavilion at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz., features a combination of natural daylighting solutions, renewable energy sources and flexible learning spaces. The facility not only enhances student engagement but also serves as a model for climate-responsive educational architecture. Photo Credit: Solatube International
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Harnessing Natural Daylight for Sustainable and Inclusive School Design

As educational institutions strive to create healthier, more energy-efficient and student-centered learning environments, natural daylighting has emerged as a key design strategy that supports sustainable and inclusive learning design.

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A bipartisan effort to promote mass timber use in federal building projects and military construction would pave the way for even more widespread adoption of materials such as cross-laminated timber, mass plywood panels and other popular mass-timber products. Photo Credit: Swinerton
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Bipartisan Bill Aims to Boost Mass Timber Industry

As mass timber use continues to proliferate across building sectors in the U.S. and globally, U.S. senators from both sides of the political aisle have joined forces to promote the sustainable, biophilic natural resource. On March 25, Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Sen. James Risch of Idaho announced a bipartisan effort to promote mass timber use in federal building projects and military construction, paving the way for even more widespread adoption of materials such as cross-laminated timber, mass plywood panels and other popular mass-timber products. 

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If passed, houses built under Chicago’s proposed social housing plan will feature for sustainable elements, such as decreased carbon emissions and less expensive utility bills, by meeting Green Building Standards. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Christopher Alvarenga
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New Developments in Chicago’s Green Social Housing Pursuit

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside the Chicago Housing Department, recently introduced the green social housing (GSH) enabling ordinance to the Chicago City Court, the latest step taken thus far in the pursuit of GSH development.  

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The more seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated with interior spaces – via operable partitions directly from classrooms, elevators to the roof, accessible paths to areas further afield – the better and more effectively they can serve the whole student population. Photo Credit: Robert Benson courtesy Cooper Robertson
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Indoor/Outdoor Spaces Support Sustainability and Student Success

As architects and designers learn more about the impact of the built environment on occupant wellbeing, aspects of biophilic design are ever more thoughtfully and intentionally integrated into learning spaces.

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SUNY Oneonta’s Alumni Hall earned LEED Platinum certification earlier this month, marking the campus’ first LEED Platinum building and bringing the SUNY system to a total of nine LEED Platinum facilities. Photo Credit: SUNY Oneonta
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SUNY Oneonta’s LEED Platinum Reflects Years-Long Commitment to Sustainability

The State University of New York Oneonta (SUNY Oneonta) campus is a model of sustainability in action. The university has amassed numerous green accolades over the years, and over the past decade has doubled down on reducing its environmental impact.  

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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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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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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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