Sustainable features used to be add-ons for a select few construction projects with the budget to experiment. But today, conversation around the urban built environment’s estimated 75% share of annual global greenhouse gas emissions is at its peak, and as a result, project owners are demanding designs, construction methods and materials that aim to curb this environmental impact as well as reduce utility and water costs for tenants.

In this Spotlight, we take a look at six green certifications beyond LEED and Energy Star that contractors can implement to their competitive advantage. We’ve also listed the top 10 green building contractors that are pushing the envelope beyond these benchmarks, through resourceful decisions on everything from design concepts down to water bottles on the jobsite, and explored mass timber’s potential for cutting carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 20%.

Up against regulations like the 2015 Paris Agreement and California’s Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, requiring that all new commercial buildings be zero net energy by 2030, it’s all the more important that the industry take on these and other innovative strategies.

1. Mass timber's striking case for sustainability

   As mass timber lays claim to increasingly innovative technology and prefabrication, it also hopes to get an edge up on its traditional building material counterparts through its lower carbon footprint and renewability traits. Read More »

2. 10 contractors profiting from sustainable building

   These are the industry leaders, per ENR revenue rankings, that are implementing sustainable practices in innovative, effective ways. Read More »

3. 6 green certifications contractors should know about

   Though they trail LEED and Energy Star, several other unique benchmarks for building in a way that is healthy for both occupants and the environment are gaining ground and can't be ignored. Read More »

4. Zero-energy buildings see big boost

   Solar panels, efficient heat pumps, radiant cooling systems and techniques that improve building envelopes all contribute to green building's continuing rise. Read More »

5. The case for constructing resource-efficient buildings

   Andy Feth of C.W. Driver Companies writes that a holistic approach to building offers competitive advantages and long-term cost savings. Read More »