Dry spell: CA water restrictions inspire homebuilder innovation

Builders are finding new ways to deal with lawns, pools and plumbing during the state's longest drought.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 2, 2015

USGBC chief to step down after 22 years

Rick Fedrizzi is widely acclaimed as a global leader in sustainable construction techniques.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 30, 2015

Google plans conversion of old coal plant into renewable energy-powered data center

With three similar projects under construction at once, the search engine giant is on a "building binge," The New York Times reported.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 29, 2015

Architect proposes design for world's tallest wooden building in Paris

The same firm created the design for America’s highest timber office structure, which will be built in Minneapolis.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 22, 2015

Duke LEED-certified building blamed for spike in bird deaths

A campus group is hoping the university will etch or add film to oversized windows to prevent further collisions.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 19, 2015

Residential solar installations break single-quarter record

A report predicted three million home will add solar panels over the next five years.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 16, 2015

Amazon to build VA's largest solar farm

The online retailer will use the electricity it produces to fuel its northern Virginia data centers.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 15, 2015

TX law permits homeowners to install solar panels during neighborhood construction

The new measure stops developers from requiring owners to wait until a subdivision is 100% complete before altering their houses.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 8, 2015

Atlanta temperatures surge with increased construction

Georgia Tech is experimenting with green roofs and other antidotes to the climbing mercury.

By Sharon O'Malley • May 18, 2015

Fannie Mae offers loan incentives for multifamily energy, water conservation

Building owners can now qualify for lower interest rates and higher proceeds if they use 20% fewer resources.

By Sharon O'Malley • May 15, 2015

Green building program certifies 50,000th home

The milestone points to the mainstream acceptance of environmentally friendly homebuilding.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 30, 2015

Here comes the sun: More builders offer solar arrays as option on homes

By 2020, 3.8 million houses could sport rooftop panels.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 27, 2015

Congress passes 'Tenant Star' program to encourage energy-efficient offices

Modeled after Energy Star, the new effort will focus on commercial and government buildings.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 23, 2015

Fannie Mae closes first lower-interest deal on green multifamily property

The apartment building’s owner will save $100,000 over the life of the loan.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 23, 2015

Duke Energy to employ 900 construction workers at NC solar farms

The utility is in the midst of a $500 million solar expansion.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 23, 2015

Wells Fargo tops list of 'green' financial institutions

LEED-certified bank branches do more business than others, according to the USGBC.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 20, 2015

Climate change expert to lead World Green Building Council

The group aims to accelerate the pace of green building across the globe.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 17, 2015

Seattle boasts affordable apartment building with solar farm on roof

The community solar program allows electricity customers to purchase shares in exchange for credits on energy bills.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 8, 2015

80% of top companies consider LEED key to sustainability effort

Fortune 200 firms responding to a USGBC survey said the certification demonstrates their eco-friendly commitment.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 8, 2015

NAHB highlights energy efficiency during 'New Homes Month'

Surveys of single-family builders have shown that more are incorporating green features to lower a household’s power bills.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 1, 2015

New Facebook office building features 9-acre 'green roof'

A half-mile walking trail and 400 trees adorn the structure’s crown, which will provide insulation and keep energy costs lower.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 1, 2015

Homeowners demand sustainability in backyard designs

They’ll pay more for it, too, a University of Florida survey revealed.

By Sharon O'Malley • March 25, 2015

Builders of medical facilities go 'green'

At the same time, fewer are working on projects in foreign countries.

By Sharon O'Malley • March 25, 2015

Georgia considers ban on LEED certification for state buildings

Most of the state’s 20 million acres of timber do not meet the standard because they are not FSC-registered.

By Sharon O'Malley • March 25, 2015

Fannie Mae to reward 'green' multifamily buildings with discounts

Buildings qualifying for LEED and other certifications are eligible for reduced interest rates.

By Sharon O'Malley • March 16, 2015