Building Basics

• What Does “Cradle-to-Cradle” Mean? - A short article explaining what the phrase "Cradle-to-Cradle" entails and how to get C2C-certified.
• A Green Lease Overview - As companies are increasingly looking for ways to support the environment, a Green Lease is an effective starting point. Learn about specific actions Landlords are taking to be more eco-conscious.
• Green Leases: A Primer - How is a "green lease" different than an ordinary lease? How can it save you money? This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of a green lease.
• Building Green – A LEED Primer - Why Build Green? There are numerous financial and environmental benefits to buidling Green. LEED, (Leadership in Energy and Environemental Design) is a rating system created by the US Green Building Council. Learn about the myriad of benefits and opportunities to sustainable building practices.
• Overview of Transformers - An overview of building transformers, including a quick recommendation on what to look for and how to utilize lifecycle purchasing methods when evaluating a purchase decision.
• Lower Your Trash Disposal Costs - This article provides an overview of ideas for how to limit what goes into your garbage, reducing your hauling charges.
• Energy Star Labeled Buildings - A quick overview of eligible of this government program.
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - The quality of the air in buildings is gaining - deservedly - increasing attention. Science has shown the impact that poor air has on health. IAQ effects the health of the building, and of course the health of the occupants.
• Green Roofs - Alternatives to a traditional roof, a green roof provides a more temperature stable environment. This enables lower energy costs as the roof is kept warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) - Also known as cogenertation, these systems can generate electricity and then capture the heat that is generated and return it to building use. This creates energy efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint of the building.

• Is Green Building a Good Investment? - This Business Week article from May 18, 2009 provides an excellent overview of the benefits of greening a building, along with some of the challenges.