In the latest green building news, according to U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) data, only about 11 percent of all certified buildings and projects currently hold the LEED platinum certification globally. But to meet the demands of an increasingly ecologically conscious marketplace; however, more companies are turning to more efficient green building construction techniques. From health care to retail, green construction affects every industry.
Green Building Practices in the News
KMB Design Group brings you all the latest trends in commercial green building practices, sustainability and solar design and engineering happening in the news today. Our goal is to provide the green building news, information, knowledge and resources in the exciting and constantly evolving sustainable design engineering industry.
Green Building Entrepreneurs Think Sustainability is Key to Economic Growth
Sustainable building is not just about renovations. New construction is also a key element, with the designs constructed from the ground up to accommodate both environmental sustainability and human needs. “Not only will operating in a green building save these companies money, but it will also help them project a sense of corporate social responsibility, which is increasingly important to consumers, according to a Nielsen report issued in October 2015. The report found that 66 percent of consumers said they were willing to pay more for sustainable brands,” says Business News Daily,
Green Buildings Help Us Think Better
A small Harvard study found people performed significantly better on cognitive tests when they were working in green building conditions. “Green building design that optimizes employee productivity and energy usage will require adopting energy efficient systems and informed operating practices to maximize the benefit to human health while minimizing energy consumption,” says the study.
University of Arizona Building Earns Highest LEED Status
The Environment and Natural Resources 2 building (ENR2) at the University of Arizona has achieved LEED platinum certification, the highest possible certification status in the country. For LEED platinum, ENR2 gained points for its water efficiency, waste management, use of sustainable materials, indoor environmental quality and innovative design.
Meet Einstein, a New IoT Solution for Smart Commercial Buildings
Introducing the next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) smart energy management solution, “Einstein.” Einstein’s continuous stream of energy data is driving smarter, more responsive commercial building operations by using innovative smart sensor and metering technology. “The combination of proprietary software, machine learning, and hardware sensors allows Einstein to ‘learn’ the energy patterns of commercial buildings,” says Green Building Elements.
Bill to Encourage Rooftop Gardens On New SF Buildings
A recent law in San Francisco requires new residential and commercial buildings 10 stories or shorter to install electricity-generating solar panels or a solar heating system that covers 15 percent of the roof. Now, new legislation would allow green roofs, also known as living roofs, to fulfill that solar requirement. Developers could also combine solar and green roof space to meet their obligations.
KMB Green Building Designs
Here at KMB Design Group, we have always been passionate about improving energy efficiencies for businesses all over the United States. As a full service engineering solutions provider licensed in the United States and Europe, we take a systematic approach to develop comprehensive engineering solutions for all of our clients. Contact us to learn more about incorporating green building practices into your next project!