Content about Low-energy building

LEED v4, the proposed update to the nation’s most prevalent green building program, has been under intense pressure to change its current wood certification rating system, which only recognizes one set of standards, those of the Forest Stewardship Council. But the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which oversees the LEED program and its current revision process, is now under fire for another part of the LEED update that has nothing to do with wood.

U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson has sent a letter to U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) president and CEO Rick Fedrizzi, urging changes to the treatment of forest products under the council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 2012 rating system. LEED is currently taking public comment as it revises its evaluation process and standards, which will be released in November of 2012.

There’s a lot riding on how the United States government defines green building. A review process has groups jockeying for position, according to an article in Federal Times.

Among the building material groups pressing for revisions to the LEED-centric status quo are the PVC pipe manufacturers and the lumber industry.

The Building America Retrofit Alliance is promoting the Cool Energy House, described as a "deep-energy remodeling project" optimized for peak energy performance.

The purpose of the project is to bring attention to the new energy-efficient systems and strategies that can impact traditional remodeling projects. 

Among the peak performance energy measures of the Cool Energy House -- located at 11068 Bayshore Drive, Windermere, Fla. -- are pool pump replacement, sealed attic, shading, energy efficient lighting, cool roofing, ventilation and dehumidification.

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics is promoting its Green Glue Noiseproofing System as a tool to prevent noise issues throughout the building cycle.

The company said the ability to specify the LEED-certified Green Glue Noiseproofing System at the start can prevent noise issues later in the project.

An article on Philly.com reveals that Philadelphia will have plenty of environmentally friendly projects to show off for GreenBuild when it comes to town in 2013. 

GreenBuild is the annual conference of the U.S. Green Building Council, and it will enter its 12th year in 2013. The event will take place Nov. 20 to 22. 

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has honored KB Home’s Primera Terra community with a 2011 LEED for Homes award. The LEED Platinum project, one of the largest in California, was recognized as the best in the Multi-Family category.

The U.S. District Court in New York City has dismissed a lawsuit brought against the U.S. Green Building Council that accused it of false advertising in connection to its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will construct a home that represents the future of energy-efficient housing. SmartHome Cleveland will be built on Museum grounds and open to the public this summer for viewing in conjunction with an exhibition about climate change.

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) launched the LEED Fellow, a new program to recognize contributions to the green building community.

“LEED Fellows will constitute an elite class of the world’s most distinguished green building professionals,” said Beth Holst, VP credentialing, GBCI. “Candidates are nominated by their peers, and the selection will be based on their body of work and the way it has contributed to advancing the field of green building.”