Statewide energy codes are important for several reasons—not the least of which are reduced energy consumption, mitigated greenhouse gas emissions, minimized building operational costs, and improved climate resilience. Yet, at the time of this writing, ten states do not have a statewide commercial energy code.

We have an exciting announcement to close out 2023. Building Enclosure launched an award this year called the Leadership Award. Anyone could submit individuals who they feel are doing an exceptional job helping to advance the AEC industry; are committed to industry standards and goals, exc.  

A new study revealed that U.S. emissions from the built environment have increased by 3 percent in the last decade - a trend that looks set to continue. Research by 3Keel and Kingspan found that reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from buildings are reversing in the U.S.

We sat down with PIMA president Justin Koscher to discuss the role of polyiso insulation in energy-efficient building construction and how the industry can further efforts to increase building energy efficiency and decarbonize.

The prospect of decarbonizing the electrical sector is riddled with myriad economic, technological, political, and outright physical challenges. There will be unanticipated setbacks and some nascent technologies will offer staggering breakthroughs. Goals notwithstanding, the future has yet to be written. 

With a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability for this innovative design, Architect Gensler Los Angeles specified 156,000 square feet of Solarban 70 glass because of its superior solar control and thermal insulation properties.

Listen in as Laurel Christensen discusses how architects can promote more sustainable products in their everyday jobs, and how she’s utilizing industry resources to stay informed of sustainable product choices.

In recognition of the carbon intensity of our landscape, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) have made several recent moves toward deeper climate action.

Building Enclosure was recently joined by Blake Johnson, Commercial Director for Knife River's Prestress Division, and Melissa Verwest, Regional Sustainability Engineer for Knife River Northwest. Blake and Melissa are here to discuss reducing the embedded and operational carbon in precast.

Enclosure materials influence embodied carbon goals. This means that selecting and designing for low-carbon enclosure materials is important for reducing the overall embodied carbon impact of the building. It is important to note that using heavier enclosure assemblies may require additional structural support, increasing the embodied carbon associated with the building structure.