LEED Rated PrecisionCraft Log Home

For Mark and Crystal Ryan, building their dream mountain house was synonymous with building what is commonly referred to as a “green” home. This Oregon couple turned to award-winning Mountain Architects and PrecisionCraft Log Homes & Timber Frame to help them design and manufacture a log home that is now in the final certification process to be awarded the LEED Platinum rating. LEED, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a... 

James Hardie Building Materials and San Diego Habitat for Humanity Build “Green-Friendly” Homes

San Diego Habitat for Humanity® (SDHFH) has made significant modifications in the design and construction of its homes to make them increasingly self-sustaining, reducing maintenance costs for the partner families as well as the need for repairs and upgrades. Smart design incorporates eco-friendly and recycled materials, energy efficient appliances and lighting, and drought tolerant plants and trees. James Hardie® Building Materials has stepped... 

Brookfield Properties’ 1225 Connecticut Ave. in Washington, DC Earns LEED Platinum Certification

Brookfield Properties Corporation announced that its recently redeveloped 1225 Connecticut Ave. office building in Washington, DC has earned LEED Platinum certification – the industry’s highest rating for environmental sustainability. It is the first redeveloped office building in the Eastern United States to achieve LEED Platinum certification. The following building features facilitated the LEED-CS (Core & Shell) Platinum rating from the... 

Shea Homes Becomes First National Builder to Make Solar Power Systems an Included Option on New Homes

Victoria Gardens by Shea Homes announced today that solar power systems will be an included optional feature on its Shea Green Certified (TM) homes, beginning immediately. As part of its ongoing commitment to reduce the cost of home ownership and improve environmental performance, Victoria Gardens teamed up with BP Solar, a global leader in solar energy, to offer solar panels at no additional cost and reduce electric bills by up to 60 percent per... 

Chicago’s Historic Places Revitalized; 22 Properties to Be Honored at Landmark Preservation Awards

The mansions of magnates, the hotel of presidents, the turn-of-the-century homes of Chicagoans, and other community treasures have recently been restored with special attention to historic architectural features. These and other Landmark buildings and their owners, 22 in all, honored today with the Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence. ADVERTISEMENT “It’s an honor to recognize these outstanding citizens who are truly dedicated... 

Ratcliff Designs New Energy-Efficient Windrush School Building to Take Advantage of Its Environment and Achieve a LEED(R) Gold Rating

On September 2, Windrush School students will return to school and receive hands-on environmental science lessons — indoors. These lucky El Cerrito elementary and middle school students will be learning to make the most of their innovative new library and classrooms, some of the greenest learning spaces in the Bay Area. The building is expected to achieve a “Gold” rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in... 

The Galleries at Turney Designed by [merz] project

The Galleries at Turney is the first new residential project in Arizona to achieve LEED-H certification. Located near the Biltmore shopping area, The Galleries consists of eight residences in a quiet gated enclave with spectacular views of the downtown Phoenix skyline and the surrounding natural beauty of Camelback Mountain and the Phoenix North Mountain Preserve.

Builders FirstSource Signs On to Certified Green Dealer Program

Builders FirstSource Inc. announced today that it has signed on to the Certified Green Dealer(tm) Program. Builders FirstSource will certify our retail distribution centers through the program. Certified Green Dealer(tm) is a Web-based “distance learning” program that uses online multi-media training and printed resource materials to educate and certify building material dealers as sources of information about green building and green...