Autodesk, the CAD software giant, and the US Green Building Council have been collaborating in the research and development of a coordinated Building Information Management software system that links the design process with real-time updates of the environmental performance of the proposed building. This video provides a sneak preview of the design process of tomorrow.

In April 2006, Light House commissioned two focus groups to gauge British Columbians perceptions of the home renovation and improvement process along with their interest in (and understanding of) green building. Light House retained the services of Conscientious Innovation – a marketing and communications company that specializes in helping businesses talk about social responsibility with “substance and style”.

Green Buildings: An Appraiser's Perspective:

Ever wondered if those green investments are going to recoup a return? How do the professionals value green buildings anyway?

A modest 1,300sf home north of Seattle has been lovingly disassembled with a new home rebuilt from the components. Due to rising landfill costs, tighter recycling guidelines and the growing trend toward ecologically sound building methods, this sort of home “deconstruction,” as the practice is called, is starting to catch on. About 1,000 homes a year are disassembled this way, according to the US Building Materials Reuse Association, a nonprofit educational group in State College, Pa., which reports growing interest in the practice.

Where does this social expectation come from? Do we need to? The answer is probably not. North Americans are the most profligate users of potable water in the world. At a time when our fresh water supplies are under threat, we are consuming almost double that of the average European, Australian, Israeli, Saudi, etc.

I am pleased that EcoSmart's BPE Protocol and pilot building evaluations are now complete and ready for general use. There are a series of free, downloadable spreadsheets and guides which enable building owners, facility managers and consultants to learn about and improve their buildings.

Smart, sustainable material choices for your home and office (as appears in BIV 2007 GreenSpace magazine)

British Columbians are rapidly becoming aware of the energy and health impacts of the products used in home construction and renovation. The question is what to do.