Resources
On this page, we've pulled together a list of what we consider to be useful web resources to assist you in your search for more information about green building. These web sites are arranged by the general topics listed below.
This list is by no means exhaustive and we don't necessarily endorse any viewpoints contained in these sites. Please help us keep this site current by letting us know of any great sites you've come across, and of any broken links you encounter.
On this page:
- Architects and Consultants
- Blogs and Publications
- Building Designs
- Building Guides
- For the Green Consumer
- Green Lifestyle
- Local
- Natural Building Specific
- Renewable Energy
- Research
- Search Engine Sites and Databases
- Video and Radio
- Volunteer and Employment Organizations
ARCHITECTS and CONSULTANTS
www.aia.org/advocacy/local/AIAB081637?dvid=&recspec=AIAB081637
The American Institute of Architects has created a focus on green building by concentrating on reducing the impact of the built environment on the natural world. Through their Local Leaders in Sustainability initiative the AIA has instituted national attention to solutions-based innovation.
http://bet.rmi.org/
The Built Environment Team (BET) are an international leader in the green building industry and serve as both consultants and a conceptual think-tank to enhance collaboration between all aspects of the built environment and facilitate implementation of sustainable high-performance solutions through collaborative integrated design.
www.coldhamandhartman.com/about.php
Coldham and Hartman Architects is a firm based out of Amherst, MA that emphasizes ecologically intelligent design to a high order of aesthetic refinement.
http://jasonmclennan.com/about.html
A speaker, writer and consultant, Jason McLennan is devoted to sustainable design as a necessity for future development. His website offers a glimpse into his own work, as well as an opportunity to contact him.
http://michellekaufmann.com/category/blog/
This blog written by LEED certified architect Michelle Kaufman includes an array of resources ranging from eco-resorts to designer products, from interviews to current events. Check it out!
www.secretbasedesign.com/index.html
Secret Base Design specializes in straw bale construction with experience in geothermal, passive solar and wood heat. By focusing on strength, function and beauty through an ecological approach, this design firm actively promotes green building as not just a trend, but as an architectural paradigm shift.
www.simpaticohomes.com/
An architecture firm dedicated to form, function and footprint, Simpatico Homes centers on making sustainable, yet aesthetically pleasing homes affordable.
http://slowlab.net/slow_design.html
Slow Design is a framework modeled after the tenets of the Slow Food movement. It promotes the appreciation of materials, spaces and artifacts through a delibrate approach to architecture.
BLOGS AND PUBLICATIONS
http://earth2tech.com/?utm_source=earth2tech&utm_medium=brand
Launched by the GigaOm Network, Earth2Tech is designed to create an interactive environment for those interested in clean technologies and innovations.
http://debralynndadd.com/
An experienced blogger, Debra Lynn Dadd addresses issues concerning non-toxic products, green products and living as nature does.
www.globalgreen.org/
Global Green is a national non-profit committed to fostering a global value shift toward sustainable lifestyle choices. Comprised of publications, blogs, videos and news briefs this website provides a comprehensive approach to green living.
http://greenbuildingelements.com/
At Green Building Elements, home owners and LEED accredited professional alike can exchange ideas on green and renewable building materials, current projects in sustainable architecture and progressive urban planning, and local guidelines for creating green structures in different regions of the U.S. Designed as an open forum blog, experts contribute, but anyone can learn!
http://greenbuildingmatters.blogspot.com/
This blog documents the experience of building a green structure, developing eco-communities, becoming a greener business, and addressing challenges and opportunities with building green.
http://greendatabase.wordpress.com/about/
Greendatabase.org is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the environment by educating people through an exchange blogs concerned with green-related topics.
www.greenlivingjournal.com/
The Green Living Journal includes articles on topical environmental issues, book reviews and offers advice for socially responsible living.
www.green-trust.org/wordpress/
Green Trust magazine offers a multi-media approach to reliable information about renewable energy and self-sufficiency.
http://greensource.construction.com/Default.asp
Green Source magazine focuses on green design at the crux of its news. Staying current and relevant, daily articles, forums and blogs encourage an educated public.
www.jetsongreen.com
Jetson Green is a daily updated site about green building that includes sustainable architecture, good design, green prefab, clean technology in the built environment, affordable housing, and eco-friendly development. They publish about 8-10 articles a week on the newest, freshest, and most unique topics.
www.jlconline.com/cgi-bin/jlconline.storefront
The Journal of Light Construction is a monthly magazine published by Hanley Wood, LLC. Since 1982 they have provided residential and light commercial contractors with practical jobsite advice, design ideas, tool reviews and new product recommendations.
http://simpleearthmedia.com/about/
Simple Earth Media is an environmental new media and social media company whose mission is to create an educational network of environmental online venues, including newsletters, videos and podcasts that engage an aware audience concerned with sustainable lifestyle habits and business practices.
www.treehugger.com
This diverse website offers variety resources for a "greener" lifestyle, including a weekly newsletter, topical stories and networking opportunities.
BUILDING DESIGNS
www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SolarHomes/PasSolEnergyBk/PSEbook.htm
An interactive book review for Passive Solar Energy-The Homeowner's Guide to Natural Heating and Cooling, this website includes an option to download the book and explore key chapters.
www.dreamgreenhomes.com/index.htm
This website gives detailed plans for alternative building designs, making it possible to envision your "dream green home".
www.freegreen.com/Default.aspx
Started by Cornell Alumni, this website offers free house plans and affordable home design services to all homeowners.
www.greenhomebuilding.com/index.htm
This website offers an in-depth synopsis of a variety of green building methods, as well as resource links to related books and websites.
BUILDING GUIDES
www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees/
Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES) software measures the environmental performance of building products by using the life-cycle assessment approach. Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Building and Fire Research Laboratory the tool is based on consensus standards and designed to be practical, flexible, and transparent. Download it here!
www.buildinggreen.com/
The leading provider of thorough product information and practicable advice, this website offers a rich array of media and information resources.
www.builditgreen.org/
Founded in California, this website offers resources for primarily Californians, however it contains alternative rating systems and advice for building "greener" across the globe.
www.buildingscience.com/
Building Science provides objective, high quality information about building physics, system design concepts and awareness, in addition to consulting services, publications and seminars.
www.dcat.net/index.php
The Development Center for Appropriate Technology (DCAT) works to promote sustainable construction through leadership and education. Located in Arizona this organization has been working on resource guides, workshops, creating alternative building codes and many other activities. Go to their website to learn more!
www.eoearth.org/article/Green_Building_Standards
The Encyclopedia of the Earth has created an article outlining green building standards through the lens of federal, state and non-profit policies.
www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/
A comprehensive site that has tips for designing, building and remodeling a green home, the Green Building Advisor offers product lists, blogs and videos.
www.greenbuildingtalk.com/
A green building forum, this site enables homeowners to receive price quotes from green contractors or contact them directly through a comprehensive directory.
www.greenandsave.com/homecheckup/free_federal_tax_incentive_decoder
The American Recovery Act provided opportunities for homeowners to make smarter and more affordable building decisions. The Green De-Coder will help you to understand information about reducing utility costs, producing power, financing options, buying your first home, buying a new car and resources for state incentives.
http://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/tools/criteria/
Enterprise's Green Communities Criteria addresses aspects of design, development and operations. It includes integrated design, maintenance costs, water conservation and neighborhood well-being, as well as an assortment of other qualifications in order to promote sustainable development in affordable housing.
www.habitat.org/env/Construction_Standards.aspx
Habitat for Humanity has created a framework for sustainable construction that corresponds to their dedication to affordable and efficient housing.
www.hometips.com/
From buying guides to installation this website offers helpful resources for home improvement.
www.nysba.com/newsite/index.php?q=node/327
New York State Builders Association provides resources, including research opportunities and endorsed programs for the New York State builder.
www.rateitgreen.com/
Rate It Green is an online community that promotes sustainable building through forums, product and service reviews and industries guides. Green Building 101, their industry guide, is a quick and easy way to learn the essentials of green building without wasting time.
www.sustainablecitiesinstitute.org/view/page.home/home
The Sustainable Cities Institute is a compilation of best practices for the green builder.
FOR THE GREEN CONSUMER
www.dragonboard.us/aboutus.php
Dragon Board is a construction panel that is manufactured from mineral components and water, making it both completely durable and ecologically safe.
www.earthsense.com/
Earth Sense is an applied marketing company that informs the consumer about green products and strategies. From brand strategy and product development to effective marketing and customer management initiatives this company is dedicated to the fostering of a confident and sustainable consumer.
www.ecosupplycenter.com/
ECO Supply is an East Coast distributor of green building materials, both for residential and commercial use.
www.ecovativedesign.com/
Dedicated to removing unsustainable plastics and foams with natural combustibles, Ecovactive educates the consumer, as well as offering affordable purchasing options.
www.efi.org/
Energy Federation Incorporated is an access point to buy wholesale, utility or consumer level products that are Energy Star certified.
http://www.greenformat.com/
Green Format is a web-based program developed by CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) to allow manufacturers to accurately report the sustainability of their products. In turn, contractors, homeowners, designers can all take advantage of this resource in order to find products that meet "green" requirements.
www.pharosproject.net/
The Pharos Project aims to put the control back into the hands of the consumer by providing a comprehensive analysis of products and processes so as to make smart purchasing decisions.
GREEN LIFESTYLE
www.cbsm.com/public/world.lasso
The site includes the complete contents of the book, Fostering Sustainable Behavior, as well as searchable databases of articles, case studies, turnkey strategies and discussion forums for sharing information and asking questions of others.
http://designbuildlive.org/about.html
Design~Build~Live is a grassroots organization that stemmed from a collective desire to build sustainably. It has now reached beyond Austin, TX to reach a wider audience through its dedication to outreach and education.
www.dovetailinc.org/
Dovetail Partners provides authoritative information about the impacts and trade-offs of environmental decisions, including consumption choices, land use, and policy alternatives.
www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/index.htm
The Environmental Protection Agency has compiled vital information about the importance and potential of green building today, as well as provided specific details for the homeowner about funding opportunities and awards.
www.sierraclubgreenhome.com/
The Sierra Club's green home page gives advice and offers solutions to make your home green and healthy.
LOCAL
www.fingerlakesbuygreen.org/
Finger Lakes Buy Green is a guide to establishing green purchasing choices in the Finger Lakes region.
http://fingerlakesreuse.org/
Finger Lakes Reuse Center is a non-profit that focuses on deconstruction and the reselling of recycled materials.
http://greenresourcehub.org/site/view/15
The Green Resource Hub is an Ithaca-based non-profit that aims to expand the market for more sustainable lifestyle choices. This site includes ways to help out with the organization, as well as a directory of local green businesses.
www.ithacagreenbuilding.org/
The Ithaca Green Building Alliance that promotes sustainable building practices through outreach and awareness. Composed of people in the green building industry and related fields, this organization emphasizes growth through a knowledgeable exchange.
www.ithacanhs.org/
Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services strives to aid people seeking affordable housing through home buyer education and counseling, home purchase assistance, rental housing and home improvement assistance.
NATURAL BUILDING SPECIFIC
www.naturalbuildingsite.net/
The aim of this project is to design and construct a code-approved building, using natural materials, that is environmentally-sensitive, healthy and attractive yet still affordable to build and maintain.
http://nbnetwork.org/
Natural Building Network is a not-for-profit membership association promoting natural building principles, materials and practitioners worldwide.
www.potkettleblack.com/natbild/
Through photo documentation this photo gallery of natural building provides information about construction methods, colloquiums and interesting projects from around the world.
http://strawbale.pbworks.com/Natural-Building-Resources
Offering a variety of resource guides, both for education and networking, this site is beneficial for learning more about natural building.
www.strawhomes.com/
The Last Straw (TLS) is the international journal of straw bale and natural building since 1993. In addition to the publication, TLS offers a blog and registry so as to stay current with new resources.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
www.dsireusa.org
This site is a searchable comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
www.buildingwithawareness.com/movies_excerpt2B.html
This 5-minute excerpt from "Building with Awareness" shows how passive solar design principles and proper window placement can help to heat and cool a green home throughout the year.
http://homepower.com/home/
An editorial venue for homeowners, business owners, and renewable energy professionals to exchange equipment, design, installation, and system performance experiences in order to make informed and fiscally responsible decisions about alternative home energy.
www.solaramericacities.energy.gov/resources/guide_for_local_governments/
The U.S. Department of Energy compiled a cmprehensive resource to aid local governments and stakeholders in developing sustainable solar markets. The guide discusses a breadth of policy and program options that have already been successfully tested in cities around the country.
www.windpoweringamerica.gov
This website provides information about all aspects of wind energy.
RESEARCH
http://cusd.cornell.edu/
The Cornell University Solar Decathlon team participates every two years in an international competition to build the most efficient, entirely solar-powered home within certain parameters. Visit the website to learn more!
http://gdi.ce.cmu.edu/
The Green Design Institute at Carnegie Mellon is a major interdisciplinary education and research effort to make an impact on environmental quality through green design. The central idea of the institute is to form partnerships with companies, government agencies and foundations to develop pioneering design, management, manufacturing, and regulatory processes that can improve environmental quality and product quality while enhancing economic development.
www.sustainablefuture.cornell.edu/index.php
The Cornell University Center fro a Sustainable Future is targeted to advancing multidisciplinary research and cultivating innovative collaborations within and beyond Cornell to foster a sustainable future.
SEARCH ENGINE SITES and DATABASES
www.greenbuildingpages.com/
This database of green products enables the consumer to make informed purchasing decisions and search for sustainable products.
http://greenhomeguide.com/findapro
Green Home Guide is a database of green building professionals that allows you to search by your area and by specialty.
www.greenmaven.com/
Green Maven is a gateway to the Green Web. It is a search engine that showcases green websites to make web surfing easier!
www.livingeconomies.org/
The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) is North America's fastest growing network of socially responsible businesses, comprised of over 80 community networks representing over 21,000 independent business members across the U.S. and Canada.
http://smartercities.nrdc.org/
Smarter Cities is a project of the Natural Resource Defense Fund that allows for an individual to research "smart" options in their own city. Whether it be solar panel installers or recycling sites, this site is an access point for a greener cities.
www.warrenkarlenzig.com/
Sustainability Digest is a condensed news site from around the sustainability and ecology web.
VIDEO and RADIO
www.cchange.net/
Sea Change is a nationally syndicated weekly radio show and podcast covering the shift to social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
www.e2-series.com/
The e2 series is a critically acclaimed series about the innovators and pioneers who envision a better quality of life on earth: socially, culturally, economically and ecologically.
www.gogreentube.com/
GoGreen Tube is a green focused hub of videos that promote a fun and lighter means of living on the planet.
www.pbs.org/greenbuilders/
This website offers green building videos in order to promote a paradigm shift in the built environment.
www.thestream.tv/watch.php?v=136
Green Health Live is interactive entertainment, broadcasting live television to inform people about green lifestyles and highlights eco-friendly stories that address health concerns.
VOLUNTEER / EMPLOYMENT ORGANIZATIONS
www.rcac.org/
The Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) is a nonprofit organization that provides technical assistance, training and financing so rural communities achieve their goals and visions. Headquartered in West Sacramento, California, RCAC's more than 100 employees serve rural communities from 40 field locations in 13 western states, plus the Western Pacific.
www.vsjf.org/
Vermont Sustainable Job Finder uses early stage grant funding and technical assistance to catalyze and accelerate the development of markets for sustainably produced goods and services.
