Latest news with #USGBC
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Building operators rapidly adopt streamlined green, health building pathways
This story was originally published on Facilities Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Facilities Dive newsletter. In June, the International WELL Building Institute, which provides certifications for health and well-being in buildings, announced that a streamlined pathway for projects pursuing both LEED and WELL certification has seen rapid uptake since being unveiled in April 2023. Total project space using the pathway more than tripled in less than two years, from 80 million to 250 million square feet, the organization says. The pathway is the result of a partnership between IWBI and the U.S. Green Building Council, which operates the building sustainability-focused LEED. It streamlines documentation for projects pursuing both certifications at the same time or that have already earned one of the certifications. More than 100 projects spanning 15 million square feet have achieved both LEED and WELL certifications using the pathway, reflecting a strong rise in global demand for the streamlined certification process, IWBI says. 'Better alignment between rating systems is critical to enabling building owners and project teams to pursue ambitious goals and demonstrate exceptional commitment and leadership in the built environment,' Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC, said in a statement. That alignment is evidenced by LEED v5, the latest version of the green building certification. LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance, or O+M, which applies to existing building projects focused on operational improvements, has about a quarter of its 26 points dedicated to indoor environmental quality, a key component of occupant health and well being. The easier path to obtain certifications centered on health and well-being is in contrast to tougher requirements for obtaining the highest level of green certifications. The new LEED v5, for example, has increased the number of certification points allocated to carbon-cutting measures. 'LEED v5 puts greater focus on sustainable building operations, Annalise Dum, senior vice president of sustainability at JLL, said in an analysis. 'Credits for plans to improve performance, alongside new categories for resilience and human impact, indicate the shift towards longer-term, dynamic sustainability measures.' There was also a large push to add support for operations and maintenance staff, Kat Wagenschutz, director of existing buildings at USGBC, told Facilities Dive. 'We made some shifts as far as there's an operations assessment and policy, and we added a prerequisite for human impact,' said Wagenschutz. 'There's [also] a credit for ensuring worker safety and training. We're not just looking at resource efficiency. There is a strong health component that is reflected in O+M in the points weighting.' Market emphasis on operational performance is increasingly driven by the demands of corporate tenants who are seeking space that support their net-zero commitments, JLL says in its analysis. Measures needed to obtain certification under the newest versions of LEED, and other rating systems like BREEAM – a UK sustainability assessment certification – may increase upfront costs and technical complexity, JLL says. 'We wanted to define Platinum [the highest LEED level] not only by achieving 80 points, but that these projects are really leaders in the areas of decarbonization and energy efficiency. So you'll see that in the rating system,' Wagenschutz said. For example, both LEED and BREEAM award points for advanced, more expensive HVAC systems that can adapt to changing energy demands and reduce operational carbon emissions; they also recognize the use of more environmentally friendly construction materials with lower embodied carbon footprints, requiring organizations to 'rethink procurement strategies to source new equipment and materials,' JLL says. But the pay-off is substantial and must be considered alongside capital expenses at the onset of projects, JLL says. Recommended Reading The often-overlooked shelter from the storm: green buildings Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The TurfMutt Foundation Offers Free Curriculum to Combat Kids' "Summer Slide"
Foundation encourages STEM learning at home & in public parks this summer LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the final bell rings at schools across the country, the TurfMutt Foundation offers its free environmental educational resources to parents, educators and caregivers to help combat summer learning loss (a.k.a. "summer slide"). The Foundation's lesson plans feature the popular TurfMutt cartoon characters to teach kids in grades K-8 about STEM concepts. "Summer months are crucial for kids' academic success," says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which has advocated for the use and care of green spaces for over 15 years. "By exploring the outdoors and learning about nature – through our curriculum and in the green space around us – kids can continue to develop critical thinking skills and retain knowledge in a fun way." The PlayPort at award-winning Waterfront Park, which is also home of the TurfMutt Great Lawn, serves as an example of a dynamic outdoor learning environment in public green space. The PlayPort pays homage to the Ohio River's rich cultural and industrial heritage with authentic artifacts converted to play structures and plenty of green space surrounding the playground for kids to explore. "Children are naturally curious, and places like the PlayPort provide a hands-on way for them to observe, experiment, and understand the world around them, reinforcing the principles taught in our curriculum," says Kiser. "It's the power of parks in action." The TurfMutt curriculum is designed for students in grades K-8 and includes a variety of resources that can be integrated into summer camps, home-based learning activities, and community programs. Download the TurfMutt lesson plans here or on the USGBC Learning Lab. Check out the TurfMutt Foundation's International Backyarding Fact Book to learn more about the power of parks and other green space around us. Sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with "backyarding" tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television and Mission Unstoppable shows on Saturday mornings. Media contact Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of the TurfMutt Foundation, 240-988-6243, debbi@ About the TurfMutt FoundationTurfMutt, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute's (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. Championed by Foundation spokesdog, Mulligan the TurfMutt, and through education partners such as Scholastic, Discovery and Weekly Reader, TurfMutt has taught students and teachers how to "save the planet, one yard at a time." Today, TurfMutt is an official USGBC® Education Partner and part of their global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt has been an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt's personal home habitat was featured in the 2017-2020 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. In 2024, the Great Lawn at Louisville's award-winning Waterfront Park on the Ohio River was renamed the TurfMutt Foundation Great Lawn as part of a $1 million sponsorship. More information at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TurfMutt Foundation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Reimagining Office Design with AI & Sustainability
In the constantly changing world of work where hybrid models, sustainability, and human-centric design are revolutionizing our spaces, Morpho Dimensions has emerged as a key player at the crossroads of innovation and architecture. We had the pleasure of chatting with Aryaman Vir, the visionary CEO of Morpho Dimensions. In conversation with him, we dive into how they are reshaping the future of office interiors. Aryaman shared insights on how Morpho is not just reimagining office environments but creating spaces that are dynamic, responsive, and ultimately designed for people, enhancing not just productivity but overall well-being. So, without beating around the bush, let's delve into it. 1. How does your mission to revolutionize interior design through technology influence your approach to office spaces, and what long-term change do you aim to drive in the industry? At Morpho Dimensions, our mission to reimagine interior design through technology is deeply embedded in our approach to office spaces. We envision a future where workspaces are not only efficient and agile but also intelligent, data-responsive, and tailored to human behavior. By integrating AI-driven design logic, data-backed space planning, and immersive visualization tools, we aim to make every square foot work harder, both for the business and the individual. In the long run, we aspire to redefine office interiors as dynamic systems that adapt in real-time to the needs of teams, rather than static, one-time investments. 2. How have tools like data, AI, and design visualizations transformed your design-build process, and what key benefits do they bring to clients? Data and AI have enabled us to take guesswork out of the equation. We now begin with data—space usage analytics, team behavior, and even climate data, to design more intuitively. AI helps optimize layouts based on business needs, while immersive design visualizations via VR/AR allow clients to experience their office before it's built. These tools not only accelerate decision-making but also reduce rework, align all stakeholders early in the process, and significantly cut down timelines and cost overruns. 3. Can you highlight one or two major projects that best reflect your approach and the impact it had on design, execution, or client outcomes? While many of our projects remain under NDA, one of the most illustrative examples of our design-build philosophy is our own headquarters, Morpho 41, located in Okhla Phase III, New Delhi. This 42,000 sq. ft. office building was conceived as a living prototype to embody our commitment to sustainability, technology integration, and human-centric design. Morpho 41 stands as Delhi's first USGBC and GBCI LEED Platinum Certified Office Building. The design emphasizes 100% daylit spaces, achieving energy cost savings of over 24% against ASHRAE benchmarks. Features such as treated fresh air units, water conservation systems, and resource optimization strategies underscore our dedication to creating environmentally responsible workspaces. The project also served as a testing ground for our proprietary SOUL (Sustainable, Optimized, Unique, Liveability) design philosophy. By integrating advanced technologies like AI-driven project management tools and immersive VR design previews, we streamlined the design and execution process, ensuring precision and efficiency. 4. How is Morpho Dimensions helping democratize office interiors, and what differentiates your model from others in the market? We believe that access to great design shouldn't be limited by scale. While many design-and-build firms lean heavily toward build efficiency, we bring a design-first ethos to every project, regardless of size. Our foundation lies in Morphogenesis—one of India's most awarded and globally respected architecture firms. With over 130 international and national design awards and a portfolio spanning more than 200 million square feet across commercial, institutional, residential, and hospitality segments, Morphogenesis has helped shape India's architectural identity for over 25 years. This backing equips Morpho Dimensions with deep-rooted design excellence and credibility. It allows us to approach each office space not just as a construction challenge, but as an opportunity to craft environments that are timeless, brand-aligned, and user-centric. We extend this design legacy with the efficiency of an agile DnB model, supported by a proprietary in-house tech stack that manages procurement, vendor performance, and construction progress in real time. This hybrid approach helps us deliver architecturally expressive yet cost-efficient workspaces to clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500s, without compromising on vision or execution. 5. With expansion plans and rising demand for flexible, sustainable workspaces, what's next for Morpho Dimensions, and how are you adapting to trends like hybrid work and automation? As the nature of work continues to evolve, so does our approach. We're now building more plug-and-play workstations, acoustically agile zones, and touchless technologies that support hybrid work patterns. Sustainability remains a core pillar, with dry construction, energy-smart systems, and locally sourced materials leading our toolkit.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Swatchbox Launches Second Life Samples™ to Help AEC Firms Reduce Material Sample Waste by Up to 90%
ELGIN, Ill., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Swatchbox, the leading material sample platform for architects and designers, has introduced a first-of-its-kind circular sampling program that has shown a reduction in material sample waste by up to 90% in participating architecture and design firms. The program, called Second Life Samples™, facilitates the take-back and reuse of material samples from architecture and design firms, diverting usable materials from landfills and placing them back into circulation for use by other building professionals. Since its launch in 2018, Swatchbox has provided free return services for samples ordered from the Swatchbox platform. The launch of Second Life Samples expands this service to include any material samples in complete, undamaged condition, whether they came from Swatchbox or somewhere else. This opens the door for firms to sustainably recirculate any material stored in their sample libraries that they no longer need for reference. Returned samples are analyzed and graded using a proprietary process that includes an AI visual engine to assess material condition and assign identifying information such as brand name, product line, and SKU. Once processed, the samples are stocked in Swatchbox fulfillment centers and made available on the Swatchbox platform for use by other architects and designers, restoring their value and diverting them from landfills. Unlabeled, discontinued, or lightly worn samples are made available to students and educators. Any material that is not recoverable due to damage is then processed through Swatchbox recycling partners. Swatchbox has completed a private beta of the program with key architecture and design partners in the U.S. and the U.K., including Gensler, Perkins + Will, Dewberry, and other practices. "For the first time, AEC professionals have a responsible, circular solution for the piles of color swatches, carpet squares, roof tiles, hardware kits, and other samples that end up cluttering their studios without any pathway to recycle or reuse them," said Jenni Betancourt, Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability at Dewberry. "With the Swatchbox Second Life Samples program, we've eliminated sample waste almost entirely from our offices." "At Swatchbox, we're architects first, and we're reshaping how the industry thinks about material sampling," said Benjamin Glunz, CEO of Swatchbox parent Anguleris. "Second Life strikes at a problem we know well: waste. Today, we're closing the loop on the sampling problem. Architects can now design smarter, move faster, and build a better world without sacrificing sustainability for innovation." Participation in the Swatchbox Second Life Samples program can contribute to AEC firms' progress toward sustainability certifications, such as LEED (USGBC), AIA 2030 Commitment, Living Building Challenge, and WELL Building Standard. The Second Life Samples program is open to Swatchbox firm partners throughout the U.S. and U.K. To learn more about the program and to apply to participate, visit About SwatchboxSwatchbox®, an Anguleris® brand, is the leading global platform for architects and designers to discover and request material samples—faster and more sustainably than ever before. With an expansive selection of samples for both interior and exteriors, lightning-fast shipping, and the most comprehensive sample reuse program in the world, Swatchbox is redefining material discovery and selection in the AEC industry. Architects and designers can explore Swatchbox at or download the Swatchbox Mobile App at Media ContactUpSpring646.722.8146anguleris@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Swatchbox Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Masdar City: A proven blueprint for sustainable urban development earns LEED platinum
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Masdar City has reinforced its position as the UAE's pioneering sustainable urban community with the award of the prestigious LEED Communities Platinum Certification for its Phase 1 project, under development. Masdar City was recognized in the LEED v4.1 Communities Plan & Design category, and it is the first time this certificate has been given to a project in Abu Dhabi. The award acknowledges Masdar City's commitment to exceeding rigorous sustainability standards for its development and buildings. The achievement further reinforces Masdar City's reputation as a world-class, climate-resilient community that is attracting a growing number of tenants drawn to its innovative and collaborative environment. "The international recognition achieved by Masdar City is evidence of the success of our sustainable development approach and reflects the efforts made toward establishing the community as a sustainability hub,' said Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director Sustainable Development from Masdar City. 'Our vision is to inspire cities to transform into more liveable, resilient, and sustainable places, based on innovation and collaboration while enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Our ambition for 2025, the year of community, is to enhance the experience of our people and our businesses while protecting the natural environment, revolutionising the way cities and communities are planned, developed, and operated.' 'At Masdar City we are constantly striving to push the boundaries of innovation for a more sustainable future, and the awarding of the LEED Platinum Certificate is a recognition of that,' said Gaurish Wagle, Manager, Sustainable Master Planning at Masdar City. 'We are determined to be a world leader in sustainable urban living and are doing so by meeting the highest standards, as this certificate proves.' Masdar City has established a reputation for setting the standard on sustainable urban development, excelling in master planning and integrating advanced green infrastructure, renewable energy, and low-carbon mobility solutions into its urban design. Phase 1 of the master plan not only met but surpassed LEED's strict performance standards across critical areas such as land use, transportation, energy systems, and community health. The LEED for Communities rating system, certified by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), evaluates the long-term sustainability and liveability of neighbourhoods and urban developments. The Plan & Design rating system evaluates community-scale master plans before construction, ensuring that critical elements like natural systems and ecology, quality of life, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, air quality, mobility, and community engagement are prioritized. This new award further builds upon a strong track record of LEED certifications, Masdar City is home to dozens of LEED-rated buildings, including one of the largest clusters of LEED Platinum buildings in the world, as well as several with LEED Operations & Maintenance (O+M) certifications.
