GAB Report library
Buildings
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San Francisco Exploratorium’s New Home to Become Largest U.S. Net-Zero Energy Museum
Salty air breezes off of the Bay. Seagulls are flying about. A six foot diameter concrete pile gets driven into the sea floor. An energizing hum of activity reverberates throughout a waterfront construction site–the future new home of San Francisco’s Exploratorium. In October of 2010, the Exploratorium–the Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception, broke…
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Energy Strategy Brings About ROI for Santa Clara University
Few universities can claim to have a 1-megawatt solar PV system, a wind turbine, a 60-collector solar thermal system, and a smart microgrid system that monitors and regulates the campus energy sources. Santa Clara University isn’t afraid of experimenting with renewable, clean technology that will help it work towards achieving reduced energy consumption and climate…
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A Green Transformation of Eichler House Model MS-134
My first in-depth encounter with Eichler homes was a few years ago on a blazing hot 90°F Saturday afternoon in Palo Alto, California. I participated in a self-guided Eichler Home Tour which benefited Habitat for Humanity. It was such a treat to get a glimpse into what lay within the Eichler homes that modernized the…
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Ecobuild 2011: A Global Exchange of Green Building Knowledge
Grey skies with a hint of spring and a peek of sunshine. I called London my adopted home for a few days last week while I attended Ecobuild 2011, held at ExCel London, from March 1st through 3rd. It was called “the world’s biggest event for sustainable design, construction and the built environment and the…
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Cradle to Cradle and Beyond
Warren Buffet, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Ford, Brad Pitt, and me. What do we have in common? We all believe in the power of William McDonough—architect, instigator, and inspirer of change and optimism. During my senior year design studio, Professor Galen Cranz organized a field trip to New York City to meet architects at the forefront…
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Post-Occupancy Evaluation of a LEED Certified Building
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to experience a LEED certified building as a user. On our drive to Los Angeles, my husband and I had to stop by a DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) so we randomly selected the DMV in the City of Tracy, California. Upon reaching the service counter after a…
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West Coast Green 2010: Brilliant Minds and Green Innovations
Every year, I look forward to attending West Coast Green in San Francisco. It’s a chance for me to learn about new building products/technologies, get inspired by industry leaders, and connect with fellow “green” enthusiasts. It will take place on September 30 – October 2, 2010 at the Fort Mason Center located along the San…
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SchoolPictures.com Deconstructs Its Way to LEED Silver
Domino’s Pizza, Ave Maria College, and SchoolPictures.com. How are these 3 connected? The new headquarters of SchoolPictures.com is housed in buildings that used to belong to Ave Maria College which was founded by Thomas S. Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s Pizza. But more important than that fact is that SchoolPictures.com’s new home will become the…
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New Directions for Living Roofs and Walls
The evolving technology of green roofs has been leading to the use of greater diversity in their designs. After years of implementing green roof designs, the industry has seen a steady move towards more diversity in both elements of construction and plant materials. What is most fascinating of the improvement in green roof design is…
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Fresh & Easy’s Lower Energy Bills Translate into Cost Savings for Customers
We’ve all experienced the typical grocery or big-box store that uses excessive energy. The same thoughts get recycled over and over in my head during shopping trips: Why do I have to freeze in the refrigerated aisles? Do all the lights really need to be turned on? Are there opportunities to bring in natural light? …