Projects / Products / Research / Policy
The GAB Report Library
Projects, products, research, policy, and practical intelligence from across the sustainable built environment.
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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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Architect Hatches an Eco-Conscious Egg Shelter
Unaffordable rental prices in Beijing inspired Dai Haifei (戴海飞), a 24-year old newly graduated architect, to create an eco-conscious makeshift home. His “egg house” features two wheels, sack bags, bamboo splints, wood chippings, grass seeds, a water tank and solar panel, and 130 square feet of “living” space. In 2009 when I was interning for…
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Green Plywood Alternative Begins Full Production After Successful Trials
2K Manufacturing, the Luton based company that has pioneered the revolutionary environmentally-friendly EcoSheet, has commenced full production after successful trials with many of the UK’s leading construction companies. The first orders amounting to over 8,000 sheets have been placed. EcoSheet is a ground-breaking plywood replacement board made entirely from unwanted waste plastic. It has been…
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Vancouver Convention Centre’s 6-Acre Living Roof
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OX0JHdVd27o By borrowing from nature and maximizing science and technology, the Vancouver Convention Centre has assembled plant groups for its living roof. This innovative project brings in a new level of ecology and habitat to the urban landscape, and will fluctuate and change over time. By connecting the interior design with the spectacular natural landscape…
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Top Ten Green Building Trends for 2011
Earth Advantage Institute, a leading nonprofit green building resource and research organization that has certified more than 11,000 sustainable homes, today announced its annual selection of top ten green building trends to watch for over the next 12 months. The trends, which range from “affordable green” to lifecycle analysis of materials, were identified by Earth…
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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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Rubber Tires Find New Life as Modular Flooring Tiles
During a road trip from San Francisco to Southern California, I observed the many facets of the landscape: beautiful rolling valleys, pervasive big box stores, and stockpiles of vehicle tires piled high and awaiting their uncertain future. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, this is prevalent throughout the United States scenery. California has been actively finding ways…
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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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Introducing a Green Replacement for Plywood
Can the construction industry help divert plastics from the world-wide waste stream? Could a green replacement for plywood be one of the ways to help solve the problem? During my attendance at Ecobuild 2010 in London earlier this year, I came upon a smartly designed exhibitor booth. I was drawn to its interactive displays, see-through…
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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…