GAB Report library

Sustainability


  • Triple Bottom-Line Bank Is Net Zero Ready

    Triple Bottom-Line Bank Is Net Zero Ready

    Beneficial State Bank has a challenge for its customers and depositors. It is to “build something beautiful.” For its new headquarters in Oakland, California, the bank commissioned Gelfand Partners Architects to realize the bank’s mission of community and sustainability through the remodel of an office suite in an existing downtown building. The 6,680 square foot…

  • The Online “Matchmaker + Wedding Planner” for Green Home Building Industry

    The Online “Matchmaker + Wedding Planner” for Green Home Building Industry

    I’m very excited to announce a new online service created for the home building and improvement industry and developed by my close friend and fellow UC Berkeley CED alum, Grace Tsao Mase. Her company Beyrep is a “Matchmaker” and “Wedding Planner” combo package in one. Grace has not only created an online matchmaking service for…

  • Calling for Nominees for the California ZNE School Awards

    Calling for Nominees for the California ZNE School Awards

    With 27 zero net energy (ZNE) schools operating or planned, California is leading the nation in driving K-12 schools and community colleges to ZNE performance. These projects represent high performance buildings that combine energy efficiency and renewable resources to produce at least as much energy as they consume annually. To honor early innovation and leadership…

  • Partner in Reconciliation: Building for the Indigenous People of Canada

    Partner in Reconciliation: Building for the Indigenous People of Canada

    The University of British Columbia (UBC) was honoured with a Sustainability Award from APPA: Leadership in Educational Facilities, for the second time in six years in August of 2017. It was a no brainer to have AYO Smart Home’s Pilot House share this stunning and innovative campus. The idea for the AYO Smart Home came…

  • Webinar: More with Less: An Overview of the First CLT Hotel in the U.S.

    Webinar: More with Less: An Overview of the First CLT Hotel in the U.S.

    A free webinar, More with Less: An Overview of the First CLT Hotel in the U.S., from the WoodWorks Wood Products Council will take place on August 9th 12:00 – 1:00 PM Central time. The availability of cross laminated timber (CLT) in the U.S. is causing some designers to rethink traditional construction practices—and one progressive development…

  • It’s Time to Provide Leadership

    It’s Time to Provide Leadership

    Hosted by the USGBC Northern California Chapter and following a hiatus since its last conference, GreenerBuilder 2017 came back strong and was a stimulating success, well attended by over 360 attendees. It took place at the Zero Net Energy Center in San Leandro, California, a 1980s tilt-up building that has been transformed into a breathable…

  • GreenerBuilder 2017

    GreenerBuilder 2017

    The What: GeenerBuilder gathers hundreds of Northern California professionals to learn about key trends in the green building market; to hear what owners and developers are looking for; and to make important connections with fellow industry leaders. The daylong conference delivers what you need to be at the forefront of greening the built environment. Highlights…

  • Student Competition: INNOVATION 2030

    Student Competition: INNOVATION 2030

    Climate change is the design challenge of our time. Architects play a critical role in addressing both the causes and effects of climate change. Design is the key to producing a built environment that adapts to projected climate impacts, protects inhabitants during unanticipated stresses, and produces no greenhouse gas emissions. INNOVATION 2030 is a student…

  • Fighting for Our Message: Energy Efficiency and Beyond

    Fighting for Our Message: Energy Efficiency and Beyond

    The 2017 Beyond Energy Efficiency Conference hosted by Build It Green was an inspirational success, well attended by over 250 attendees including 43 speakers and 13 exhibitors. It took place at the Zero Net Energy Center in San Leandro, California, a training center for electrical apprentices from IBEW Local 595 and NECA, and the first…

  • Student Competition: Czech Off-Grid Houses

    Student Competition: Czech Off-Grid Houses

    What more could a successful project wish for? Attention and continuity! Project Czech Off-Grid Houses has launched its second year of operations this February through a visionary architectural competition targeted at students of major Czech universities. Hundreds of architecture students are expected to come up with a detailed draft plans for evolutionary off-grid housing systems. The…