What is LEED? LEED is the USGBC’s prestigious and globally recognized rating system that says to the world that, “this building is environmentally responsible to the internal (people in the building) and external environment (the planet). USGBC stands for U.S. Green Building Council, and they are the leaders in green building recognition. LEED stands for… more info
The best light bulbs to buy
What are the best light bulbs to buy? June 6, 2017 Are you wondering, what are the best light bulbs to buy, or are you considered replacing your lights at home to save money on your power bill? If so, there are four main factors you need to consider when determining what the best replacement light… more info
What is LEED for Cities?
What is LEED for Cities? May 22, 2017 LEED for buildings is well-known and widely recognized as the shape of sustainable architecture to come; more than 1.85 million square feet of new or refurbished structures are certified every single day. But what is LEED for cities, and how does it affect the future of building… more info
LEED History
Looking Back: LEED History August 8, 2016 By Megan Rosa Sustainability Analyst Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) Buildings are responsible for enormous amounts of energy use and carbon dioxide emissions which calls for the demand of more sustainable working and living conditions. In this article, let’s take a look at LEED History and how it has… more info
A Big Earth Week in the Big Apple
Earth Week is always a busy time for Sustainable Investment Group (SIG), and 2017 was no exception. Here is a brief recap of our activities in New York, and what we did to help celebrate Earth Day and Earth Week with our clients. Earth Week in New York SIG’s, Asa Posner, spent his Earth Week supporting… more info
How Green Buildings Reduce Carbon Dioxide
As the serious consequences of climate change have been better understood by modern climate models, focus has rested on the reduction in overall carbon dioxide emissions. While the effects of carbon dioxide on the climate are taught in most schools in the United States, and the pictures of the so-called “greenhouse effect” on climate are… more info
Easy ways to make your building healthier – strategies from the WELL Building Standard
Health and Wellness seems to be quite the buzzword these days. Personally, I love my Fitbit which has helped me lose 19 lbs over the last two months. McKinsey and Company has said that wellness is the next trillion-dollar industry, and considering how many people are more conscious of their health today, I believe they… more info
8 things you need to know about BREEAM
What is BREEAM? First things first, BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. Simply put, BREEAM is a protocol and process for researching building design and construction to ensure that it meets environmental standards. Who started BREEAM? The Building Research Establishment, a private organization based in the United Kingdom, created the BREEAM beginning… more info
The Benefits of Commissioning
Commissioning is often cited as one of the most useful ways to incorporate green building techniques into commercial real estate, but, like many industry standards or practices, can seem dense and difficult to understand for the uninitiated. However, because it is so important in modern building construction and renovation, it’s worth delving into what commissioning… more info
The Importance of a Waste Management Plan
By Alex Shim Sustainability Analyst LEED Green Associate Sustainable Investment Group (SIG) When was the last time you thought about the trash you threw away? If you think about it now, did you throw it in a recycling or trash bin? To ensure that waste is diverted from landfills as much as possible, we encourage… more info