Energy & Infrastructure

Architects, designers, and contractors are now commonly engaged in new construction, renovation and redesign projects intended to have smallest environmental and climate footprint possible. The factors that contribute to “green buildings” are fairly intuitive: energy efficiency and alternative energy sources, reduced water consumption, utilization of recycled materials, and low-emitting building materials and maintenance products. One of the cornerstones of this movement is the push for “healthy buildings,” addressing occupant health, comfort, and wellness. After all, the building’s primary function is to serve its occupants’ needs. As one would expect, it’s the details that matter, and risks abound. Fortunately, there are multiple rating systems and certifications available to help.

Our highway system is the backbone of America. Highways connect our cities. They allow us to visit relatives, live and work in separate places and take that family vacation. But, it’s also a place where 40,000 American lives are lost every year, and it’s the part of our transportation system that contributes an outsized proportion of carbon pollution to our environment.

Consumers Energy and DTE Energy today said they are accelerating plans to produce cleaner energy in Michigan, targeting at least a 50 percent Clean Energy Goal by 2030– achieved through a combination of investments in at least 25 percent renewable energy, and the remaining through energy efficiency.

Mohawk Group’s new flagship location in the Fashion District of New York City expresses the company’s commitment not only to stylish and innovative floor coverings but also to sustainable and wellness design.

Every year, 9 million tons of plastic waste ends up in the world’s oceans and could remain in marine environments for more than 450 years. This escalating problem deserves our attention, and today National Geographic is kicking off a multiyear initiative to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on our oceans. The comprehensive plan of action called “Planet or Plastic?” launches today and is tied to the June issue of National Geographic magazine, which is available online now and will hit newsstands on May 29.

AEG, the world’s leading sports and entertainment company, and its National Hockey League (NHL) franchise, the LA Kings, have formed a joint venture with BluEco Technology Group to introduce a revolutionary new BluEco Liquid Crystalline Turbex™ (LCT™) environmental technology for arenas and public facilities. The BluEco LCT System produces pure water while cleaning indoor air and significantly reducing energy costs for arena and facility operators and owners.

Las Vegas Sands, through its award-winning global sustainability program, Sands ECO360, is wholly committed to reducing its impact on the planet and is a leader in sustainable building development and Integrated Resort operations. Through these efforts, departments at all properties worldwide adhere to sustainable practices in all facets of business.

Last week, we flipped our calendars from April to May, and with that ushered in a landmark month in IWBI history – the one in which we'll launch the next version of WELL.

Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) today published its 2017 Sustainability Report. The company’s 12th annual report, themed Purpose + People + Action, documents the progress made against its 2020 sustainability goals and its stated commitment to making the world a better place. The report also prominently features Owens Corning employee stories and employee images as a testament to their contributions.

It is important for environmentalists to acknowledge each step back at the same time they celebrate every two steps forward. Credibility is lost if sustainability’s successes are trumpeted while ignoring its failures.