For your convenience, we've gathered a partial list of green building resources. But this is only a starting point. Many of the websites and other resources below will lead to still more valuable information, green building tools, case studies, etc. When you find a green building resource you think is particularly valuable, please let us know so that we can add it to this list.
New Buildings Institute (www.newbuildings.org)
- Works with national, regional, state and utility groups to promote improved energy performance in commercial new construction, managing projects involving building research, design guidelines and code activities.
- Website includes research on various heating and cooling issues related to energy use and efficiency.
Green Globes (www.greenglobes.com)
- Assessment and rating system used in U.S. and Canada.
- Uses online tools for assessment and guidance to incorporate green elements in projects.
- Applies to new and existing buildings, design and operation.
- Evolved from Canada's Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).
- Operated in U.S. by the Green Building Initiative (www.thegbi.org).
- In Canada, version for existing buildings is operated by BOMA Canada as 'Go Green' (www.bomabest.com).
Green Building Initiative (www.thegbi.com)
- Mission: Accelerate adoption of building practices for energy-efficient, healthier, environmentally-sustainable buildings.
- Residential and commercial applications.
- Operates Green Globes assessment and rating system in U.S.
- Partner with National Association of Home Builders to develop Model Green Home Building Guidelines.
NAHB National Green Building Program (www.nahbgreen.org)
- Objective: Move green building practices into the mainstream.
- Resources and tools for home builders, contractors, homeowners.
- Developed ANSI-approved National Green Building Standard for single and multifamily homes, residential remodeling and site development projects.
- Developed voluntary Model Green Home Buidling Guidelines
- Offers national certification for builders and other industry professionals.
Greenbuild365.org (www.greenbuild365.org)
- An online portal to green building education with extensive resources for designers, engineers, contractors and others involved in sustainable design.
- Includes catalog of more than 80 courses on various green building topics that are available either live or online, many available 24/7. Many courses are free.
- Courses available from 100 level (basic understanding) to 400 level (mastery).
- 'Greenbytes section' includes videos, podcasts and articles that can viewed online and/or downloaded.
- Includes library of Greenbuild Expo conference proceedings, keynote addresses, etc.
World Business Council for Sustainable Development (www.wbcsd.org)
- International business organization devoted to promoting business leadership in sustainable development.
- Numerous reports and publications on energy and climate, business solutions for sustainable development, the business role in sustainable development and specific projects.
- News and case studies
- Free e-newsletters (registration required) on business and sustainable development, water and sustainable development, energy and climate, etc.
U.S. Department of Energy, Smart Communities Network (www.sustainable.doe.gov)
- Rich collection of information and resources on a wide variety of sustainability issues, including green building and green building rating systems
- Material on commercial and residential building
- Collection of green building articles and links to public and private green building programs
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (www.eere.energy.gov)
- Energy information portal to hundreds of websites and thousands of online documents
- Gateway to large variety of DOE offices and programs
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Financial Assistance (www.eere.energy.gov/financing)
- Details how to apply for grants and other funding
- Many application documents available for download
- Comprehensive information on financial assistance programs available to business and other other organizations for energy projects from the DOE/EERE
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Green Buildings (http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/greenbuilding/index.htm)
- Extensive information on green building and various types of structure
- Resources on indoor air quality, the indoor environment, HVAC maintenance and housekeeping
USGBC Green Home Guide (www.greenhomeguide.org)
- Comprehensive information on the USGBC LEED for Homes rating system, plus more than 70 other regional and local green home building programs.
- Explains the elements of what makes a home green
- Profiles of green home projects throughout the U.S.
- Listing of LEED for Home training and workshop opportunities, live and online.
U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org)
- A lead organization in the green building movement.
- Developer of the LEED green building rating system
- National, non-profit, consensus-driven
- Comprised of more than 1,500 organizations, including building product manufacturers, architectural and engineering firms, non-profits, schools, universities and government agencies.
- The starting point for understanding LEED certification and for registering LEED-eligible projects.
Greener Buildings (www.greenerbuildings.com)
- A partnership between the USGBC and GreenBiz.com
- A resource center for environmentally responsible building development
- Excellent background reports on topics including architecture and design, energy and water use, and facility management
- Green building tools and resources.
GreenBiz.com (www.greenbiz.com)
- Program of the National Environmental Education & Training Foundation
- Resource center "on business, the environment and the bottom line."
- Business Toolbox with hundreds of reports, backgrounders, how �to articles and tools
- Listing of government programs aimed at helping companies with environmental and economic performance
- Reviews of hundreds of business/environment web sites
Whole Buildings Design Guide (www.wbdg.org)
- Created by the National Institute of Building Science
- Information and resources for whole building design and project management
- Tools for design and analysis, energy analysis, life-cycle costing, etc.
Sustainable Buildings Industry Council (www.sbicouncil.org)
- Nonprofit organization with mission "to advance the design, affordability, energy performance, and environmental soundness of America's buildings."
- Offers software, videos and training on sustainability issues
Advanced buildings Technologies and Practices (www.advancedbuildings.org)
- Information on technologies and practices that improve the energy and resource efficiency of commercial and multi-unit residential buildings
- Variety of downloadable reports, case studies, other resources
- Includes links to Canadian and U.S. resources
International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment (www.greenbuilding.ca)
- International non-profit to promote green building policies, methods and tools
- Link to Green Building Policies Network
- Links to Sustainable Building Information System, database of downloadable documents (paid membership required).
BuildingGreen.com (www.buildinggreen.com)
- Paid site from publishers of the Environmental Building News newsletter
- Articles, cases studies, references and GreenSpec green product information service
FlexYourPower (www.fypower.org)
- California energy efficiency marketing and outreach program in partnership with utilities.
- Information and case studies on residential, commerical, industrial and institutional energy savings.
- Best practices guides showcase successful energy savings/management strategies for various types of buildings.
Energy Star (www.energystar.gov)
- Offers information on ways to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses.
- Guide to Energy Star rated products including HVAC equipment such as air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps and boilers.
- Guides to saving energy by sealing the home and energy-efficient heating/cooling available for download (PDF format)
- Includes resources for manufacturers, HVAC contractors and homebuilders.
GreenHomeGuide (www.greenhomeguide.com)
- Consumer-oriented site devoted to helping consumers green their homes
- Regional editions for San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York areas
- Articles and resources on home energy efficiency, saving water, etc.
- Green directory of products and organizations
