Blog Category: Green Building

Sustainable systems, well-sourced materials, sophisticated technology—they are no longer benchmarks. They are baselines, the foundation of any modern structure. And, they are the motivation for this special edition of US Builders Review. Our annual Greenprint Special Edition is all about companies dedicated to green building. Among these stories, you find companies that design energy-efficient building […]

It’s been three months since Buffalo, New York’s, new zoning code, known as the Green Code, was signed into law, and so far the city seems pleased with the results. “It really provides a tool for the city of Buffalo to move forward and recognize our assets, which are our wonderful buildings, our walkability and […]

When it comes to creating an energy-efficient building, say a quiet medical facility or a tornado-resistant school, there’s a one-size-fits-most solution: well-designed walls. Many of the environmental and human-health benefits building owners and architects seek can be achieved with the right choice of wall material. Walls aren’t exactly a hot topic, though, so their importance […]

The history of modern wall construction goes something like this: in 1880 concrete masonry units were invented. In 1915 modern wood framing became standard practice. In 1925 metal framing gained acceptance and in 1966 insulated concrete forms were introduced. In the 50 years since, wall construction hasn’t changed much, but the demands placed on walls […]

Fredrick Law Olmstead, widely considered one of the great American landscape architects, once described Buffalo, New York, as “the best planned city in America, if not the world.” Olmstead, who designed Central Park for New York City in 1857, was invited to Buffalo in 1868 to design a park for the city and was immediately […]