Articles
Introducing the New Pathfinder 3.0: A Climate + Biodiversity Positive Tool for Sites
Pathfinder 3.0, the latest update to Climate Positive Design's LCA tool, helps designers measure project impacts with expanded carbon datasets, biodiversity and water use analysis, and equity assessments. With enhanced features like GIS integration and project scorecards, it empowers sustainable, climate-forward design for spaces beyond buildings.
New Methods to Help Achieve Net-zero Carbon Emissions for the Building Industries of Taiwan
Explore Taiwan's pioneering Life Cycle Carbon Database for landscaping (L-LCC), integrating embodied carbon and construction emissions analysis. Discover how this innovative system aligns with global net-zero goals by enabling sustainable design and reducing carbon footprints in urban landscapes.
Cooling the Heat: Designing Cities for Climate Resilience
Urban heat is a growing threat, exacerbating health risks and inequality. Arup’s UHeat tool provides data-driven solutions to mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect, with case studies like Toronto showcasing strategies for resilience through green infrastructure, retrofitting, and equitable urban design for cooler, healthier cities.
Innovative Green Technology for Cleaner Indoor Air
The article highlights GINKGO’s breakthrough air purification systems, Stomata and Aether. Combining engineered plants, advanced filtration, and efficient irrigation, these systems remove 99.99% of indoor pollutants. With reduced maintenance and proven results, they offer a sustainable solution to improve air quality and enhance well-being in indoor spaces.
Mapping Vancouver’s Green Infrastructure and Roofscape with Gentian
Green roofs cover less than 2% of Vancouver’s roofscape, highlighting untapped potential for urban cooling and stormwater benefits. GRIN’s mapping technology can drive green infrastructure adoption across North America, fostering resilience and liveability. Support this transformative initiative through donations or by exploring its application in your city.
The Evolution of Biophilic Design: The 10 Year Anniversary of the 14 Patterns
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design, this article explores the growing impact of biophilic design, innovative research developments, and the emergence of new patterns like "Awe," underscoring the critical role biophilia plays in enhancing health, well-being, and urban living.
Toronto Celebrates Green Infrastructure Leadership and Achievements at CitiesAlive Conference
The City of Toronto welcomed more than 300 green infrastructure professionals on November 6 to 9 for the 20th anniversary of the CitiesAlive conference. The conference highlights green infrastructure design, research, policy and innovation from across the world.
A Review of The Science of Biophilia, Biophilic Design and Human Health Impacts
Explore how biophilic design reduces stress, improves recovery times, and enhances well-being. Studies reveal that exposure to real or simulated nature benefits patients, workers, and students by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and enhancing cognitive function.
Adopting AIA Resolution #1: Prioritizing Human Wellness in Architectural Design
The recent AIA resolution emphasizes integrating human health into architectural design, advocating for biophilic principles. This shift aims to enhance well-being and address global health challenges through nature-focused, human-centered environments.
Nature Prescriptions: The Growing Trend of Doctors Prescribing Time Outdoors
Doctors are increasingly prescribing time in nature as a natural remedy to improve mental and physical well-being, supported by evidence-based programs like PaRx. This preventative approach promotes accessible outdoor experiences for healthier lives.
Accounting for Health: The Business Case for Green Space
Providing estimates of the monetary benefits of improved health outcomes contributes to better decision making on resource allocation using multiple examples from Ontario municipalities.
Biophilic Design - For Your Ears
This article explores the important role of sound in our evolution and how incorporating soundscaping into our designs can result in healthier, more productive building occupants, taking biophilic design to another level.
The Healing Power of Green: Green Roofs and Vegetable Gardens Transform Medical Campuses in Colorado
Discover how green roofs and vegetable gardens on Denver and Boulder medical campuses enhance sustainability, improve patient recovery, boost staff well-being, and foster community engagement, driving a healthier and more sustainable future in healthcare.
The Development of Skyland USA and Its Green Roofs Legacy
Founded in 2005, Skyland USA pioneered green roof soil products, adapting to industry demands over 20 years. With innovative blends and strategic partnerships, they've installed 30 million square feet nationwide, catalyzing the growth of green infrastructure in the US.
Planning for a Successful Green Roof Irrigation System
Planning a green roof irrigation system requires careful design, collaboration, and maintenance. Key elements include selecting appropriate water sources, ensuring adequate water pressure, choosing efficient irrigation devices, and regular system maintenance for optimal performance.
Moving a Giant: Etera’s Holistic Approach to Nursery Relocation
Discover Etera Sedum's strategic relocation from Mount Vernon to Forest Grove, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. Their holistic approach sets a precedent for eco-conscious nursery transfers and harmonious growth.
How the Movement Towards Sponge Cities Can Help Soak up Extreme Rainfall
"Sponge Cities" utilize green infrastructure to manage stormwater, combat flooding, and enhance urban resilience by naturally absorbing and repurposing rainwater. This sustainable approach addresses challenges from extreme weather and urban sprawl, transforming cities into greener, more sustainable environments.
A Rooftop Orchard and Food Forest Flourishes on the Javits Centre in New York
Rooftops can provide an abundance of produce to fight food insecurity and support biodiversity too. Check out the new rooftop Orchard and Food Forest at Javits Farm in New York City.
PACE Financing + Green Roofs – It’s the next BIG thing!
The synergy between PACE Financing and green roofs/stormwater infrastructure for energy efficiency in commercial buildings is discussed. Eligibility, funding coverage, and successful projects like the Belt Line Center are highlighted, emphasizing financial and environmental benefits.
Farm the Roof: Building Rooftop Farms in the San Francisco Bay Area
This article chronicles Farmer Ben’s design build journey into rooftop farming in the San Francisco Bay Area and some of the lessons learned along the way.