Topic: Sustainable Design

One World Trade Center and the four other tallest buildings in America

The new One World Trade Center tower is taking over as New York City’s tallest from the Empire State Building. But it’s not the country’s tallest. Here are the five tallest buildings in the country.

Jason F. McLennan brings buildings to life

By designing 'living buildings' that go beyond LEED certification, Jason F. McLennan is challenging architects to take 'green' building a step farther.

Do 'green buildings' come with a higher price tag?

The initial cost may be higher, but if the price of electricity in your area is high, energy efficient construction is a smart financial move

Do urban farms reduce runoff and save water? Seeing Green is finding out

The Seeing Green project aims to show the value of urban farms in controlling runoff and reducing the burden of wastewater on cities.

Palestinians' other fight in the Middle East – for green development

Palestinians seek to build a secure, sustainable state – and incorporating green building practices and technologies into its development is key to that stability. Improved environmental security contributes to the security of the whole Middle East.

After Katrina, New Orleans housing goes green

Conservation was never a top priority in New Orleans, but Katrina changed that. The city is now an incubator for new home building featuring natural resources and sustainable architecture.

Four ways New Orleans is better than before Katrina

The Katrina floodwaters that drowned New Orleans caused many to wonder if the city could ever recover. Five years later, recovery is evident in spades. January's Super Bowl win helped set the tone for what recently elected mayor Mitch Landrieu is calling “the new New Orleans.” Here’s a look at four signs of progress that could be models for cities nationwide:

A home made green and lean

Eco-aware rehabber finds that doing right by the earth is cost-effective, too.

An eco-friendly floor finish – from cows

Polyurethane substitute is made from eco-friendly whey, a byproduct of cheesemaking.

Green building costs not always included in home appraisal

It isn't always easy to get green building costs appraised correctly when getting a home appraisal for a bank loan.

New green wonder: the Hanging Gardens of ... Portland?

A portion of Oregon's federal stimulus money is being used to create the world's largest 'living wall.'

California adopts first statewide green building code

California's building commission adopted the first statewide green building code this week. Environmental groups welcomed the new standards, which mandate water use reductions and waste recycling in new buildings, but were critical of its rating system.

Letters to the editor

Readers write in about protectionism and climate change.

Green building comes of age

Competition, oil prices, and concerns about global warming have caused the '70s fad to go mainstream. Is green building finally coming of age?

More roofing options for an old-house renovation

When renovating an old house in an environmentally friendly way, what are the roofing options?

God's rainbow of promise: rebuilding after loss

A Christian Science perspective.

New Orleans in the forefront of a green building revolution

Hurricane Katrina provided New Orleans with the opportunity to be part of an environmental revolution and rebuild its houses, schools, and neighborhoods in a green, sustainable way.

Reasons to hire a green renovation expert

Green renovation – go it alone or hire an expert?

Do you need an environmental expert to guide you in a green home renovation?

A late green bloomer – Sheep Dog Hollow renovation

Environmental considerations come first in he renovation of Sheep Dog Hollow, although the owner admits she came late to the green revolution.

Photo Gallery: Sheep Dog Hollow - framing a green dream home

A swale idea

Rooftop gardens grow among the skyscrapers

Urban farmers, with limited growing space and an interest in fresh, local food, plant crops on city rooftops.

EarthTalk: Environmentally friendly house gutters

When new gutters are needed, consider green choices.