Though we may take different paths to get there, we are all headed toward the same goal: reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment as we build for the future. In this article we will look at how Brussels, Belgium, Vancouver, Canada, and Seattle have implemented code changes to promote…
Read "How City Policy Contributes to Energy Efficient Buildings"
The 2015 Seattle Energy Code mandates the use of on-site solar infrastructure for buildings or additions over 5,000 square feet of gross conditioned floor area. This mandate can be found in code section C411 - Renewable Energy. The code allows for either photovoltaic systems, i.e. electrical…
Arguably, the modern green building movement began with the first Earth Day in April of 1970. And the popularization of the LEED Certification beginning in the late 1990’s brought sustainable building certification into the mainstream. Add in other certifications like Built Green, Green Globes, and t…
Much attention in the construction industry has been placed on sustainable buildings, and rightly so. If left unchecked, outdated construction processes and job site waste could account for a huge impact to our natural environment. But there is another aspect to sustainable construction that is…
Read "Rafn Company First in Western Washington to Obtain Green Contractor Certification"
Putting high performance systems in newly constructed buildings will result in lower energy and maintenance costs over the life of the building. As our modeling tools are evolving, Rafn Company has been looking for ways to expand our use of Life Cycle Assessment tools. Following is a recap of a…