What Is a Heat Pump Water Heater?
A heat pump water heater uses a heat pump to heat water for home use. It can replace traditional water tanks fueled by electricity, gas, propane, or oil, as well…
Australian Apartment Shows How Single Stairs Make Small Buildings Better
New housing is needed all over North America, but most multifamily real estate development is done by big companies with the resources to assemble land and fight their way through…
Saving Energy Requires Smaller Windows But Architects Like Them Big
Modern architecture was easier when windows were big. But when you are trying to design to save energy, big windows are a problem. High-quality units are expensive, and they are…
The Year in Upfront Carbon
Ever since Jimmy Carter was president, the focus has been on energy efficiency—to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. While the problem has changed to one of reducing carbon emissions, the…
A ‘Rebound Effect’ May Cancel the Energy Benefits of Insulation
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that insulating attics and walls of existing houses heated with gas don’t make much difference in gas consumption. And what little difference there…
The 7 Best Water-Saving Toilets
Whether you’re doing a total bathroom reno or replacing a leaky loo, new toilets have a ton of upgraded water-saving features. That’s a good thing because your old toilet is…
What Is Embodied Carbon? Overview and Examples
Embodied carbon is most often used in the context of the built environment, where it is presumed to include emissions from raw material extraction, transportation of materials, materials wasted, building…
Architects Need to Consider Human Health When Designing Any Structure
Building with wood has become more common as of late, with new technologies and changes in building codes. We often note the benefits of reduced carbon emissions and speed of…
The 6 Best Reusable Coffee Filters
With 44% of all Americans drinking between two and three cups of coffee every day, for a combined 146 billion cups per year, disposable components like coffee filters and single-serve…
Warehouse Converted Into Beautiful Residence With Natural, Low-Tech Materials
The idea of renovating older buildings in order to give them a second life is not a new one. In the last several years, a growing chorus of experts has…