Many people that know me also know that I am very involved with the San Diego Green Building Council. One of the programs I allocate quite a bit of time to is our highly regarded Green Assistance Program (GAP), which gives our volunteer community an opportunity to work on improving the operations and maintenance of … Continue reading Improving indoor air quality with a visit the local library?
Tag: green forensics
Do energy efficient building practices result in better feedback loops and better workmanship?
My wife and I have been lucky to have three kids that (so far) haven't ever played with fire, or knives, or consumed dangerous cleaning supplies, or anything like that. It didn't take burning down the house, stitches, or stomach pumping to teach each of them the danger inherent with certain things—a quick touch to … Continue reading Do energy efficient building practices result in better feedback loops and better workmanship?
What is an Environmental Product Declaration and how does it impact standard of care in the built environment?
As many people know, LEED v4 took a lot longer to be finalized than originally anticipated—largely due to political struggles involving key stakeholders and certain large enterprises. As many of my friends and colleagues know, I despise politics. Therefore, rather than get into all the muck, let's dig into one of the more controversial subjects … Continue reading What is an Environmental Product Declaration and how does it impact standard of care in the built environment?
Repeat after me: Sustainable design and construction is no guarantee for quality
I am an outsider. Among construction defect and quality management professionals, my involvement with green building makes me stick out like a sore thumb. Among green building professionals, advocates and activists, my responses to claims that green buildings are better quality leads to some very awkward moments. Without adopting more sustainable practices, existing design and … Continue reading Repeat after me: Sustainable design and construction is no guarantee for quality
Post-Katrina construction defects in the spotlight: Make It Right Foundation makes things right
For nearly 11 years, I served as a secret weapon in the defense of the nation's largest homebuilders against numerous construction defect claims involving thousands of building units. Most of my colleagues and clients were often surprised when I mentioned that one of the top builders in the country was a non-profit: Habitat for Humanity. … Continue reading Post-Katrina construction defects in the spotlight: Make It Right Foundation makes things right
