LEED v5 Updates for General Contractors
LEED v5 was balloted and approved by USGBC members in late spring, with the final rating system and initial reference guide being published in May 2025. Like all major LEED rating system updates, there are…
How do LEED v5 and AIA Materials Pledge Overlap?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Materials Pledge are both initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability in the built environment, but they operate in slightly different spheres. LEED…
How Green Badger Supports Achieving the AIA Materials Pledge
Architects and designers are essential in promoting sustainable architecture and construction practices. As the issue of climate change becomes more pressing, the decisions made in selecting materials and designing buildings have a significant impact on…
Building Green’s Commitment to Sustainable Practices
Although general contractors are not responsible for deciding what and where to build, there is a significant impact that their construction projects have on the environment. Until now, there has not been a way to…
The AIA Materials Pledge Overview
Sustainability in architecture is no longer just about energy efficiency and green design. It encompasses every facet of the building, including the materials used in construction. Recognizing this, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) introduced…
Track and Report M/WDBE on Construction Projects
M/WDBE stands for Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The National Minority Supplier Development Council issues a certification for businesses owned by minorities or otherwise disadvantaged individuals, such as people of color, women, veterans, etc….
Low Emitting vs. Technical Data for Carpets
When gathering certificates, data, and LEED documentation for Low Emitting Materials (LEM), most are straightforward. However, carpets are certified for emissions by their yarn and their backing. If your subcontractor provides a LEED cover sheet that…
Inspiring Companies to Go Green on Earth Day 2024
On this Earth Day, we want to encourage companies to reduce their environmental impact and inspire others to do the same. You have the power to implement easy actions that support sustainability in your work…
Construction ESG at CMAA Focus 24
Last month, Green Badger and Jenn Taranto from STO Building Group gave a presentation on ESG in construction, covering important topics. The Construction Managers Association of America (CMAA) organized Focus 24, held in the vibrant…
Specification and Submittals – The Keys to Project Success
Project specifications are a pretty important piece of the project documents, and are critical to ensuring sustainability goals will be met. Unfortunately, there are way too many generic specifications that don’t set up the project…
The Basics of Embodied Carbon
Embodied carbon is one of the hottest topics in the sustainable building industry, and for a good reason. 51% of carbon emissions from construction will be from embodied carbon between 2020 – 2050 (Architecture 2030)….
California’s New Sustainability Reporting Requirements
In late 2023, California entered a new era of corporate responsibility with the signing of SB 253 and SB 261. These are two major components of the state’s Climate Accountability Package. California General Contractors must…
This Badger Packs a Byte
People in construction are busy. If I pop onto a jobsite, I don’t see too many people twiddling their fingers (though if you’re using Green Badger already to manage LEED, you’ve definitely got a bit…
