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Sustainability Means Justice
We are saddened by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and countless other innocent Black lives at the hands of police and vigilantes. We share the outrage that has been erupting in demonstrations in all 50 states and around the world, and we recognize that systemic racism leads to unequal access to economic opportunity, health outcomes and environmental justice. As sustainability professionals, we can catalyze change by leveraging our skills as designers, builders and planners, and by striving to diversify our profession.
New CBE Partner JLG Architects: Explorers of Design Excellence, Community Engagement and Quality of Life
Joining CBE’s consortium this spring, JLG Architects has won national accolades for both its design portfolio and for its highly supportive work environment, gaining recognition as one of the ‘50 Most Admired Companies’ in America by MSN Money, as one of ‘50 Best Places to Work’ by Inc. magazine, and as ‘2019 Design Firm of the Year’ by ENR Mountain States.
CBE Contributing to International Research Collaboration on Resilient Cooling for Buildings
CBE researchers are part of a research program on “Resilient Cooling for Buildings,” supported by an international association of governments, industry and researchers. The main objective is to support the rapid adoption of resilient, low-energy and low-carbon cooling systems for buildings. This work will also serve to help cities and communities better contend with climate-based and demand-based power outages.
Nudging the Adaptive Thermal Comfort Model
Using an extensive trove of thermal comfort research data, CBE’s research team recently published a set of ‘nudges’ to the existing adaptive comfort standards to improve comfort in commercial buildings while potentially reducing energy use. This work updates the landmark study from 1998 by Gail Brager and Richard de Dear on the Adaptive Comfort Model (ACM), which demonstrated that people in naturally ventilated buildings were more comfortable with seasonal temperature variation compared to people in air-conditioned buildings.
CBE in the News See all
CBE Research Shows How to Improve Buildings’ Performance
California Building News editor Henry Eason writes about his experience attending CBE’s October 2019 Industry Advisory Board Meeting, summarizing several noteworthy projects and initiatives. The article begins on page 10.
When You Give Your House Keys to a Stranger
Researcher Lindsay T. Graham was interviewed for an article in the New York Times focused on short-term home rentals.
Do Americans Need Air-Conditioning? Summer’s great indoor-temperature debate rages on
Author Penelope Green writes that Americans have more air conditioning than any other country, and how this is related to climate change concerns and new energy standards. Several people are cited in her discussion of new innovations from industry and research organizations, including CBE’s David Lehrer.
Livable Buildings Awards
Now in its twelfth year, the Livable Buildings Awards recognize projects that demonstrate high occupant satisfaction, excellent design, and innovative operation strategies.