Design for Ecosystems

Good design mutually benefits human and nonhuman inhabitants. What we design has a direct impact on the ecosystems in and around the site. Understanding the site dynamics will allow us to be more conscious of our impacts.

Learn more about the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.

Reproduced with permission of The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20006

Design for Ecosystems

Deep Dives

Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.

Quick Takes

Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.

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Product Guidance

Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.

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  • Metal Coatings

    Product Guide

    These coatings have VOC levels below 50 g/l and contain no chromium, cadmium, or hazardous airborne pollutants.

  • Engineered Wood

    Product Guide

    These sustainably sourced structural timbers offer low indoor emissions and other environmental benefits.

  • Hardwood & Bamboo Flooring

    Product Guide

    Hardwood and rapidly renewable flooring that's sustainably sourced and tested for ultra-low indoor emissions

  • Wallcoverings

    Product Guide

    These durable wall treatments have no PVC and no toxic phthalates. This mitigates health concerns with this important design choice.

In The News

We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.

Perspective

Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.

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Learning Resources

Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.

Just For Fun

Something weird happens every April at BuildingGreen...

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