OVERVIEW
Headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, GreenBuilding Inc. has been providing the industry with green building and design information since 1985. Its membership-based website, www.buildinggreen.com, was launched on July 30th, 2007. The primary goal of the website is to provide a database for architects, designers and engineers to find, use and share information such as product reviews and news in environmentally friendly building construction.
RELEVANCE
The website can be browsed without having a membership. However only the title of the articles can be read and a login or membership registration is required to view any entire articles. The website is divided in six major sections: Learn, CSI Divisions, LEED Credits, Green Products, Projects and News. Each section is then sorted into extensive sub-section with relevant articles which can be read online and bibliography items such as books and periodicals. For example, in the Green Products section, the Mechanical Systems/HVAC sub-section is organized in a list of product category which then leads to specific products and articles. Brief description, manufacturer links, full contact information and most importantly the reason why it’s green are provided for each product. Other related articles and categories such as CSI Divisions and LEED credits for the product are also provided. Since most articles on the website are inter-linked, a comprehensive search function is incorporated to help the user find information quickly. Within the articles, a discussion space is provided for members to share their opinions on the information.
Rating: 5/5 – Extremely Relevant
OPINION
The website is an extensive resource for both general ideas of green building and specific research of products and guidelines. The bibliography section, which is somewhat hidden and can be located through a link at the top of the website, contains long lists of books, websites and printed articles on issues such as policy and context, land use and community, and energy. This is not only a demonstration of the validity of the information on the website but also the organization’s commitment to providing as much relevant and useful information as possible to professionals . The discussion space in each of the articles has yet to prove to be effective as few, if any of them have had user comments posted. The other major drawback is that parts of the website could have been made public accessible to help promote green building. Nevertheless, this website is both a great starting point to learn about sustainable design and a great resource for in depth research during the development of any projects.
Rating: 4/5 – Extensive content but can be made more public
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