News

Link to ABC7 (Nov. 21, 2023) | “We always like to say, fires don’t cause wildfire burned down homes, it’s embers that do that,” said Ben Stapleton, the executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council Los Angeles, a nonprofit promoting sustainable and resilient buildings through education and community engagement. “It really has to be about communities,” […]

Link to Alta Journal (Oct. 12, 2023) | Enrique Navarro starts his workday when most people are winding theirs down, when pesky rats raid backyard fruit trees and the savory smell of dinner wafts out of houses. Monday through Friday, he hops on a bright orange Metro bus near his home in Echo Park and […]

Link to Zero Energy Project story (October 9, 2023) | Approximately 28% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the operations of buildings. And heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems alone contribute to 40% of the average commercial building’s energy consumption. More and more, high performance buildings are turning to data to curb energy use […]

Link to Environmental Social Justice podcast (Oct. 4, 2023) | Net Zero Accelerator director Colin Mangham is interviewed by Wendy Nystrom and Joy Langford, discussing everything from biomimicry to building proptech, from water to the newest Accelerator companies and so much more. (Listen to podcast)

Link to Metropolis (Sept. 12, 2023) | Through the Net Zero Conference’s Trailblazer Awards program, the conference—the largest event dedicated to net zero energy, decarbonization, and climate resilience—also celebrates leaders across industries for the work they’re doing to build a net zero future. Meet the 7 winners, including Kit Switch from USGBC-LA’s Net Zero Accelerator. […]

Link to Design and Architecture / KCRW (Aug. 9, 2023) | Yes, it’s hot, hot, hot these days, prompting concern about those without air conditioning, especially as the numbers of scorching days are climbing. And yet the remedy is also a cause of the rising heat. …So kudos to Helen Li for writing this LA Times think piece about age-old […]

Link to L.A. Times story (July 28, 2023) | This summer has brought brutally hot temperatures to Southern California and many other parts of the country. As climate change brings more extreme temperatures, the future could be even hotter. But it’s worth noting that turning up the air conditioning isn’t the only way to stay […]

Link to Podcast / Doctoring Up Design (July 24, 2023) | As California moves one step closer to an “All Electric” home environment, designers must learn how to work with and around all of the changing regulations. Because sustainable design is here to stay, this is a conversation about high design style on the cutting […]

Link to Zero Energy Project story (July 19, 2023) | Water scarcity has become a critical global issue, with an increasing demand for potable water and limited freshwater resources. Conventional public water systems struggle to meet the needs of residents, straining already scarce water sources and producing significant carbon emissions. Greywater recycling can play a crucial role […]

Link to Capital & Main story (July 18, 2023) | The BHAC is a model “resilience hub,” a place meant to provide shelter and coordinate support in the event of an emergency like excessive heat. Though its mission is professional arts and media career training, the conservatory has collaborated with local government, public utilities, the American Red […]

Link to L.A. Times story (June 22, 2023) | Walking into the Survivors Healing Garden on 108th Street, just blocks from Watts Towers, Oya Sherrills radiates calm as she stops to pick up trash that has blown in from the Union Pacific railroad tracks nearby. “This was a junkyard with cars all over the place,” […]

Link to Decor News Now story (May 24, 2023) | “Before we talk about how we’re going to change the future with green buildings, we need to be able to see it.” That was Ben Stapleton’s big takeaway after months of collaboration with Climate Resolve and the Boyle Heights Art Conservatory on a mural depicting […]