New technology isn’t necessary to make buildings consume less energy: the American Institute of Architects has highlighted 10 buildings it considers the best of the breed in green design. "They use smart design, rather than expensive technology, to achieve their green goals. This is really becoming mainstream," says Henry Siegel, vice chair of the AIA's environmental committee. "To do a lot of these things correctly at the design process doesn’t cost anything."

Local governments and national non-profits have funded efforts to build green housing for low-income residents in and around Seattle. One study found that the projects, on average, cost 2.4 percent more to build, and that developers would often not recoup the extra costs without a subsidy for going green; occupants, however, would save an average of $12,637 in utility costs over the life of each home.

Biomass will be the main driving force in delivering carbon neutral development for the UK's biggest housing growth area, according to a report published on Wednesday.

Last month, the National Association of Home Builders singled out Pringle Creek Community for its Land Development of the Year award. The group's members expect that 40 percent to 50 percent of the homes built in 2010 will be "green," according to a survey conducted last year. Local builders need to get with this trend or get left behind.

An insightful interview with Vancouver's Director of Planning and Toronto's Director of Urban Design on vision, sustainable urban development, new urbanism, and overcoming the divides between architecture, planning and urban design.

Through a wide variety of government-driven initiatives, Denmark has dramatically reduced energy consumption while maintaining a solid growth rate and low unemployment. Following over 30 years of bold regulations, incentives and development, Denmark is now self-sufficient in energy and actually exports oil, gas and electricity.

This well-grounded report report by the City-sponsored Sebastopol Citizens Advisory Group on Energy Vulnerability (CAGE) reviews municipal energy vulnerabilities and makes policy recommendations for maintaining municipal services in an energy-constrained future.

A sustainability conundrum: proposed green building requirements for Oregon state building projects may make it more expensive for builders to use local wood.

In Malmo, Sweden, a former shipyard and industrial site is being turned into a green residential area based on 100% use of renewable energy. Eventually the area will accommodate 10,000 residents and 20,000 employees and students.

This UN report reviews key opportunities, models and tools for encouraging significant energy savings (and greenhouse gas mitigation) in building construction and operation.