Architecture

Quantifying their urban climate change-mitigating effects is an important step in getting green roofing initiatives off the ground

An Earthship is in and of the Earth—that is, constructed responsibly out of earthen materials and built into the ground. It also is autonomous from outside help, such as a power grid

A Pacific Northwest organization has the defined an environmentally sound structure as one that generates its own energy, captures and treats all of its water, operates efficiently, and is aesthetically pleasing

The ecological benefits of gardening on your roof

The American Institute of Architects pick their top examples of building projects that marry form and function for both human and environmental needs

More energy-efficient buildings are the cheapest, fastest way to reduce energy demand--and the greenhouse gas emissions causing climate change

The World Toilet Summit, underway in Macau, looks to improve sanitation for the 2.5 billion people without hygienic toilets. Steve Mirsky reports. More info at www.worldtoiletevents.com

Rose George's book The Big Necessity: The Unmentionable World of Human Waste and Why It Matters examines the ins and outs of sanitation; this excerpt explores the cutting edge of toilet technology

ScientificAmerican.com chats with Rose George, author of a book that goes where few books have gone before

Greensulate—made from mushrooms and agricultural waste—promises natural protection from heat and cold

By building green--and retrofitting existing buildings--the countries of North America could cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25 percent