PAINTSQUARE BLOG CONTRIBUTORS

The Role of Advanced Coatings in Integrated Design
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

I am currently enjoying a new position in academia after 35 years of practicing internationally as an architect in the fields of sustainable design and development, high performance green buildings, L... READ MORE

Tiny Houses: Emerging Trend or Passing Fancy?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

It’s important to note the interest in tiny houses as a viable housing alternative, and what has grown into a global tiny house movement, has been evident for at least 30 years.... READ MORE

Material Challenges in Historic Buildings
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

Preserving and repurposing existing buildings is supported by most current green building rating systems. The U.S. Green Building Council’s “LEED for Neighborhood Development” and other LEED V4 buildi... READ MORE

Green Building Materials and the New Administration
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

All of this begs the question of what impact these sea changes will have on the green building materials market, including those that comprise building envelopes, paints and coatings?... READ MORE

Green Building: A Mission Uncertain
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

On Friday, Jan. 20, Donald J. Trump will become the 45th President of the United States. With the exception... READ MORE

Assessing ‘arc’: Is it a Win?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

Before I get into the discussion of the U.S. Green Building Council’s new technology spinoff organization called “arc,” I must provide you with some background. ... READ MORE

Treat the Cause, Not the Symptoms
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

Sick building syndrome had recently emerged as a collision between efforts to make buildings tighter and more energy efficient... READ MORE

Tiny Houses: A Look at Materials
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

As an avid blue water sailor I have always been interested in how marine architecture meets the challenges of the marine environment... READ MORE

Is the USGBC Sustainable?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

It’s time to question the U.S. Green Building Council’s approach to transforming the building industry, according to LEED Fellow Jerry Yudelson... READ MORE

Q&A with GSA’s Sustainability Architect
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

This post offers a glimpse into the U.S. General Services Administration's work involving high performance green building... READ MORE

Why I Love Green Building Science
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

One of the great things about being involved in the green building movement is the energy and enthusiasm... READ MORE

Wellness: Focus of New Green Standard
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

One indication of the health and stability of the modern green building movement... READ MORE

Groups Respond to Call for Green Code
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

In a deal nearly two years in the making, the International Code Council (ICC) and ASHRAE have signed the final agreement that outlines each organization’s role in the development and maintenance of t... READ MORE

New Leaders for LEED: What Will Change?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

USGBC was founded 22 years ago with a governance structure appropriate for a U.S.-based, start-up NGO with a transformational mission. ... READ MORE

Safer Materials: What Will It Take?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

The nature of building materials and products has been part of the LEED rating system from its beginning.... READ MORE

'Green' According to Whom?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

The ongoing evolution of green building rating systems has intensified debate over a critical question: “Green according to whom?”... READ MORE

LEED’s Great Idea: Will It Work?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

For all of its global success as the fastest-growing not-for-profit organization in history, the U.S. Green Building Council and its flagship LEED building rating system have not been without controve... READ MORE

Sustainability: The Older, the Better?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

I recently contributed to a LinkedIn discussion about whether ancient structures and venues still in use are inherently sustainable. ... READ MORE

Should Human Rights
Influence LEED Certification?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

The FIFA World Soccer championships are underway in Brazil, and the U.S. Green Building Council is proud of the fact that six World Cup stadiums have achieved LEED certification.... READ MORE

Designing a Better Education
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

For most American children, teachers and administrators, education is a linear process. We march from kindergarten through middle and high school with many of the same classmates, and few institutions... READ MORE

Do We Need One Nation Under USGBC?
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

I’ve been involved with the U.S. Green Building Council since its early days. Over the last 20 years, I’ve served as Chair of LEED for Schools and other education committees, as a member of the origin... READ MORE

5 Ways to Get a Leg up on LEED
By Robert J. Kobet, AIA

I am fortunate to have practiced internationally throughout my career in sustainable design and development, high-performance green buildings, LEED consulting, and environmental education.... READ MORE