Q&A: A Forum for Green Building Experts and Beginners

I live in Baltimore. I have been thinking about maintaining high solar heat gain in my windows for winter benefit. In the summer, when I need to put up insect screening anyway, my thought is to use one of those dual purpose insect screen and solar screen (e.g. like Linay type). I don't see any measured SHGC on the solar screen websites but there are apparently 70-90% solar radiant heat reduction options. I like the idea of cutting down the radiant heat before it reaches the window pane to reduce cooling load.

Came across an article on the cost of asphalt going forward that should be food for thought for builders interested in ensuring that homeowners can afford to stay in their homes in the long run. Since asphalt shingles are the predominant roofing choice I thought the following article might make people reconsider roof design going forward. Essentially asphalt is going to get more expensive , so shingles will cost more!

What is the minimum requirement for shading coefficient according to LEED requirements to be accepted in a double glazed...?
I would like to know about the manufacturing standards, test values and the acceptance criteria and the requirement based on the Indian Green Building Council and also the LEED requirements to be used as a Green Building material in India

Here's a something I've had a hard time getting good advice on. Hopefully someone can help:

I'll soon be digging a pond that will rely on a dam built of clay excavated from the from the deep end of the pond.
I've read that clay should be compacted at “optimum moisture content” - whatever that is. At this time of year the excavated clay will be quite dry.
What is the “optimum moisture content” for compacting clay?
If the clay is compacted dry, will the level of compaction be very far off from where it would be if it were compacted at “optimum moisture content”?