AGC releases decarbonization playbook to help assess, track, reduce GHG emissions

The Associated General Contractors of America released a new, first-of-its-kind, decarbonization playbook designed to help firms assess, track, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on projects. The AGC Playbook on Decarbonization and Carbon Reporting in the Construction Industry is part of the association’s efforts to make sure construction firms play a leading role in crafting carbon-reduction measures for the industry.

Resiliency

Controversy erupts in Florida over how homes are being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently sent a letter to officials in Lee County, Florida alleging that hundreds of homes were rebuilt in violation of the agency’s rules following Hurricane Ian. The letter provoked a sharp backlash as homeowners struggle to rebuild following the devastating 2022 storm that destroyed a large swath of the county.

Mass Timber

British Columbia changing building code to allow mass timber structures of up to 18 stories

The Canadian Province of British Columbia is updating its building code to expand the use of mass timber in building construction. The code will allow for encapsulated mass-timber construction (EMTC) buildings as tall as 18 stories for residential and office buildings, an increase from the previous 12-story limit.

Standards

Design guide offers details on rain loads and ponding on roofs

The American Institute of Steel Construction and the Steel Joist Institute recently released a comprehensive roof design guide addressing rain loads and ponding. Design Guide 40, Rain Loads and Ponding provides guidance for designing roof systems to avoid or resist water accumulation and any resulting instability.

Oct 6, 2011

Florida county proposes saving on construction costs by trumping city regulations

This summer, Pinellas County, FL wanted to save money on an $81 million public safety complex in Largo by using the county’s own building regulations and permit fees, not the city’s more expensive fees.

Sep 30, 2011

OSHA Releases New Nail Gun Safety Document

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have developed a new guidance document, Nail Gun Safety—A Guide for Construction Contractors.

Sep 30, 2011

Cement Industry Advocates For Environmental Regulatory Relief

EPA regulations impacting the cement industry could force the closure of 18 of the nearly 100 US cement plants and cost 4,000 manufacturing jobs .

Sep 30, 2011

IRS Releases New Rule On Reclassifying Independent Contractors

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program that allows an employer to reclassify independent contractors as employees if those workers previously were misclassified.

Sep 29, 2011

Illinois Grapples With Definition of ‘Clean’ Construction Debris

The Illinois Pollution Control Board holds hearings this week about construction debris rules proposed by the state Environmental Protection Agency.

Sep 15, 2011

Alabama Prepares First Statewide Residential Building Code

Following a series of devastating tornadoes that ripped through Alabama on April 27^th, the state is preparing to implement the first statewide building code for residential structures.

Sep 15, 2011

New Label Established For Energy Efficient Doors in UK

The British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) has established a labelling program for all types of domestic pedestrian doors.

Sep 15, 2011

EPA Releases New High-Rise Residential Energy Star Rating

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced an Energy Star rating for multi-family high-rise buildings.

Sep 15, 2011

Bill Seeks To Spur Stronger Building Codes Nationwide

The Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2011 would provide strong financial incentives for states to adopt and enforce strong building codes.

Sep 15, 2011

New Federal Law Limits Amount of Formaldehyde in Wood

President Obama signed into law legislation that limits the amount of formaldehyde in wood. The new measure will impact particle board and other composite wood products .