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.

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.

Building Materials

Tacoma, Wash., investigating policy to reuse and recycle building materials

Tacoma, Wash., recently initiated a study to find ways to increase building material reuse through deconstruction and salvage. The city council unanimously voted to direct the city manager to investigate deconstruction options and estimate costs.

May 9, 2013

Proposed ASHRAE systems manual uniform procedure guideline open for public review

A proposed guideline that will establish a uniform procedure for transmitting design, construction, testing, and operational information to building owners and operators is open for public comment.

May 9, 2013

Post-tornado Greensburg, Kan., leads world in LEED-certified buildings per capita

Six years after a tornado virtually wiped out the town, Greensburg, Kan., is the world's leading community in LEED-certified buildings per capita.

May 9, 2013

SMACNA’s new HVAC sound and vibration guide open for public review

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association’s (SMACNA’s) new “HVAC Systems Sound and Vibration Guide” is available for a 45-day public review.

May 9, 2013

NSF Sustainability launches VOC emissions testing, certification for commercial furniture industry

New program offers sustainable certification and indoor air quality testing for commercial furniture makers.

May 1, 2013

New ASHRAE residential indoor air quality standard adds carbon monoxide alarm requirement

The new 2013 version of ASHRAE’s residential indoor air quality standard adds a requirement for carbon monoxide alarms.

May 1, 2013

AAMA publishes standard for multipoint locking hardware for side-hinged doors

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently published the first North America standard for multipoint locking hardware for side-hinged door systems.

Apr 24, 2013

North Carolina bill would ban green rating systems that put state lumber industry at disadvantage

North Carolina lawmakers have introduced state legislation that would restrict the use of national green building rating programs, including LEED, on public projects.

Apr 24, 2013

BOMA’s 360 Performance Program approaches 600 building designees

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International conferred the BOMA 360 Performance Program® designation upon 44 properties in major commercial real estate markets across the U.S. in the first quarter of 2013.

Apr 17, 2013

Leonardo Academy to develop sustainability master plan standard

Leonardo Academy launched the development of a standard for sustainability master plans using the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process to define sustainability goals and achievements for regions, states and campuses.

Apr 17, 2013

Fenestration Council allows some shading system, dynamic glazing to be rated for U-Factor

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) approved changes to its NFRC 100 and NFRC 200 standards, allowing certain shading devices to be rated for U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient.