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.

Dwight Perkins | Oct 16, 2012

As agencies reconsider LEED, federal LEED-certified projects soar

Although federal agencies are reconsidering using LEED as the primary green building standard on…

Dwight Perkins | Oct 11, 2012

USGBC’s LEED v4 to begin beta testing next month

The U.S. Green Building Councilwill begin the LEED v4 beta testing period in November. In addition…

Oct 3, 2012

Online program computes energy savings from green roofs; compares savings with other options

A free online tool can calculate the amount of energy savings from installation of a green roof. Portland State University‘s (PSU’s) online Green Roof Energy Calculator can be used for new or old structures.

Oct 3, 2012

SERF, CSE launch a new accreditation for evaluation of building sustainability

The Society of Environmentally Responsible Facilities (SERF), a Chicago-based environmental building certification organization, and the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) launched a new accreditation program that certifies professionals to evaluate buildings’ sustainable systems and practices according to SERF’s certification criteria.

Oct 3, 2012

New version of Occupied Space Standard for DC microgrids in buildings released

The EMerge Alliance, an association leading the adoption of safe direct-current (DC) power distribution standards for commercial buildings, has updated the EMerge Alliance Occupied Space standard.

Sep 26, 2012

Investment in greener data centers to reach $45 billion by 2016

Investment in data centers built to green standards will increase from the $17.1 billion predicted for this year to $45 billion by 2016, according to Pike Research.

Sep 20, 2012

Reflective roofs could reduce rainfall in Arizona

Green standards may have to take into account the impact of reflective roofs on rainfall in the desert Southwest.

Sep 20, 2012

Earth Advantage Institute offers green certification for small commercial buildings

Earth Advantage Institute announced a new green building certification aimed at new or substantially remodeled small commercial buildings built to green standards.

Sep 14, 2012

NRCA University offers photovoltaic class

NRCA University will offer a class called “Photovoltaic Roof Systems: Energizing Your Business” Oct. 16 in Philadelphia.

Aug 30, 2012

Public comment period is open for CRRC-1 standard

The CRRC-1 standard covers specimen preparation and test methods for measuring the initial and aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance of roofing products.