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.

Aug 30, 2012

Georgia drops LEED wood source standard on state projects

Currently, LEED green building standards only accept timber products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Aug 21, 2012

RoofPoint green rating system for roofs includes durability and life span factors

The "RoofPoint" rating system from the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing provides specific standards to help nonresidential roofing projects become sustainable, says Jim Hoff, research director for the Center and president of TEGNOS Research.

Aug 21, 2012

Supportive government policies drive green building growth, says Lux Research

Green building's footprint tends to grow fastest in countries that have national policies that promote construction of sustainable, energy-efficient structures, according to a report by Lux Research.

Aug 21, 2012

BIM is a vital tool for creating the most sustainable building designs

BIM is an essential tool to develop sustainable buildings, says U.K. architect Elrond Burrell.

Aug 16, 2012

CSI webinar on August 21 focuses on electronic energy control

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is sponsoring a free webinar on August 21 at 2:00 p.m. (EDT) on electronic energy control.

Aug 16, 2012

Public sector pushes sustainable building forward

Not usually noted for its innovation, the public sector has done the most to advance sustainable building, according to a recent panel of green building professionals.

Aug 16, 2012

Canada’s first net-positive building under construction in Milton, Ontario

The GreenLife Business Centre in Milton, Ontario near Toronto is set to become the first net-positive energy building in Canada.

Aug 9, 2012

Tornado-ravaged Greensburg, Kansas’s new green buildings save $200K a year

The town of Greensburg, Kan., virtually destroyed by a tornado in 2007, decided to rebuild 13 public buildings according to green standards.

Aug 2, 2012

NIBS council recommends private and public measures to improve building sustainability

A new report by the National Institute of Building Sciences Consultative Council highlights four several areas that need focus to improve sustainability in buildings and infrastructure.

Aug 2, 2012

Greenbuild summit will focus on greening affordable housing

A two-day summit focused on green building in the affordable housing market will be held Nov. 13 - 14, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif. at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo.