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.

Mar 8, 2012

New LEED-EBOM rating has requirements for specific project types

Several key changes are proposed for the LEED-EBOM Rating System in 2012.

Mar 8, 2012

Green buildings more resilient than conventionally built structures

A new study by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning suggests that structures built to green standards can advance building resiliency.

Mar 1, 2012

LEED Platinum standard likely to mean net-zero energy by 2018

As LEED standards continue to rise, the top level, LEED Platinum, will likely mean net-zero energy construction by 2018.

Mar 1, 2012

Is your project too small for LEED? Consider other green standards

There are many other recognized national, state and local programs that offer a variety of best management practices and sustainable design, construction and operating strategies.

Feb 23, 2012

Federal budget cuts put major building projects on hold

A plan to build the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Kansas is among several major building projects in jeopardy after the Obama administration’s 2013 budget was unveiled. The budget would cut all construction spending for the facility.

Feb 23, 2012

Federal agencies fixed on leasing LEED-certified space

The federal government is especially focused on renting LEED-certified spaces.

Feb 23, 2012

Regulators investigating construction accident at World Trade Center

The New York Port Authority and the city’s fire and building departments are investigating an accident at the World Trade Center construction site in lower Manhattan after a crane dropped steel beams that fell about 40 stories onto the truck that delivered them.