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.

Jan 30, 2012

Roofer’s fatal plunge demonstrates need for fall-prevention regulations

“The biggest problem is getting our workers to use the equipment,” says Michael J. Florio, executive director of the organization.

Jan 5, 2012

Building to LEED standards now an 'easy call' from cost standpoint

Once seen as a cost burden, building to LEED standards is now an "easy call," according to Dan Probst, chairman of energy and sustainability for real estate management and development firm Jones Lang LaSalle.

Jan 5, 2012

Minnesota's GreenStep Cities program aids communities in winning grants

GreenStep Cities, a Minnesota initiative, was designed to provide greater recognition to the state's communities for achievements in meeting sustainability standards and goals.

Jan 5, 2012

Some ADA accessibility rules change in 2012

Some changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act go into effect beginning March 15, 2012.

Dec 22, 2011

Group developing BIM data standards

A collaboration among Georgia Tech’s Digital Building Lab, the Precast Concrete Institute, the American Concrete Institute, and the American Institute of Steel Construction aims to develop global standards for transportation of three-dimensional digital models among fabricator, architecture, engineering, and construction groups.

Dec 22, 2011

New green code spells out thermal requirement for roof retrofits

The 2012 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) includes a straightforward approach to minimum thermal requirements for roof and wall systems.

On average, green schools save about $100,000 a year on operating costs, includi

Dec 15, 2011

Dayton, Ohio schools saving $2.6 million annually by building to LEED

On average, green schools save about $100,000 a year on operating costs, including energy and water savings.

LEED solar PVs construction worker risks

Dec 15, 2011

Building to LEED standards can pose new risks for construction workers

Workers on these projects suffer a 24% increase in falls to lower levels during roof work, which researchers attributed to the installation of solar panels, and a few other risks.

Dec 15, 2011

NRDC charges Maine governor with weakening green wood requirement

The FSC program is administered through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and requires wood to be harvested in a sustainable way.