Use of GBCI building performance tools rapidly expanding

More than seven billion square feet of project space is now being tracked using Green Business Certification Inc.’s (GBCI’s) Arc performance platform.

Arc users are measuring performance of project space in nearly 140 countries, according to a GBCI news release. The amount of space being tracked increased by 1.4 billion sf over the last 12 months.

Arc’s tools allow users to measure, track, and score the real-world sustainability performance of spaces, buildings, and places. They include scores and metrics for five performance categories: energy, water, waste, transportation, and human experience. The information provides insights about sustainability, helping teams assess readiness for LEED certification.

“Reaching seven billion square feet of space using Arc is a significant milestone,” said Peter Templeton, interim president and CEO, GBCI and Arc. “This underscores the rapidly growing commitment of building owners and operators worldwide to tracking, reporting, and verifying performance as critical steps towards minimizing climate change impacts, improving occupant and community health, and increasing energy security and resilience.”

DPR Construction, PCL Construction Enterprises, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Skanska USA, and Power Construction top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest outpatient facility general contractors and construction management (CM) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report. Note: This ranking includes construction revenue for work related to outpatient medical buildings, including cancer centers, heart centers, urgent care facilities, and other medical centers.

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Pre-applied blindside waterproofing installed prior to pouring of concrete wall. Photo courtesy Walter P Moore

Waterproofing deep foundations for new construction

This continuing education course, by Walter P Moore's Amos Chan, P.E., BECxP, CxA+BE, covers design considerations for below-grade waterproofing for new construction, the types of below-grade systems available, and specific concerns associated with waterproofing deep foundations.

The new theater at the expanded Eastwood High School in El Paso, Texas, designed by DLR Group. Photo: Michael Robinson Photography, courtesy DLR Group

Performance-based facilities for performing arts boost the bottom line

A look at design trends for “budget-wise” performing arts facilities reveals ways in which well-planned and well-built facilities help performers and audiences get the most out of the arts. This continuing education course is worth 1.0 AIA learning unit.