The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) recently released a report to spur more environmentally friendly construction.
The AGC supports wide-ranging government investment and tax incentives to modernize public infrastructure, renovate federal buildings, and build new ones that conserve raw materials, reduce waste, and use less energy and water. AGC also supports expedited permitting for projects that will improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
AGC wants clients and architects to include contractors earlier in project development to address sustainable materials, recycling, and other environmental factors. The association also advocates increasing education and awareness on lifecycle and total ownership costs versus up-front, one-time costs to promote designs that will save more energy and water over time.
Increased training of construction workers would have multiple environmental benefits, AGC adds, and government could support this activity. Programs such as employer-neutral job training on technologies to support a decarbonized economy and in related fields such as environmental remediation or weatherization would advance environmental goals.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2018
Interactive heat maps track temperature ranges in U.S. cities
Urban heat island effect can vary by as much as 37°F in the same city.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2018
Power systems will become more decentralized for better disaster resiliency
Businesses, homeowners will control more power-generation capacity.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2018
Getting commitments from key subs critical on government contracts
Withdrawn subcontractor bids can be costly.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2018
Internal watchdog says EPA falling short to protect school children from asbestos
Agency not conducting enough inspections, report says.
Codes and Standards | Oct 3, 2018
Climate change impacts could prompt realignment of assets for commercial property developers
Strategies include reducing exposure to properties in flood-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2018
Political will, tougher standards needed to reach carbon neutral goal
Stretch codes, more stringent credentials for designers, contractors, and inspectors may be needed.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2018
Natural light is the most prized office perk
Employees crave sunshine and views of the outdoors more than cafeterias, fitness centers, and childcare.
Codes and Standards | Sep 26, 2018
Industry consensus needed for multifamily energy efficiency retrofit approach
Choice of insulating materials can impact indoor air quality, resident health.
Codes and Standards | Sep 25, 2018
New market forces disrupting global real estate development industry
Executives concerned about trade policy, labor shortages, approval processes.
Codes and Standards | Sep 21, 2018
More than 130 organizations petition OSHA to create heat protection standard for workers
Includes mandatory rest breaks, heat-exposure monitoring, record-keeping injury requirement.
