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 | May 24, 2016
Ontario planning to spend $7 billion on wide-ranging climate change plan
Includes financial incentives to retrofit buildings.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2016
Facility managers say Internet of Things, analytics will impact maintenance soon
More reliable data needed for optimal results from the technology.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2016
Industry leaders call for wider use of bamboo as a building material
Benefits include seismic resiliency and sustainability.
Codes and Standards | May 19, 2016
Asphalt roofing group publishes updated shingle installation guide
Technical manual provides best practices for roofing professionals.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2016
EPA proposes new stormwater discharge regulations for construction sites
Would apply to sites of one or more acres.
Roofing | May 16, 2016
New guide focused on increasing energy and structural performance with raised-heel trusses
Higher trusses simplify attic ventilation, leave more space for insulation.
Codes and Standards | May 11, 2016
Current California seismic codes provide safety, resiliency, but needed upgrades present challenge
Los Angeles requires seismic retrofits, but other cities do not.
Codes and Standards | May 10, 2016
Apple spars with Cupertino, Calif., mayor over strained city infrastructure
Apple’s new ‘spaceship’ campus project prompts questions about whether the company should pay more to offset traffic woes.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
Safety Stand-Down yields proposals to boost construction safety
One example: Gilbane encourages safety harnesses for all working above 6 feet.
Codes and Standards | May 9, 2016
EcoDistricts unveils sustainable neighborhood framework
Focus is on equity, resilience, and climate protection.