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 19, 2021
Pittsburgh enacts first-in-the-nation “Dark Sky Lighting” law
Applies to all city parks, facilities, and streetlights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2021
New Calif. law mandates use of lead-free plumbing fixtures
Must meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020 in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2021
Building industry leaders urge governments to boost emissions reductions targets
Scores of large AEC firms and organizations sign letter to UN’s COP 26 group.
Codes and Standards | Oct 13, 2021
FEMA’s new flood insurance plan will sharply raise insurance costs for seaside properties
Risk Rating 2.0 will have more accurate assessment of flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2021
Three new laws expected to spur more affordable housing in California
Trio of measures could aid carbon reduction in built environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2021
Intl. Code Council publishes EV and building codes resource
Assists communities in setting policies for electric vehicle charging requirements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2021
Feds award $1 billion to renovate health centers
Funds will modernize existing infrastructure and cover other COVID-19-related capital needs.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
Boston City Council approves mandate for major emissions cuts for large buildings
Applies to buildings 20,000 sf or larger—about 4% of city’s buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
HPD Collaborative and Green Seal to align standards
Will result in expanded options for manufacturers to enhance sustainability reporting and certifications.