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 | Mar 18, 2021
Congressmen ask Biden to tackle rising lumber costs
Rising materials costs and supply shortages threaten economic recovery, housing starts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2021
Massachusetts bill would mandate rooftop solar on new homes, commercial buildings
Proposed Bay State mandate modeled on California’s.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2021
Nevada may create areas for tech companies to form own governments
Legislation calls for ‘Innovation Zones’ that could become smart cities.
Codes and Standards | Mar 11, 2021
Los Angeles commits to carbon-free city buildings
City will take into account embedded carbon when contracting to buy construction products.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2021
‘Smart retrofitting’ will be crucial to net zero aspirations
AI, analytical software, Internet of Things are keys to decarbonization of built environment.
Codes and Standards | Mar 9, 2021
Salt Lake City is first jurisdiction to adopt new standards for off-site construction
Code Council and Modular Building Institute developing standards and compliance protocols.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2021
Hyperlocal zoning could spur more affordable housing construction
Letting blocks and streets pass their own rules could have impact.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2021
Biden builds on Trump’s “Buy American” order
New administration extends preferences for domestic construction materials.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2021
Biden administration overturns Trump’s federal building design mandate
Previous order promoted classical and “traditional” architecture above others.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2021
Texas freeze raises questions about risks of electrifying buildings
Gas stoves helped residents cook, boil water when power went out.