The Biden Administration’s proposed infrastructure spending plan is a rare chance for most school districts to make their buildings greener and cheaper to operate.
This is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to make major upgrades to public school facilities, according to an engineer specializing in green buildings. For example, an estimated 36,000 schools have ventilation systems in need of upgrades. Many of these systems use technology invented and designed in the 1970s, and they are far less than ideal from health and wellness perspectives. They also do not support aggressive carbon reduction and energy-efficiency goals.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a closer look at the physical condition of America’s classrooms. It may prompt the federal government to address the shortcomings.
The U.S. House of Representatives is considering the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act, which would make $130 billion in federal money available to schools in need of repair over the next decade. The lead sponsor says funding is badly needed because without it, school districts would be largely on their own to build and renovate buildings.
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IAPMO advances toward new 2017 Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard
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New Colorado law could stimulate stalled condo market
Construction defect law modifications could ease litigation risk and cut insurance rates.
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New York City will require construction superintendents on buildings higher than three stories
New laws focus on construction safety.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
Industry Groups move toward Unified Green Building Model Code in 2018
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OSHA suspends electronic injury, illness reporting requirement
The agency is keeping records from being publicly disclosed—for now.
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Florida preparing to adjust to new building elevation requirements
New floodplain maps and state code changes loom.
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Heated debate over whether Calif.’s prevailing wage requirement stymies affordable housing
There’s disagreement around how much pay regulations add to cost of projects.
