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.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Aug 4, 2016
S.F. Bay Area voters approve first-of-its-kind tax to fight impact of climate change
The funds from the tax will be used to restore wetlands
Concrete | Aug 2, 2016
Concrete Association builds case against cross-laminated timber
The campaign asserts that not enough is known about CLT in construction
Seismic Design | Jul 28, 2016
Risk of man-made earthquakes now factor in seismic hazard analysis
Significant risk increases seen in some areas of the U.S.
Resiliency | Jul 27, 2016
New York’s resilience plans not taking long-term view, critics charge
Continued waterfront development may be regretted later this century.
Green Specifications | Jul 26, 2016
New Miami Beach law requires LEED certification on projects larger than 7,000 sf
LEED Silver the prescribed standard on buildings larger than 50,000 sf.
Energy | Jul 25, 2016
Michigan law provides local governments with flexible energy conservation financing
Allows cities to fund projects without adding debt.
Contractors | Jul 15, 2016
Trade unions, contractors call for maximum penalty in construction worker death case
‘Sick and tired’ of lawbreaking contractors defining public perception.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 14, 2016
Portland, Ore., City Council approves construction excise tax for affordable housing
Expected to raise $8 million annually on commercial and residential projects.
Drones | Jul 13, 2016
FAA issues final rule on commercial use of drones
The rule covers commercial uses for drones that weigh less than 55 pounds, and it takes effect Aug. 29.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2016
OSHA raises maximum civil penalties by 78%
Applies to infractions that occurred after Nov. 2, 2015.
