Boston has enacted new rules to help buildings withstand climate change.
The Boston Planning & Development Agency approved the new rules recently with the aims of helping to minimize flooding, keep the lights on in more buildings during power outages, and make it easier to upgrade street lights and other public works. Developments of 1.5 million sf or larger will need to assess installing an on-site power plant, and would have to build one if it’s financially feasible.
The largest developments will also have to consolidate all wiring for cable, Internet, and other telecom services into one underground tube to minimize disruption to streets and sidewalks during repairs. Any new development greater than 100,000 sf will have to retain more rainfall than currently required to help prevent runoff during storms from contributing to floods.
Developers of projects greater than 50,000 sf would need to install extra wiring and technology for smart traffic signals and street lights if the projects require new or improved signals or lights. The rules will undergo a two-year testing period.
Related Stories
Contractors | Apr 29, 2016
OSHA issues advisory to protect workers from Zika virus
Construction industry workers considered at high risk.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2016
New research finds 30 measures to significantly cut energy use
ASHRAE’s prescription cuts across all building types and climates.
Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2016
Florida gives developers more time to install first responder radio signal systems
Expensive upgrades can be postponed for several years.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
San Francisco becomes first big U.S. city to require solar panels on new buildings
Pertains to commercial and residential buildings shorter than 10 stories.
Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016
GSA adopts SITES land development and management rating system
Federal agency will use for properties with and without buildings.
Wood | Apr 22, 2016
Revised 2015 Manual for Engineered Wood Construction available
American Wood Council Document offers design information for structural applications.
Codes and Standards | Apr 20, 2016
OSHA updates eye and face protection standards in final rule
Becomes effective April 26.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
Efficiency finance pilot project to spur retrofits on existing buildings
EDF and PG&E team up on interest-free loans for qualified projects.
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings
Designed to balance with preservation requirements.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2016
Canadian city fines itself for failing to get a building permit for building renovation
Guelph, Ontario, will pay a $1,125 fine to the province.
