In response to legislation in New York City, California, Washington, D.C., and other areas, the commercial real estate industry has implemented innovations to boost sustainability.
Among the trends embraced by the industry are mass timber, augmented reality, and modular construction. Modular construction has aided construction firms in using less energy on work sites and reducing waste.
The approval process for modular can vary widely by city and state, which makes the use of this construction method more cumbersome. Local jurisdictions are focusing more on modular, though, so the regulatory process should improve.
Some construction companies have found that they can reduce their carbon footprint by electrifying construction equipment and using green and solar power.
Related Stories
| Sep 26, 2013
A primer on RoofPoint green-rating system for commercial roofs
The RoofPoint green-rating system can be used to construct more energy-efficient and sustainable commercial roofs.
| Sep 26, 2013
ConsensusDocs releases updated federal subcontract to help construction firms perform federal work
The newly revised ConsensusDocs standard subcontract (ConsensusDocs 752 for federal work) will make it easier for general contractors and subcontractors to perform federal work.
| Sep 18, 2013
Proposed Boston casino development approval will depend partly on sustainability
The movement toward green building has been slow to catch on in the casino industry, but that could change with Suffolk Downs, which plans to build a $1 billion casino in Boston.
| Sep 18, 2013
Regulations could ease firefighters’ fear of roof solar panels
The local fire chief says solar panels are partly to blame after a 300,000 sf refrigerated warehouse in Delanco, N.J., burned down.
| Sep 18, 2013
New AISC design guide on structural stainless steel now available
For the first time in the U.S., design professionals now have an authoritative resource on structural stainless steel with AISC Steel Design Guide No. 27, Structural Stainless Steel.
| Sep 18, 2013
DBIA’s ‘Design-Build Done Right’ best practices project seeks industry input
The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is seeking industry input on its project to create a design-build best practices document.
| Sep 11, 2013
USGBC Florida Chapter survey to help contractors adopt sustainable practices
Contractors in Florida could benefit from a data collection project by the state's chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.
| Sep 11, 2013
Disability, vet hiring standards for contractors are goals, not quotas
Contractors that fall short of new federal hiring rules concerning veterans and disabled persons will not necessarily incur penalties, says Patricia Shiu, director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.
| Sep 11, 2013
Sports stadium accidents suggest code updates may be necessary to prevent falls
Since 2000, at least three individuals have died as a result of falling from the upper decks of stadiums in the United States. In addition, eight non-fatal falls have occurred in stadiums and arenas over that time.
| Sep 11, 2013
White paper examines Joint Commission requirements for NFPA codes in healthcare
The healthcare industry has experienced great attention from The Joint Commission concerning fire and life safety issues.