An executive directive by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti commits the city to constructing 100% carbon-free buildings and to use less carbon-intensive building materials.
Los Angeles follows a growing trend of cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh, that have committed to new government building stock being all-electric or becoming 100% emissions free. The city already has 26 all-electric buildings totaling 2 million sf in development.
Los Angeles will become the first local government to adopt the Buy Clean California Act, a state law requiring carbon emissions reductions from construction materials, including steel, flat glass, and insulation. This legislation takes effect in 2021 for buildings such as fire stations, civic centers, and libraries.
Garcetti also directed the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to improve access to its clean energy programs specifically for low-income, affordable housing, and multifamily properties.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 16, 2016
Calm weather tidal flooding impacting several communities on East and Gulf Coasts
Local officials face the prospect of costly mitigation projects.
Codes and Standards | Sep 15, 2016
OSHA appoints new director for its construction directorate
The forty-year industry veteran has been a GC and business owner.
Energy | Sep 13, 2016
Oberlin College to hold conference on post-fossil fuel economy
The gathering will address climate change and new sources of energy.
Industry Research | Sep 12, 2016
Evidence linking classroom design to improved learning mounts
A study finds the impact can be as much as 25% per year.
Legislation | Sep 8, 2016
Half of U.S. states now allow design-build on public projects
Missouri is the latest to enact design-build legislation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 8, 2016
Vapor intrusion risk addressed in new ASTM guide update
The updates address industry confusion over how to handle the issue.
BIM and Information Technology | Sep 7, 2016
Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool updated to factor in waste management
The costs and benefits of managing 29 types of waste are now included.
Wood | Sep 6, 2016
Atlanta suburb prohibits wood-framed construction for high rises
The new building code prevents any structure with more than three stories from being built from a CLT frame.
Codes and Standards | Sep 1, 2016
Overuse of air conditioning hurts office productivity
A study found temperatures in the low 70s reduce worker performance.
Regulations | Aug 31, 2016
FEMA wants to toughen flood regulation on projects using federal funds
The proposal ‘would essentially rewrite the current 100-year flood standard.’
