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GSA adopts new accessibility guidelines for federal properties

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) adopted a new rule with new accessibility guidelines for federal buildings. The rule establishes that pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. 



MFPRO+ News

Florida condo market roiled by structural safety standards law

A Florida law enacted after the Surfside condo tower collapse is causing turmoil in the condominium market. The law, which requires buildings to meet certain structural safety standards, is forcing condo associations to assess hefty fees to make repairs on older properties. In some cases, the cost per unit runs into six figures.


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Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2015

Louisiana officials critical of stricter building standards in flood-prone areas

Buildings would have to be built either two or three feet above the base flood elevation for a 100-year flood or above the base elevation for a 500-year flood. 

Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2015

Buildings with rocking steel-braced frames are advantageous in earthquakes

Research at Case Western Reserve University has found that buildings that rock during an earthquake and return to plumb would withstand seismic shaking better than structural designs commonly used today in vulnerable zones of California and elsewhere.

Codes and Standards | Feb 18, 2015

USGBC concerned about developers using LEED registration in marketing

LEED administrators are concerned about a small group of developers or project owners who tout their projects as “LEED pre-certified” and then fail to follow through with certification.

Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015

ASHRAE, USGBC, IES consider biomass requirements in green building standard

The proposal would add biomass to approved renewables.

Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015

New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features

The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work. 

Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2015

ASHRAE, IAQA approve consolidation

Under the consolidation, IAQA will become a part of the ASHRAE organization while maintaining its own brand and Board of Directors.

Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2015

Obama executive order requires federal construction projects to consider flood damage caused by climate change

To meet the new standard, builders must build two feet above the currently projected elevation for 100-year floods for most projects.

HVAC | Feb 6, 2015

ASHRAE, REHVA publish guide to chilled beam systems

The guide provides tools and advice for designing, commissioning, and operating chilled-beam systems.

Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2015

AGC working with EPA on website to help with environmental rule compliance

The goal is for the site to be improved to make it easier for construction contractors to learn how to comply with federal and state environmental guidelines.

Jan 14, 2015

Ontario code changes boost accessibility for people with disabilities

The new amended Ontario building code includes several provisions that improve accessibility for those with disabilities.

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