flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Commercial properties address state carbon-reduction policies

Codes and Standards

Commercial properties address state carbon-reduction policies

EV charging stations, batteries, and microgrid technology are all part of effort to meet demand for cleaner power.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | August 28, 2017
Wind turbines and smokestacks

Pixabay Public Domain

Though the federal government may be retreating from carbon-reduction policies, states and cities are moving ahead with some ambitious initiatives.

California, for example, recently extended its Cap-and-Trade Program into 2030. California’s carbon auction is linked to Quebec and may soon include Ontario, which launched a cap-and-trade program earlier this year.

Some commercial property owners, faced with new regulations and increasing demand for greener features, are not only offering more energy efficient structures, but also are adding EV charging stations, onsite battery storage for solar power, and microgrid technology adapted to local renewable energy generation.

Microgid solutions can lead to lower electricity rates, fewer supply disruptions, and less reliance on carbon-emitting back-up-generators.

Related Stories

| Nov 23, 2011

Fenestration council seeks committee members

The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is seeking members for a committee to pursue recognition of its ratings procedures from the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).

| Nov 23, 2011

Obama signs repeal of 3% withholding on government contracts

President Obama signed a bill that repeals a law requiring governments to withhold 3% of payments over $10,000 to contractors.

| Nov 23, 2011

USGBC launches app lab for LEED certification process

The U.S. Green Building Council has released the App Lab, a searchable catalog of third-party apps that are integrated with LEED data.

| Nov 23, 2011

Document gives advice on stormwater runoff management

The report, “Rooftops to Rivers II,” provides tips on how cities can use smart infrastructure and green building design to minimize pollution from stormwater runoff and other wastewaters.

| Nov 23, 2011

Zoning changes proposed to make New York City buildings greener

New York City will introduce new zoning proposals next month that would make it easier for building owners to add features that will make their properties more sustainable.

| Nov 18, 2011

AGC offers webinar on Davis-Bacon compliance

Webinar to be held in two sessions, Dec. 7 and 8 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. EST.

| Nov 18, 2011

New green construction code may help push LEED standards higher

The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is expected to set a floor for building standards and may create the opportunity for LEED certifications to push toward higher ceilings.

| Nov 18, 2011

New OSHA fall safety rule could save contractors money on insurance premiums

The new Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule requiring employers operating in the residential construction industry to use the same methods of fall protection that historically have been used in the commercial construction industry could save them money.

| Nov 18, 2011

Some believe new Austin building code will help mom and pop shops

Austin, Texas has proposed building codes that require wider sidewalks and call for buildings to be closer to sidewalks along a 3.5-mile stretch of highway.

| Nov 11, 2011

AIA: Engineered Brick + Masonry for Commercial Buildings

Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam. 

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category



Codes and Standards

New FEMA rules include climate change impacts

FEMA’s new rules governing rebuilding after disasters will take into account the impacts of climate change on future flood risk. For decades, the agency has followed a 100-year floodplain standard—an area that has a 1% chance of flooding in a given year.


Sustainability

Grimshaw launches free online tool to help accelerate decarbonization of buildings

Minoro, an online platform to help accelerate the decarbonization of buildings, was recently launched by architecture firm Grimshaw, in collaboration with more than 20 supporting organizations including World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), RIBA, Architecture 2030, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and several national Green Building Councils from across the globe.

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021