Construction industry task force aims for standardized carbon reporting

A newly formed Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) task force on decarbonization and carbon reporting will address the challenges around reporting and reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry.

The group aims to standardize carbon reporting by developing an industry guidebook and educational resources on decarbonization best practices. The task force is part of AGC’s climate change initiative, which aims to shape climate change policies that impact the construction industry, while reducing the industry’s environmental impact.

The initiative’s founding members include Skanska, Clark, DPR, and Ryan Companies. Additional members now include Granite, Kiewit, Mortenson, and Turner.

“The committee will develop a guidebook to help contractors understand how to calculate and report emissions, and how to set actionable goals as they play an instrumental role in addressing climate change,” says Myrrh Caplan, national vice president of sustainability at Skanska USA Building and chair of the AGC Task Force on Decarbonization and Carbon Reporting. “We look forward to being part of a process that reduces the industry’s environmental impact and creates more resilient communities.”

It’s no accident that the word “Highline” is in this project’s name. The goal is for the building to be a kind of gateway into the larger redevelopment of the surrounding neighborhood to resemble New York’s City’s trendy downtown Meatpacking District, through which runs a portion the High Line elevated park.

What should you consider when reviewing paint warranties?

Warranties can appear to be the same, but as a starting point, you should find out what paint technology your warranty is based on—polyester, silicon-modified polyester or PVDF. Once you’ve established an “apples to apples” comparison with the technologies, you must consider the color palette and its impact on warranty longevity. Review this with your builder, manufacturer or paint company representative.

Healthcare Facilities | Feb 1, 2015

7 new factors shaping hospital emergency departments

A new generation of highly efficient emergency care facilities is upping the ante on patient care and convenience while helping to reposition hospital systems within their local markets.

Common areas in multifamily buildings, often look more like lobbies found in hotels in the multifamily housing game

Multifamily Housing | Jan 31, 2015

5 intriguing trends to track in the multifamily housing game

Demand for rental apartments and condos hasn’t been this strong in years, and our experts think the multifamily sector still has legs. But you have to know what developers, tenants, and buyers are looking for to have any hope of succeeding in this fast-changing market sector.