Existing laws may be restricting efforts to cut carbon emissions

Municipalities attempting to enact new laws to cut carbon emissions are being restrained in some cases by existing laws that favor fossil fuels.

For example, the town of Brookline, Mass., enacted at ban on natural gas and oil heating systems and cooking appliances using fossil fuels in new buildings. But, the state’s attorney general overturned the law, citing the town’s lack of authority to create their own building permitting rules or to control the piping installed in buildings.

Though the attorney general supports the town’s carbon-cutting goal, she said that municipalities cannot legally override the state’s Department of Public Utilities on this issue. Environmental advocates say regulations and laws such as the one cited in the Bay State will have to be revisited to advance carbon-emission reduction policies.

New York State has a policy that guarantees access to natural gas service to all residents in areas where it is available. California’s Natural Gas Act requires the state’s energy planning agency to issue a report every four years that identifies strategies to maximize the benefits of natural gas. These laws may make it more difficult to fully electrify new buildings.

Learn how MG2’s Sustainable Materials Evaluation System helps clients, prospects, and staff choose the most environmentally feasible materials for their building projects. Candon Murphy, LEED GA, Assoc. IIDA, Design Lab Manager and Materials & Sustainability Specialist with MG2, speaks with BD+C Executive Editor Rob Cassidy.

Esports Arenas | May 11, 2022

Design firm Populous partners with esports company on digital art NFT collection

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Market Data | May 10, 2022

Hybrid work could result in 20% less demand for office space

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Standards | May 9, 2022

New GSA standards set carbon limits on building materials for all major projects

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Higher Education | May 5, 2022

To keep pace with demand, higher ed will have to add 45,000 beds by year-end

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Legislation | May 4, 2022

Washington is first state to mandate all-electric heat for new large buildings

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Planning for hospital campus access that works for people

This course defines the elements of hospital campus access that are essential to promoting the efficient, stress-free movement of patients, staff, family, and visitors. Campus access elements include signage and wayfinding, parking facilities, transportation demand management, shuttle buses, curb access, valet parking management, roadways, and pedestrian walkways.

Codes and Standards | May 3, 2022

American Institute of Steel Construction updates environmental product declarations

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Codes and Standards | May 2, 2022

Developer Hines, engineer MKA develop free embodied carbon reduction guide

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