flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Green building advocates erect icehouses on Penn. state capitol steps to make point on codes

Codes and Standards

Green building advocates erect icehouses on Penn. state capitol steps to make point on codes

State’s codes have not been updated since 2009.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | June 19, 2017

Photo: Jason Burmeister, flickr Creative Commons

Advocates aiming to prompt Pennsylvania legislators to update the state’s building codes erected two icehouses on the steps of the state Capitol in Harrisburg to make a point about energy efficiency.

One 8-foot-by-8-foot icehouse was built to current code; the other was built to passive house energy efficiency standards. In about three weeks, the project’s designers expect that the half-ton of ice in the less efficient shed will have melted completely, while the block in the high-performance building will still be about half of its original size.

Pennsylvania has not updated its energy codes since 2009. Advocates also want state lawmakers to reform the process for adopting new codes.

The Senate and House passed bills this spring to revise the state’s building code adoption process. A 2011 law requires an advisory board to approve each code change with a two-thirds vote.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2017

Nail-Laminated timber Canadian design and construction guide released

Includes practical strategies and guidance with lessons from real-life projects.

Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2017

New standard to monitor building sealing performance

Increased understanding of how materials act when stretched and compressed is the goal.

Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2017

Denver voters approve green roof mandate

Buildings of 25,000 sf or larger required to install vegetative roof or PVs.

Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2017

USGBC adopts ‘RELi’ resilient building and design standard

The standard prescribes methods for designing more resilient buildings and communities.

Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2017

Updated material transparency web site and hazardous building materials list unveiled

Improved versions of tools aimed at use of healthier construction supplies.

Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2017

White roofing isn’t always the best choice

Adverse effects include heat reflection onto nearby walls.

Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017

U.S. finalizes tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber

The duties would add 20% or more to cost if trade negotiators can’t find common ground.

Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017

NBI stretch code a tool for accelerating efficiency standards

It provides a strategy to leapfrog minimum code requirements.

Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2017

California bill would require purchase of low-carbon construction products

Contractors would have to source products based on greenhouse gas impact, not price, on state projects.

Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2017

New AIA contract document for facility support services released

Updated form intended to be used with owner-architect agreements.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.




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