More than 130 LEED projects have engaged the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Safety First pilot credits to support reopening following COVID-19 shutdowns.
The credits provide sustainable and healthy best practices that align with public health and industry guidelines and help address critical operations including indoor air quality, water systems, cleaning, and re-entry, according to a USGBC news release. The guidance can be used by any LEED project that has certified or is pursuing certification.
The projects pursuing these credits represent 20 different countries and territories. The credits are being used by commercial interior, new construction, and existing building projects, and have included offices, data centers, schools, retail, and hospitality projects.
Safety First credits include protocols for safe cleaning of indoor environments, and also provide guidance on indoor air quality and ventilation, as well as water system recommissioning.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2022
N.Y. governor calls for ban on natural gas in new buildings
Action follows New York City’s ban.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2022
EPA may expand product lineup that can earn WaterSense label
Would include systems that enhance water quality at the tap.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2022
Canada’s Trudeau seeking building codes changes, net-zero emissions building strategy
Prime minister also wants net-zero electricity grid by 2035.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2022
Greater emphasis on building materials needed to achieve net-zero carbon offices
Engineered wood, straw, and bamboo can be keys to achieving goal.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2022
AISC seeks comments on draft earthquake standard for steel buildings
Includes new limits for cross-sectional slenderness of steel columns based on latest research.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
California’s wildfire building code significantly reduces structural loss
As other states consider upgrading their codes, Golden State provides useful model.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
Regulator holding back climate-friendly, energy-saving equipment deployment, critics say
Heat pumps, solar power could be made more accessible for low-income communities in Massachusetts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2022
Cost hikes drive nearly one million renters out of homeownership qualification in 2021
Household income needed to pay a mortgage rose to $62,872 from $55,186.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
