More local governments are requiring building owners to mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff.
Solutions including rain gardens, green roofs, cisterns, and rainwater recycling add cost to projects, but they also yield value to properties, according to a new report by the Urban Land Institute. Elements that captured stormwater enhanced the user experience, improved place-making opportunity, and improved development yield of land.
A 200-unit apartment complex in Boston, for example, garnered an additional $300 to $500 per month in rent for units that overlooked a green roof. The green roof cost $113,000 to build, and the extra rent nets $120,000 per year, according to the ULI report.
Green infrastructure including bioswales, is more cost-effective than graywater infrastructure where sewage mains and tunnels collect and treat stormwater and sewage before discharging, studies show.
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Anti-prevailing wage bills that apply to state-funded construction projects have been passed in West Virginia and Nevada. Similar laws could be passed in Indiana and Illinois.
Codes and Standards | May 7, 2015
New OSHA rule aimed at protecting construction workers in confined spaces
The agency says the rule will protect about 800 workers a year from serious injury.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
Colorado House kills construction defects bill
The legislation would have made it harder for condo owners to sue builders.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
New energy efficiency program, Tenant Star, gets OK from Congress
The voluntary program for commercial and government buildings is modeled after Energy Star.
Smart Buildings | May 1, 2015
FEMA to require states to evaluate risks posed by climate change
The aim is for states to do a better job planning for natural disasters they are likely to face in a warming world.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2015
Department of Energy asks for feedback on cost-effectiveness of building energy codes
DOE’s RFI wants input on how to improve methodology on cost assessment.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2015
New York State renews design-build authority
Five state agencies are allowed to use design-build on certain projects.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2015
OSHA’s estimated cost of silica rule said to underestimate impact by $4.5 billion annually
The coalition says that OSHA’s flawed cost estimates point to flaws in the rule, and has urged the federal agency to reconsider its approach.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2015
2016 Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings draft available for public review
The comment period is open until May 29.
Codes and Standards | Apr 22, 2015
GBCI renamed Green Business Certification Inc.
The name change reflects the organization’s expanded certification and credentialing services.