Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel recently spoke of the major challenges facing America’s military resulting from climate change. Among the challenges the armed forces may face is rising sea levels that could put Navy docks and other installations under water in places like Norfolk, Va., Honolulu, and other coastal locations.
The Pentagon has been working for years to reduce the military's carbon footprint by using alternative fuels and more stringent energy-efficiency construction standards. Despite these efforts, the military was responsible for 71% of the federal government's carbon footprint in 2010. A federal greenhouse gas report said that more than 60% of the Pentagon's carbon footprint cannot be reduced easily.
A newly released Defense Department report identifies four things that will affect the U.S. military due to climate change: rising global temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, more extreme weather, and rising sea levels. It calls on the department and the military to identify specific concerns, including possible effects on the more than 7,000 bases and facilities worldwide, and to start putting plans in place to deal with them.
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/13/climate-change-military_n_5975734.html)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
L.A. considers controversial traffic calming measures
Goal is to encourage alternative transportation
Codes and Standards | Aug 13, 2015
Proposed facility smart grid standard open for public review
Goal is common way to describe, manage, communicate about electrical energy consumptions, forecasts
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
AAMA updates methods for testing of exterior walls
The standard specifies test methods, specifications, and field checks to evaluate structural adequacy of exterior wall systems composed of curtain walls, storefronts, and sloped glazing.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
Difference in male-female thermal comfort is due to clothing, ASHRAE says
Women wear lighter clothing in the summer, so they tend to be cooler in air-conditioned rooms, according to the group.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
ConsensusDocs releases new CM agency contract standard agreement
For use when owner acts as the construction manager, hires a construction manager, or uses multiple prime contractors
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
AIA, International Code Council reach collaborative agreement on building codes
The deal covers a wide range of initiatives, including code development, compliance, and sustainability.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
Report offers urban design recommendations for healthier cities, fewer traffic fatalities
Provides concepts for creating safer streets
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2015
2015 gypsum fire resistance design manual released
The 2015 edition contains nearly 100 new systems that supplement existing assemblies for walls and partitions, floor-ceiling systems, area separation walls, and many others.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
New York City changing zoning rules to reduce shadows cast by high rises
For decades, the New York City’s zoning rules have made it hard to construct high-rise buildings that seem airy and minimize the shadows they cast. The city planning department is now working to change that.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
ICC, ASHRAE outline roles to consolidate IgCC and 189.1
"IgCC Powered by 189.1” will provide the design and construction industry with “the single, most-effective way to deliver sustainable, resilient, high-performance buildings," according to the trade groups behind the agreement.