A study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shows that the adoption of modern building codes is averting over a billion dollars a year in structural damage in California and Florida alone. The preliminary findings of this first-of-its-kind study are expected to be formally released in August.The study calculates how much damage has been... Continue Reading →
From Risk to Profit: Benchmarking and Claims Studies is Victor's comprehensive benchmarking and risk management resource for design and construction firms. Below is an excerpt from the book, which is only available to Victor/CNA policyholders and brokers. One of the most important attributes of a professional education, and running a successful design firm, is the... Continue Reading →
The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) is the most used green building standard in the US. The 2020 version of the ICC 700 NGBS is now available as a free download for public use (users need to fill out a simple form to get the download link).The NGBS is a uniquely drafted “standard” in that... Continue Reading →
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has released two new resources and one revised resource to support employers, public officials, and design professionals with re-occupying buildings more safely.The AIA embarked on an initiative to explore how design strategies, backed by science, can be a public health solution. “Reopening America: Strategies for Safer Buildings” is intended... Continue Reading →
The Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC) recently published revised versions of E-500, Standard Form Agreement Between Owner and Engineer for Professional Services, and E-570, Agreement Between Engineer and Subconsultant for Professional Services.E-500 Main Agreement UpdatesE-500 is a comprehensive standard contract for engineering design services and related construction phase engineering and administrative services. The terms... Continue Reading →
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) added to its current sustainable project exhibits by releasing its newest document, C204-2020, Sustainability Consultant Scope of Services. In addition, the AIA published an updated version of D503-2020, Guide for Sustainable Projects, which is available as a free download.The new C204 is for use by a sustainability consultant (architect... Continue Reading →
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced that LEED will play a role in confronting risk in the post-coronavirus pandemic era.In a published letter from Mahesh Ramanujam, President & CEO of USGBC, he announced that the “second generation at USGBC will focus on our relevant and reimagined vision: healthy people in healthy places equals... Continue Reading →
As professionals, engineers face a high level of exposure to professional liability claims. As licensed design professionals, their responsibilities may go beyond simply designing projects to meet existing codes and standards. In some cases, registration laws clearly mandate the obligation of professional engineers to protect public health and safety—and this could be construed as designing... Continue Reading →
Retail groups are reporting a spike in bike sales over the last two months as city dwellers have purchased bikes in unprecedented numbers (Editor's note: a simple account will need to be created to access the full article). With shelter-in-place orders and the use of public transportation limited due to fears of coronavirus, Americans flocked... Continue Reading →
