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 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 →
Design firms are businesses. As businesses, they are subject to federal, state, and local laws that mandate employment practices that are fair and compliant with governing statutes and regulations. The requirements often vary by firm size, but all firms should be aware that during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, compliance is becoming more... Continue Reading →
The AIA Contract Documents program has been active in providing both articles and discussions on the impact of COVID-19 constraints on the operations of design professionals, contractual obligations of construction companies, and exposures of project owners. Many of the presentations look at how the standard AIA contract forms address extensions of contract time and recovery... Continue Reading →
FIDIC is a global organization with 102 Member Associations representing countries from all regions of the world. In English, the name of the organization translates to the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, and it comprises national organizations representing over 40,000 firms throughout the world. The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the US Member... Continue Reading →
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently published information and conducted webinars on how architecture firms should be managing their business and professional risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The resources are a joint effort of the AIA Risk Management Committee and its Contract Documents program. The Contract Documents program created, “How AIA contracts address issues... Continue Reading →
