During the 2020 Biden campaign, climate change was a priority issue. Consistent with that messaging, the administration is now plowing forward with urgent and sweeping climate mitigation policy proposals that will significantly impact the power, transportation, building, waste, and industrial sectors. Navigating the policy and regulatory implications for business models takes time, but the risks... Continue Reading →
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and their 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, the country’s total infrastructure needs over the next 10 years is nearly $6 trillion. After acknowledging various sources of committed funding, ASCE measures the gap to meet those needs as $2.59 trillion. To indicate the payback that infrastructure... Continue Reading →
Both local and state governments continue to pledge commitments to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner. While aspirations are high and worthwhile, and even more are in fact needed, the details on how to meet those pledges have been scarce, confusing, and fraught with political hand-wringing. Indeed, the complexity of solving for climate change... Continue Reading →
The ACEC Research Institute has released a report detailing the impact of the A&E services economic contribution to the overall US economy. The study reports that 2019 revenue for the A&E services sector totaled $386 billion. The total economic contribution of A&E services in 2019 reached nearly $600 billion, and the industry's analogous contribution to the economy... Continue Reading →
In the US, putting a capital asset into place has traditionally been a disjointed and inefficient activity. Pressure from clients has forced both design firms and construction contractors to recognize that the process has to work more efficiently. Project teams shifting focus to project success rather than project disputes has resulted in a blurring of the... Continue Reading →
The International Code Council (ICC) and the National Environmental Health Association have established a new task force on pandemics. The task force will analyze all aspects of the built environment to find solutions that reduce the risks posed by pandemics. The group will complete a comprehensive review of current code requirements, guides, and regulations related... Continue Reading →
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA), which passed both houses of Congress on December 21st and was signed into law on December 27th, includes support for energy efficient design. The 179D energy efficient commercial buildings federal tax deduction (179D), which had been scheduled to expire at the end of 2020, was made permanent. Since 2006,... Continue Reading →
Cushman & Wakefield, the Chicago-based global commercial real estate services firm, has published a series of resources to help offices adapt to the constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and look to the future in planning and operating office space. In September, we published a blog post on the company’s “Recovery Readiness Guide,” which provided... Continue Reading →
The FDA’s approval of COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use will result in employers considering the adoption of mandatory vaccination policies for their employees. Firms operating remotely may attempt to require employees to return to an office location by relying on a mandatory vaccination policy. However, the FDA’s position is that federal law prohibits mandatory use... Continue Reading →
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) adopted a rule effective December 1, 2020, which allows licensed professionals to certify correction of certain fire alarm system defects. The certification program eliminates the need for FDNY re-inspection in specific instances, and is intended to reduce delays. The FDNY is responsible for approving the installation of fire... Continue Reading →
