Tag Archives: Division 01

Evolution of sustainable construction from LEED to federal mandates

The latest push toward product transparency is coming from all levels of the government. Starting from the top, in December 2021, the Biden administration issued Executive Order (EO) 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability. This order sets government-wide goals for federal agencies related to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, transitioning to carbon-pollution-free electricity and zero-emission fleets, achieving net-zero-emission buildings, and incorporating sustainable acquisition and procurement practices, among others.

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Hurricane Ian’s aftermath: Code-approved lessons and results

Advancements in hurricane building science, continuous code improvements, and the success of code-approved products have made it possible to design more resilient structures in hurricane zones. The widely acclaimed success of Babcock Ranch, a solar-powered community 32 km (20 mi) inland from Ft. Myers, is a testament to how far the building and testing industry has come. 

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Essential structural considerations in roof design

Design professionals often work in isolation, with each discipline (architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical) working exclusively on their own discipline, and only getting together after they have completed most of their individual design contribution to coordinate dimensions. Crucial data is unintentionally missed, and this can significantly affect the structural design of roof systems.

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