GREEN BUILDING NEWS

The first article below is focused on structural engineering but explains the idea of functional recovery well. ~Tina

How to integrate resilience into structural design

ASCE SOURCE

Design and construction standards ensure the built environment has a minimum level of safety in the face of normal or extreme events that a community may experience. Those standards designate a maximum probability of failure, given a design-level event. But the real impact of these events on a community is measured in terms of loss of life, livelihood, and property. Local citizens are often surprised to learn that the damage done to their engineered buildings had been expected, and while many damaged buildings can be repaired, many cannot. Read more.

How to decarbonize existing buildings by 2050

FACITLITIES NET

The US Department of Energy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels, emphasizing building energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Challenges in decarbonizing existing buildings are convincing building owners of the benefits, with steps to begin the process including building a committed team, benchmarking emissions, aligning opportunities with improvement cycles, focusing on energy-saving opportunities and regular progress reviews. Click here to learn more.

CODE and STANDARD NEWS

DOE issues updated Model Energy Code determination for commercial buildings

DOE

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a determination that the updated model energy code for commercial buildings, ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2022, will increase their energy efficiency. DOE technical analysis estimates that buildings meeting the updated Standard 90.1-2022, as compared to buildings meeting the 2019 edition, would result in national site energy savings of 9.8%, source energy savings of 9.4%, energy cost savings of 8.9% and carbon emissions savings of 9.3%. One of several significant changes is the incorporation of prescriptive requirements for renewable energy systems that require onsite generation.

New ASCE sustainable infrastructure standard poised to reshape the future

ASCE SOURCE

Now that ASCE has published ASCE/COS 73-23: Standard Practice for Sustainable Infrastructure, providing guidance for infrastructure owners to develop and implement sustainable solutions throughout a project’s entire life cycle, the focus turns to implementation. How will agencies, owners, and civil engineers put the standard into practice? Read more.

GREEN PRODUCT NEWS

The U.S. federal government is investing significant resources into development of EPDs for low-carbon construction. Their latest efforts are related to Product Category Rules (PCR) - the foundational rules for development of EPDs. You can learn more through the links below. ~Tina

EPA releases draft criteria for Product Category Rules

EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released draft criteria for Product Category Rules (PCRs) in support of a new label for more climate-friendly construction materials and products as part of the $100 million Label Program for Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials created under the Inflation Reduction Act. PCRs are guidelines for developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which communicate climate and other environmental impacts of products, and will be used to determine a product’s eligibility for the new label. The draft criteria will improve PCRs by establishing consistent requirements for data quality and transparency in EPDs. Register for this March 21, 2024 webinar to learn more.

Stone offers ancient solution for modern construction

DEZEEN

The ancient building material stone holds great promise for construction in an era when it's crucial to slash carbon emissions, writes structural engineer Steve Webb in this article. But "for the 21st century, we need to bring stone up to date, capturing all its goodness while making it practical for modern constructions. One sensible way to unfetter stone from its gothic past is by reinforcing it as concrete is reinforced." 

Domino Sugar refinery building adaptive reuse

ARCHITECTURAL RECORD

After nearly two decades of inactivity, the Domino Sugar Refinery reopens on the Brooklyn waterfront, cleaned up and reimagined for commercial use by PAU. Read more about this masonry reuse project here.

EDUCATIONAL NEWS

In response to requests received from members, TMS is holding its Spring Meetings virtually. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the Society and its many committees. The registration fee is nominal, in order to allow for broad participation. ~Tina

Register Now for The Masonry Society Virtual Spring Meetings

MASONRYSOCIETY.ORG

The Masonry Society's 2024 Spring Meetings will be held virtually from April 10 -25, 2024, using a schedule that allows for just a few meetings being held each day. A draft schedule is posted here, and registration is now open. In addition to meetings, we will have a Virtual Happy Hour to catch up with friends and to make new ones. We also hope to introduce TMS's new Executive Director during Town Hall. We hope you will be able to join us!