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Statewide energy codes are important for several reasons—not the least of which are reduced energy consumption, mitigated greenhouse gas emissions, minimized building operational costs, and improved climate resilience. Yet, at the time of this writing, ten states do not have a statewide commercial energy code.

The latest 2030 By the Numbers report details the aggregate impacts of 23,276 project reported, including a 48 percent overall reduction in predicted (modeled) energy use intensity (pEUI) and 41.8 million metric tons of CO2 emissions avoided relative to baseline-equivalent buildings.

The prospect of decarbonizing the electrical sector is riddled with myriad economic, technological, political, and outright physical challenges. There will be unanticipated setbacks and some nascent technologies will offer staggering breakthroughs. Goals notwithstanding, the future has yet to be written. 

In recognition of the carbon intensity of our landscape, the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) have made several recent moves toward deeper climate action.

Tree-rich ecosystems serve as "carbon sinks" by absorbing more carbon than they release, which could potentially help offset the carbon emissions from human activities such as using fossil fuel-based energy resources for building construction and operation. 

Although both wet-bulb globe temperature and Heat Index take into consideration dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity, Heat Index is calculated specifically for outdoor shaded areas and does not consider conductive heat transfer from wind speed or the heat stress added by direct sun exposure.  

Although much has been said and written regarding the IRA and what it does and does not accomplish, the implications for the building design and construction industry may remain unclear. 

According to the latest determinations issued by the U.S. Department of Energy, ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2019 would achieve greater energy efficiency in commercial buildings compared to the previous edition (2016) of the standard.

CO2 concentrations are frequently a point of concern in the context of indoor air quality. It is relatively easy to measure and is commonly included in indoor air quality monitoring procedures.

We learned about it in middle school science class: the earth is comprised of carbon-based lifeforms. However, there is a name for the carbon that all living things embody: biogenic carbon.