Regulations, building layouts impede office conversion projects

Even as Congress faces pressure to overhaul outdated permitting processes, builders, architects and property owners cite complex zoning laws as barriers to converting existing office space to residential and other uses.

By Nish Amarnath • June 28, 2023

Hawai’i looks to tackle equity considerations of siting energy infrastructure as part of new docket

The state has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, and regulators opened a docket in December focused on ensuring more equity in its energy landscape. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 28, 2023

San Francisco invites proposals for adaptive reuse commercial building projects

The city’s initiative to repurpose underused downtown commercial space solidifies legislation passed last week to simplify commercial building conversion processes.

By Nish Amarnath • June 27, 2023

ASHRAE publishes airborne infection risk mitigation standard for buildings

Air ventilation systems and maintenance minimum requirements, building readiness planning guidelines and assessment are part of Standard 241.

By Joe Burns • June 26, 2023

71% of organizations struggling to keep up with new AI risks, report finds

Most organizations rely on third-party AI tools — yet some don’t evaluate their risks at all.

By Carolyn Crist • June 26, 2023

SEC General Counsel defends climate risk disclosure rule

Republican lawmakers accused the SEC’s top attorney of stonewalling requests for information on the agency’s regulation and enforcement.

By Jim Tyson • June 23, 2023

US will need to triple retrofit rate to meet decarbonization targets: JLL

The report urges building owners and occupiers to strengthen their relationships, upskill the labor force and electrify major building systems to avoid a “brown discount” on lease negotiations.

By Joe Burns • June 23, 2023

New York, Minnesota latest states to target noncompetes

Minnesota recently passed, and New York is close to passing, laws prohibiting employers from using agreements to prevent employees from going to a competitor.  

By Robert Freedman • June 22, 2023

Limble’s CMMS software secures $58M in series B funding from Goldman Sachs

The company aims to grow its market share by expanding its product portfolio and user interface, while accelerating its go-to-market strategy.  

By Joe Burns • June 22, 2023

DC Circuit Court invalidates EPA ban on non-refillable refrigerant cylinders

The court ruling supports Worthington’s objections to the ban, determining that the government agency overstepped its power granted by Congress.

By Joe Burns • June 21, 2023

JLL rolls out commercial decarbonization services

The real estate and investment management firm will offer software and consulting to building owners and operators to identify and act on potential decarbonization facility strategies.

By Joe Burns • June 16, 2023

Cost concerns spur North Carolina’s move to delay vote on building code update

The state’s Building Code Council has shelved a vote on a proposed overhaul of building energy efficiency rules as it waits for reports detailing the costs and benefits of implementing the changes. 

By Nish Amarnath • June 16, 2023

To reduce carbon footprint of existing buildings, Seattle proposes new standards

Mayor Bruce Harrell called the legislation “among the most impactful proposals [the city] can advance to reduce emissions.”

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 16, 2023

Vermont delays residential building energy code implementation to July 2024

A legislative committee wants more time to create a state entity to improve international energy conservation code compliance.

By Nish Amarnath • June 15, 2023

ASHRAE seeks comments on energy standard addenda

The proposals include changes to on-site renewable energy and tax credit requirements, as well as shower head flow rates.

By Joe Burns • June 13, 2023

Drone maker Percepto raises $67M and gets FAA waiver

The nationwide waiver eliminates site-specific approvals for critical infrastructure projects and reduces cost barriers for drone inspection companies.

By Joe Burns • June 13, 2023

Building performance standards becoming key climate policy in US cities: report

The number of jurisdictions adopting standards has nearly doubled since 2020, with legislation enacted in three states and nine localities, says a new report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

By Ysabelle Kempe • June 8, 2023

Lawmakers urge HUD to prohibit biometric recognition tech in federally funded housing

Concerns include racial bias and harassment for minor rule violations.

By Mary Salmonsen • June 7, 2023

Colorado releases new statewide building energy codes

The standards, set to take effect July 1, will require local municipalities to meet minimum requirements, including electric vehicle and solar panel compatibility.

By Joe Burns • June 7, 2023

EPA fines Anheuser-Busch $537,000 for safety violations at 3 facilities

The agency found that the beer maker failed to comply with engineering standards laid out in the Clean Air Act at plants in New Hampshire, Colorado and California.

By Joe Burns • June 7, 2023

UpCodes launches AI-powered building code tool

Copilot connects to the startup’s database, which is updated about 7,000 times a month, to provide current codes and specific building type parameters.

By Joe Burns • June 6, 2023

LG pledges to run all facilities on renewable energy by 2050

The electronics company is installing solar panels and power stations on its factory and office rooftops to meet ESG benchmarks.

By Joe Burns • June 6, 2023

7 trends shaping facilities management in 2023

Sustainability mandates, return-to-office and IoT growth have facilities leaders leaning on tech and outsourcing to meet budgets and streamline operations.

By Joe Burns , Shaun Lucas • June 5, 2023

Measurabl raises $93M series D funding to help consolidate real estate ESG tools

Demand for reporting and tracking platforms has jumped as companies grapple with decarbonization and sustainability standards.

By Joe Burns • June 1, 2023

Honeywell’s new building tech to measure air quality and energy consumption

Forge for Buildings uses sensor data and occupancy levels to optimize energy use and track carbon reduction efforts.

By Joe Burns • May 25, 2023