Compliance: Page 3

ASHRAE updates energy efficiency standard for existing buildings

The 2024 edition of Standard 100 contains new metrics for setting emissions targets and a “simple” compliance mechanism for energy efficient and low-emission buildings, it says.

By Joe Burns • Jan. 18, 2024

6 facilities management trends to watch in 2024

Facilities managers are turning to technology and automation to help address commercial real estate challenges, including decarbonization, office space optimization and skilled labor shortages.

By Nish Amarnath , Joe Burns • Jan. 10, 2024

DOL independent contractor final rule announced, will take effect March 11

The rule largely tracks the agency’s October 2022 proposed rule, adopting a six-factor, “totality-of-the-circumstances” framework for analyzing worker-employer relationships.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 9, 2024

Virginia proposes data center energy efficiency requirements

A proposed bill would require facilities in the state to meet power usage effectiveness standards and procure carbon-free renewable energy to obtain tax exemption credits.

By Joe Burns • Jan. 5, 2024

Emissions compliance period begins for NYC’s Local Law 97

Even though 89% of covered buildings are set to meet 2024 emissions targets, facilities managers must act promptly to achieve 2030 goals, experts say.

By Nish Amarnath • Jan. 3, 2024

Trends that will define facilities management in 2024: 12 predictions

Net-zero goals, AI-driven automation, predictive maintenance and office right-sizing are some of what industry participants expect in the new year.

By the Sinohuiyuan Team • Jan. 2, 2024

Legal threats to city, state natural gas bans in 2023: A timeline

Gas and building industry groups continue to battle gas ban rules that states and cities are passing to advance decarbonization efforts.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Jan. 2, 2024

Supplier diversity push shines light on procurement data

Benchmarking procurement data and ensuring vendor representation in RFPs are the first steps to greater diversity, says Medxcel Vice President of Corporate Services Sara Barker.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 22, 2023

NYC releases second set of final rules for Local Law 97 implementation

The rules define what a good-faith effort to decarbonize is, create a framework for retroactive enforcement, limit the use of renewable energy credits and more.

By Nish Amarnath • Dec. 20, 2023

$530M in building code technical assistance grants available from DOE

The grants will support a wide range of energy code and building performance standards activities, including workforce development, by state, local and tribal governments.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 19, 2023

Seattle requires large buildings to zero out greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

As building performance standards gain traction nationwide, Seattle’s policy is the city’s most ambitious plan ever to reduce building emissions, the City Council said.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Dec. 13, 2023

NYC removes rooftop zoning restrictions for solar, heat pump and electrification equipment

The "City of Yes" initiative, which takes effect Dec. 11, is expected to help facilitate environmentally friendly retrofits for over 50,000 buildings.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 11, 2023

Final SEC climate disclosure rule pushed to April 2024

The long-awaited timing update comes via the Biden administration’s regulatory agenda for next year, which also unveiled new timetables for other ESG-related proposals.

By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 7, 2023

Decarbonization strategies require corporate buy-in, USGBC says

While Inflation Reduction Act funding is a “key lever to decarbonization,” building owners, operators and occupants must do more to ensure that the U.S. reaches its Paris Agreement goals, the U.S. Green Building Council says.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 6, 2023

Existing building stock challenges decarbonization goals

Experts at an ASHRAE panel discussed the role of model codes, zero-energy codes and building performance standards in decarbonization, emphasizing solutions for effective energy and emissions management.

By Joe Burns • Dec. 5, 2023

IRS and Treasury propose clean energy investment tax credit updates

The proposed regulations would further define what qualifies as an ITC-eligible energy property and address Inflation Reduction Act-related wage and apprenticeship requirements.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 28, 2023

Without BPS compliance, owners risk reputational damage, lower revenue

As building performance standards gain momentum, properties could face several negative impacts if they fail to meet energy efficiency and decarbonization targets, a CBRE report finds.

By Joe Burns • Updated Dec. 11, 2023

Boston ends efforts to ban fossil fuels in new buildings through state program

Mayor Wu said she received "clear indications" the city wouldn't be chosen for the Massachusetts program. Boston now plans to explore zoning changes and a home-rule petition.

By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 16, 2023

DOL’s proposed overtime rule change faces pushback

Commenters on the rule suggested the agency reduce the minimum increase threshold, delay the rule’s enactment or abandon it altogether.

By Emilie Shumway • Nov. 13, 2023

Accurate benchmarking data is critical to building performance standards: ASHRAE panel

Energy audits are important to ensuring buildings comply with standards, speakers said at ASHRAE’s Decarbonization Conference for the Built Environment.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 10, 2023

SEC commissioner suggests ‘re-proposing’ climate risk disclosure rule

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission "should do everything possible to not promulgate a rule that is costly and ineffective," Commissioner Mark Uyeda said.

By Jim Tyson • Nov. 9, 2023

Poppy releases ventilation test kits, partners with Ainsworth

The kits and Poppy’s training and accreditation program aim to help owners and operators monitor air quality and prepare for tighter regulations based on the new ASHRAE standard.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 8, 2023

ASHRAE releases new guide on how grid interactivity can accelerate decarbonization

The guide offers best practices and considerations for carbon emissions reduction, energy usage optimization and operational cost savings, the organization says.

By Joe Burns • Nov. 2, 2023

Billions in deferred maintenance projects coming to US facilities

A nationwide push to address delayed upkeep on public buildings and infrastructure will create myriad opportunities for contractors, according to a consultant.

By Mary Scott Nabers • Oct. 26, 2023

Debate swirls at NYC hearing on proposed delays to building emissions enforcement

Participants weighed in on whether “good-faith efforts” toward compliance should delay penalties and whether renewable energy credits provide a worrisome loophole.

By Joe Burns • Updated Oct. 30, 2023