What Construction Firms Need to Know about ESG
While the environmental, social and governance (ESG) movement started with institutions and financial firms, it has become increasingly relevant for the construction industry. Many project owners and financiers are now requiring construction companies to report on ESG measures because activities completed by contractors are considered part of the owner’s value chain and must therefore be…
Duke Energy Carolinas Requests Rate Review by North Carolina Utilities Commission to Build a Cleaner, More Reliable Energy Future
Duke Energy Carolinas today asked North Carolina regulators to review its rates as the company continues to strengthen the electricity grid to improve reliability for customers and facilitate a cleaner, more secure energy future in a manner that supports economic development across the state. The rate case includes a three-year plan to fund system improvements, including nearly $4.2…
Lowe’s Sets Goal to Reach Net-Zero Emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 2050
Company’s net-zero roadmap focuses on reducing impact of its value chain, increasing product efficiency and transitioning to renewable energy sources Lowe’s today announced its goal to reach net-zero emissions across the company’s scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in accordance with guidelines from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the global body enabling…
Treasury’s Clean Energy Tax Credit Guidance Provides Almost No Clarity
Associated Builders and Contractors released the following statement responding to guidance released today by the U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service regarding tax credits for private clean energy projects funded by the Inflation Reduction Act conditioned on compliance with prevailing wage and government-registered apprenticeship requirements. “While we are still thoroughly assessing the IRS’ guidance and FAQs, so…
U.S. Green Building Council Pushes for Greater Action and Accountability Following COP27
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is calling for greater action to address climate change following COP27. Even with the new COP27 agreements adopted last week, emission reductions, including those of the building and construction sector which accounts for 40% of energy-based carbon emissions, are not on track to reach net zero by 2050. USGBC…
The Inflation Reduction Act Targets Energy Efficiency Improvements
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law on August 16, 2022. The provisions included in this law address a wide range of financial efforts targeted at reducing the deficit while providing some tax reductions and incentives. Contractors and building designers for both individuals and businesses can benefit from the additional energy efficiency incentives…
New Research Reveals Embodied Carbon Reductions Now a Top Priority in Concrete Construction
New research released today by Dodge Construction Network reveals that the building industry is actively seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete construction. The data shows that 81% of structural engineers and 69% of contractors working with concrete are tracking the embodied carbon on their projects, and about one third are already actively reducing it. Concrete…
Leeward Renewable Energy Begins Construction of Oak Trail Solar Project in North Carolina
Leeward Renewable Energy (“LRE” or “Company”) announced that construction has commenced on its Oak Trail Solar facility near Moyock, North Carolina. LRE will sell the 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy generated at Oak Trail Solar to Verizon Communications under a long-term power purchase agreement. “Verizon is committed to protecting our planet by supporting the…
USGBC Readies the Green Building Industry for a LEED Positive Future During Greenbuild
Last week concluded the annual Greenbuild Conference & Expo, presented by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and owned and operated by Informa Connect. Throughout this year’s virtual event, USGBC delivered key updates intended to help push the industry closer to a regenerative future as outlined through LEED Positive, while prioritizing solutions that promote social equity, resilience…
USGBC North Carolina and USGBC South Carolina Share Sustainable Business Awards Winners
Winners were announced at the virtual Carolinas Green Gala on Oct. 29. The Sustainable Business Awards given by the USGBC North Carolina and USGBC South Carolina communities promote and recognize excellence in sustainable design, environmental stewardship and community impact, and highlight the green building initiatives and achievements of local projects, organizations and individual leaders. Given in several categories, our project awards…
