ID360, a leading sustainability and decarbonization consulting firm, is proud to announce support to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in collaboration with GGA Architects to meet the Collaborative for High-Performance Schools (CHPS) Verification Standards for Huntington Park High School and Franklin Elementary School. This innovative initiative will set new benchmarks in sustainable and energy-efficient school infrastructure. ID360 is supporting the Prime Vendor GGA to meet these goals

Huntington Park High School and Franklin Elementary School have long been pillars of the educational system in Los Angeles, nurturing generations of students. With a commitment to excellence and sustainability, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has targeted the CHPS Verification Standards to ensure that these facilities continue to provide the highest quality education while minimizing their environmental impact.

The CHPS Verification focus on achieving the highest standards in energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall sustainability. By optimizing building designs, daylighting design, and incorporating cutting-edge technology, these schools will become great examples of environmentally responsible educational facilities.

Melanie Jacobson, Founder and Principal of ID360, stated, “We are proud to bring our environmental expertise to this endeavor. Through our partnership with GGA, we aim to set new benchmarks for sustainable school infrastructure in Los Angeles.”

Throughout the development and implementation process, The ID360 team lead the strategic implementation of all the CHPS criteria for both Franklin Elementary School and Huntington Park High School and is supporting GGA with the CHPS submittal process.

To learn more about ID360 sustainable building services and other certification support please visit https://www.ID360.green/building-services/

Between wildfires in Hawaii and missing sea ice in the Arctic, industry standards are changing and we are committed to keeping the community updated. Last month the Biden administration issued a Heat Alert action plan to combat workplace hazards caused by extreme heat and California just became the first state to adopt mandatory measures to reduce embodied carbon. Climate change has given way to record-breaking high temperatures across the globe, but President Biden, OSHA, the California Building Standards Commission, and the Department of Labor are working to develop standards and best practices we will all benefit from. 

Under President Biden’s Heat Alert, employees will have guaranteed heat-related protections under federal law. The Department of Labor will put systems in place to inform employees of their legal protections and increase enforcement of current standards with more frequent inspections in high-risk industries. OSHA is also taking steps to develop new standard heat safety rules for the workplace. These rules will reinforce workers’ rights to a safe work environment. 

Another win in the interest of climate change is the $7 million investment that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is making to improve the accuracy of our nation’s weather forecasts. This investment may help save thousands of lives as accurate weather forecasts are crucial for mitigating the damage that results from natural disasters and extreme weather events. This investment will help maximize the potential of the NOAA’s existing global observing system by pooling resources from universities and other institutions to create a new Data Assimilation Consortium. The investment towards this initiative is made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act

The Department of the Interior will also be making a sizable investment to improve water storage in California, Colorado, and Washington. Their $152 million investment will increase water storage in the states previously mentioned. Through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, carefully organized investments will be made toward critical water infrastructure that will make way for water recycling and desalination facilities for communities that have suffered from having contaminated water. 

The California Building Standards Commission voted unanimously for two building code changes that will limit embodied carbon emissions in the built environment. The code additions are amendments to the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and in making these changes California becomes the first state in the nation to set code standards that require the reduction of embodied carbon in the design and building process for both commercial buildings and schools.  ID30 celebrates the efforts made by communities and our government to maintain the health of our planet. At ID360, we believe that sustainability is the way forward. If you are looking to implement innovative sustainable design policy and green project management, contact us and we’ll help you get started.

The next mid-code cycle update for the California Building Standards Code, or CalGreen, is scheduled for January 2024 with an effective date of July 2024.  As we wait for the changes to be released, we can review what issues arose during the 15-Day Public Comment period. The 15-Day period is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to provide recommendations for the upcoming code cycle. Organizations like the American Institute of Architects and the California Association of Building Officials, who have a pulse on the codes and their projected impacts will typically submit recommendations and questions. The review period is open to the general public. The public comment period closed in June and the comments submitted are available on the CA.gov website. In this blog, we will cover some of the areas in question.  

Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment 

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the best ways for architects and building professionals to understand the environmental impact and energy use associated with all phases of a building’s life cycle including procurement, construction, operation, and deallocation. 

Comments/Suggestions offered regarding LCA:

  • Consideration for when building products and systems are selected for building use with the intention of lowering impacts, the energy consumed, and emissions produced during the actual building occupation. 
  • Encourage consideration for use phase impacts when making LCA product and building decisions. 
  • Cradle-to-Grave vs. Cradle-to-Gate: designers and building owners do not know who will be renting space and for what purpose. This is also a different definition than in state law.
  • How can we be more intentional and accurate when certifying that building material information is accurate? How do we know foreign entities are accurate in reporting carbon impact and how does a building official know if the information provided is accurate?

How will field verification work?

Field verification is an integral part of the building code process. Several questions/concerns were raised about the process.

  • Is there a consideration to include a field verification attestation to verify that the Responsible Designer visited the construction site and verified the material? 
  • Will this responsibility fall on the building inspector?

Other

  • Structural safety implications of new technology in the built environment
  • Questions regarding a more measured approach for embodied carbon 

The ID360 Team is following these changes closely. These are just a few of the many comments submitted during the public comment period. To read these documents in detail click here. Follow ID360 for the latest in code changes or check out our Intro to the 2002 California Green Building Code course on ID360 Academy. 

ID360 is proud to announce its partnership with the City of Rohnert Park. ID360 was contracted by the City of Rohnert Park to support the City’s sustainability goals including managing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing and promoting electrification and efficiency programs. This collaboration signifies the City’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and a greener, more resilient future.

Recognizing the urgent need to curb carbon emissions and reduce the environmental impact of construction projects, the City of Rohnert Park is undertaking the development of a cutting-edge Energy Reach Code. This code will set ambitious standards for energy performance, encouraging builders and developers to adopt eco-friendly and energy-efficient practices in their projects. By leveraging ID360’s expertise in the energy sector and extensive experience in developing similar codes for forward-thinking communities, Rohnert Park aims to establish a comprehensive Energy Reach Code that will serve as a model for neighboring regions.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the City of Rohnert Park to create an innovative Energy Reach Code,” said Melanie Jacobson, Founder and Principal of ID360. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with the city’s vision to promote sustainability and resilience, ensuring a brighter future for the City of Rohnert Park residents.”

Throughout the policy development process, ID360 will conduct thorough research and analysis, engage in community outreach, and provide a state-wide cost-effectiveness study to ensure the Energy Reach Code’s practicality and efficiency. This inclusive approach will enable the code to address the unique needs and priorities of the community.

To learn more about ID360’s work and other decarbonization and green code services please visit www.ID360.green

ID360 is proud to announce its partnership with the City of Culver City to develop a groundbreaking local Green Building Standard Ordinance, also known as a “REACH Code.” This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.

Culver City is dedicated to fostering environmentally responsible practices and mitigating the impact of climate change. With the increasing need for sustainable building practices, the city has recognized the urgency to establish a comprehensive Green Building Standard Ordinance. Developed in conjunction with ID360’s expertise, this code will provide essential guidelines and incentives for developers and builders to create eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and environmentally-conscious structures. The joint efforts of Culver City and ID360 aim to foster innovation, create a greener building industry, and set new benchmarks for sustainable practices.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the City of Culver City to create a pioneering Green Building Standard Ordinance,” said Melanie Jacobson, Principal and Founder of ID360. “This partnership represents a crucial step forward in the ongoing efforts of the City to protect the environment and promote responsible development.”

ID360’s reputation as a leading consulting firm in the green building sector made them an ideal partner for this endeavor. Their extensive experience developing similar codes for progressive municipalities aligns perfectly with Culver City’s vision for a sustainable future. To learn more about ID360’s work and other decarbonization and green code services please visit www.ID360.green

20th, July 2023 – ID360 is proud to announce its partnership with the Town of Los Altos Hills to support the launch of its Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program. Designed to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and promote sustainability, this innovative initiative is set to revolutionize the way residents harness solar power for their homes.

The Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program aims to empower Los Altos Hills residents by providing a user-friendly platform that streamlines the process of transitioning to solar energy. Through this program, homeowners can access comprehensive resources, expert guidance, and financial incentives to support the installation of solar panels on their properties.

Key features of the Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program include:

  • Seamless Application Process: The program offers an intuitive online application system, allowing residents to easily navigate through the process of applying for solar panel installation permits, incentive programs, and interconnection agreements. The streamlined process ensures efficiency and reduces administrative burdens for homeowners.
  • Personalized Solar Assessments: The program provides personalized solar assessments, utilizing advanced technology to analyze a property’s solar potential. Homeowners will receive detailed reports outlining the estimated energy production, cost savings, and environmental benefits associated with installing solar panels on their homes.
  • Expert Guidance: Residents can benefit from the expertise of certified solar contractors and energy consultants who will provide professional guidance throughout the entire process, from initial assessment to system installation. This ensures that homeowners have access to accurate information and can make informed decisions about their solar energy investments.
  • Financial Incentives: To encourage the widespread adoption of solar energy, the Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program offers attractive financial incentives such as rebates and tax credits. These incentives help reduce the upfront costs associated with solar panel installation, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for all residents.
  • Community Impact: By participating in the program, Los Altos Hills residents contribute to the city’s sustainability goals and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The increased adoption of solar energy will not only create a cleaner environment but also enhance the overall resilience and energy independence of the community.

ID360, Founder and Principal, Melanie Jacobson expressed her enthusiasm for the Building Electrification Solar App Plus Program, stating, “We are proud to introduce this pioneering program. By leveraging solar energy, we can reduce our carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and create a more sustainable future. We encourage all Los Altos Hills homeowners to take advantage of this initiative and join us as we support the Town of Los Altos Hills commitment to a greener, cleaner community.”

ID360 was contracted by the town to support its sustainability goals and support the town adopting a local energy reach code ordinance in accordance with the requirements of the California Energy Commission (CEC) for existing building remodel and new building constructions. The ID360 team will collaborate with city staff and stakeholder groups in the creation of new green building and energy policies and guidelines that advance the town’s vision to be a leader in sustainable development.

To learn more about ID360’s work and other decarbonization and green code services please visit www.ID360.green

19th of July, 2023, ID360 has been selected to support the City of San Jose’s Building Electrification and Reach Code Analysis. This marks a critical step in the city’s relentless pursuit of carbon neutrality by 2030.

As one of the largest cities in California, San Jose recognizes the urgent need to address climate change and reduce its environmental footprint. By embarking on the Building Electrification and Reach Code Analysis, the city is taking proactive measures to transition away from fossil fuel-dependent infrastructure and embrace cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.  This comprehensive analysis aims to assess and implement sustainable strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.

“This analysis marks a significant milestone for the City of San Jose towards carbon neutrality, said Melanie Jacobson, Founder and Principal of ID360. “The City is committed to harnessing the power of sustainable solutions to combat climate change and protect the well-being of its residents and future generations. Our team is excited to collaborate with the city staff and support the City’s sustainability goals.”

Together with the ID360 team, the City of San Jose will focus on exploring innovative building electrification techniques and reach codes that encourage the use of renewable energy sources. By incentivizing energy-efficient practices, the City of San Jose aims to drastically reduce carbon emissions associated with new and existing buildings. By collaborating with industry experts, environmental organizations, and community stakeholders, the City of San Jose intends to develop effective policies and incentives that encourage sustainable building practices while ensuring affordability and equitable access for all residents.

This ambitious initiative aligns with the City’s Climate Smart San Jose plan, which sets forth a comprehensive roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Through coordinated efforts and continued engagement with the community, the City of San Jose is poised to lead the charge in creating a more sustainable, resilient, and livable city.

ID360 has a long history of supporting California communities with climate action planning and implementation. ID360’s Climate Action Leadership program conducts a comprehensive audit of existing programs, metrics, ordinances, and interdepartmental coordination efforts related to the fulfillment and implementation of sustainability goals. Through this assessment, ID360 can evaluate the city’s current plans and strategize opportunities for improvement. The review concludes with recommendations for a CAP organizational strategy, and a management system designed to respond to new State legislation, changing priorities, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction policies using an interdepartmental collaboration model.

To learn more about ID360’s work and other decarbonization and green code services please visit www.ID360.green

21st of June, 2023, ID360, a leading sustainability and decarbonization consulting company, has been selected by the City of Agoura Hills to support its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Assessment.

The City of Agoura Hills is proud to announce its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), a comprehensive strategy to improve community health, reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels, and build resiliency against climate change-induced risks. The CAAP is a long-term approach designed to address the environmental and economic challenges faced by the community and encourage sustainable, climate-friendly practices. By implementing policies and programs focused on reducing reliance on fossil fuels and improving air quality, the CAAP aims to provide cost savings to the residents of Agoura Hills while ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for all.

“The City of Agoura Hills is committed to taking a proactive and responsible approach to our future. Through their CAAP, the City is determined in taking critical steps to protect the well-being of the community and secure a more sustainable future for generations to come. Our team is looking forward to working with the City in performing the assessment review of their Climate Action plan,” said Melanie Jacobson, Principal, and Founder, ID360.

The CAAP includes initiatives such as promoting renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and supporting green infrastructure development. The plan also focuses on building resiliency during extreme heat events, wildfires, and other climate change-induced risks that may occur in the future.

ID360 has a long history of supporting California communities with climate action planning and implementation. ID360’s Climate Action Leadership program conducts a comprehensive audit of existing programs, metrics, ordinances, and interdepartmental coordination efforts related to the fulfillment and implementation of sustainability goals. Through this assessment, ID360 can provide an evaluation of the city’s current plans and strategize opportunities for improvement. The review concludes with recommendations for a CAP organizational strategy, and a management system designed to respond to new State legislation, changing priorities, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction policies using an interdepartmental collaboration model.

To learn more about ID360’s work and other decarbonization and green code services please visit www.ID360.green

We recently attended the annual American Institute of Architects conference in San Francisco where low-carbon concrete was the topic of many conversations. Architects and builders are turning to this innovative material to help their clients reach their green building and sustainable building goals. According to the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, together, building operations and construction now account for nearly 40% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. By utilizing low-carbon solutions we can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint while also enjoying benefits such as increased durability and improved insulation capabilities. In this blog, we cover the benefits and environmental impacts of low-carbon concrete as well as how municipalities and architects are incorporating it into building projects.

The basics of low-carbon concrete

Low-carbon concrete is an innovative material that has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. This type of concrete is not only more durable and better insulated than traditional concrete, but it also reduces energy bills and can reduce a building’s carbon footprint significantly. It is made from a combination of materials such as fly ash, slag, and silica fumes which replace some or all of the traditional cement in the mix. The specific mixture used will depend on factors like desired strength levels and application requirements.

Low-carbon concrete differs from traditional concrete in several ways. 

  • It typically requires less energy to produce and has lower embodied carbon than traditional cement-based concrete. 
  • It produces fewer greenhouse gasses during production due to its reduced need for cement. 
  • It can be designed to have improved properties such as greater strength, increased temperature resistance, longer life span, and better insulation capabilities than traditional concrete.

There are various methods that companies can use to reduce the carbon emissions associated with producing low-carbon concrete. One way is to use recycled aggregate when producing ready mix or precast products. This reduces raw material needs while still providing a strong end product.

Using alternative binders such as calcium chloride can increase compressive strength while reducing environmental impacts associated with production processes like kilning or grinding limestone into cement clinker. And using industrial byproducts like blast furnace slag or steel slags in place of cement can help reduce emissions during production without sacrificing performance.

Benefits of using low-carbon concrete

The use of low-carbon concrete has quickly become a popular choice for builders and developers looking to reduce their environmental impact while saving money. Not only does it offer superior durability and insulation, but its production process also requires fewer resources than traditional cement. By utilizing alternative materials and recycled aggregate, businesses can reduce their carbon emissions while creating stronger, longer-lasting structures that are more efficient to operate. Low-carbon concrete is an effective way to save money on construction costs while helping the environment at the same time.

Environmental impacts of low-carbon concrete

The use of low-carbon concrete can provide a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide levels. By utilizing alternative binders production processes become more efficient. This helps to conserve water usage during construction while creating stronger and longer-lasting structures that require less energy for heating and cooling over the lifetime of the building. In addition to these environmental benefits, businesses and governments can save on construction costs due to increased durability.

How to incorporate low-carbon concrete into a building project

Incorporating low-carbon concrete into a building project is an important step for reducing environmental impact and achieving cost savings. To ensure success, it is essential to understand the product specifications and associated environmental impacts of the various types of low-carbon concrete available and the green codes applicable to your municipality. At ID360 we work with municipalities and architects to ensure project specifications meet or exceed the green codes.

The future of low-carbon concrete is looking increasingly bright. Low-carbon concrete can be used as part of an overall sustainability strategy in green building projects with beneficial impacts on both the environment (reduced emissions) and economics (cost savings). To learn more about low-carbon concrete as a sustainable building solution check out our Fundamentals of Sustainable Design and Construction course offered through ID360 Academy

May is National Building Safety Month, an opportunity to raise awareness for safe and sustainable building practices. During National Building Safety Month we also acknowledge the hard-working and dedicated code enforcers and building officials responsible for ensuring our buildings are safe and sustainable. 

“During National Building Safety Month, we recommit to helping every community in America make all of its structures safer, more sustainable, and more resilient for the future.- White House Proclamation on National Building Safety Month. 

Building safety impacts everyone! Safe and resilient buildings ensure the well-being of individuals and communities. We celebrate National Building Safety Month by raising awareness for a different area of building safety each week. 

The first week of National Building Safety Month highlights that building safety starts at home. Building safety impacts our everyday life, from fire safety to home maintenance best practices.

The second week celebrates the many people we work with at ID360, building safety professionals! They play a vital role in enforcing codes and keeping our homes, schools, and businesses safe.

The third week focuses on protecting your home and your community from disaster. Building codes and climate action plans play a critical role to ensure our buildings can withstand natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires. 

During the fourth week, the community is asked to get involved! We all have a role in making sure the places where we live, work, and play are safe. From reaching out to your local media to advocating for building safety, everyone can make a difference!

During the final week of the month, we highlight the importance of water safety. There is much work to be done in the areas of conservation and efficiency.

National Building Safety Month serves as a reminder that safe and resilient buildings are the foundation of our communities. By prioritizing building codes, energy efficiency, disaster preparedness, and water conservation we create safe, healthy spaces. 

Earth Day is a global opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our planet. How we can work together to lift up sustainable solutions, reduce our carbon footprint, and implement greener practices at home and at work. 

For us at ID360, finding sustainable solutions for the built environment as well as helping municipalities design, implement, and manage climate action plans is what we do day in and day out. Earth Day is an opportunity for us to showcase this work and encourage others to take action.

Fortunately, there are many exciting developments that will further our efforts including the recent announcement of $1B in federal funding for technical assistance to states and municipalities to adopt and implement building energy codes. Awarded in grants under the Inflation Reduction Act, this funding highlights the importance of codes to “raise the floor” for the built environment. 

 “The potential impact from these innovations in building codes and standards presents a nearly unprecedented opportunity to benefit all Americans and reduce our contributions to the changing climate.” 

-State and Community Energy Programs

As an organization that has seen the impact of green codes, we are excited that municipalities across the country will have the opportunity to enforce the latest zero-energy model codes to improve residential and commercial construction. We can transition our built environment to be more efficient and sustainable.

Follow us @ID360 to learn the latest about energy reach codes and the Inflation Reduction Act funding. We would also love to hear how you are celebrating Earth Day this year. Drop us a comment on any of our social handles.

Silver previously served as Project Manager

Menlo Park, CA, April 10, 2023. ID360, a leading sustainability consulting company, announced today the promotion of Leila Silver to Sustainable Policy and Programs Manager.

Silver previously served as Project Manager for the female-founded, Menlo Park-based ID360. In her new role, Silver will provide leadership as a Division Manager and support the company mission by developing and maintaining a leadership position in the industry for sustainable policy and programs. 

“Leila is the perfect person to take on this role,” said Melanie Jacobson, Principal, and Founder of ID360. “She has grown in her knowledge of policy and programs and she is committed to code advancements and opportunities to promote green solutions for our clients.” 

Silver is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Liberal Sciences in Sustainability. She is licensed as a CALGreen Inspector and Plans Examiner and is credentialed as a LEED Accredited Professional with a specialty in Building Design & Construction. Silver has served as a Project Manager for ID360 for five years working across sustainability projects with clients including the cities of Palo Alto, South San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, and Culver City. 

“I am looking forward to my new role with ID360 and continuing to expand my expertise in green building design and sustainability practices,” said Leila Silver. “This position will afford me the opportunity to work with our clients across industries and continue our footprint of sustainability in the built environment.”

To learn more about ID360 visit www.id360.green

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