Each May we celebrate Building Safety Month to raise awareness about the critical role of building codes in ensuring safe structures around the country. Building Safety Month is an opportunity to educate individuals, communities, and industry professionals on the importance of adhering to building codes. 

As the construction industry evolves and environmental challenges mount, the need for robust building codes becomes increasingly important. By highlighting the significance of building safety, this annual campaign underscores the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in creating and maintaining structures that are safe for communities.

The History of Building Safety Month

Building Safety Month has a rich history spanning 44 years. Since its inception, the campaign has garnered recognition from government officials and industry professionals, highlighting the widespread support for prioritizing building safety in our communities.

Building Safety Month has also evolved into a global initiative, with communities worldwide participating in educational events and advocacy efforts. Through social media efforts, workshops, and community gatherings, the campaign continues to raise awareness about the importance of building safety codes and standards.

Building Safety Month Weekly Themes

Building Safety Month has five weekly themes, each offering an emphasis on different facets of building safety and community engagement.

• Week 1: Understanding the Mission

Participants are introduced to the foundational principles of building safety, gaining insights into the significance of building safety practices in their daily lives.

• Week 2: Preparing a Building Safety Plan

Participants are equipped with valuable resources and tools to develop comprehensive safety plans tailored to their homes and communities, fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience.

• Week 3: Learning from the Pros

Week three shines a spotlight on building safety professionals, whom ID360 has the pleasure of working so we can collectively provide valuable insights into industry standards, regulations, and best practices while encouraging aspiring professionals to explore career opportunities in the field.

• Week 4: Engaging Your Community

The fourth week emphasizes the importance of community engagement in promoting building safety, offering practical guidance on mobilizing community members, advocating for safety policies, and collaborating with local government officials.

• Week 5: Celebrating Success in Building Safety

The final week celebrates successes and achievements in building safety, inspiring continued commitment to safety initiatives and fostering a culture of recognition for those dedicated to creating safer built environments.

The Need for Building Codes

Building codes play a crucial role in safeguarding citizens from natural disasters like fires, floods, and storms. Code officials work to ensure that buildings meet safety standards, preventing potential catastrophes. By adhering to building codes, communities can mitigate risks and protect lives.

The adoption of modern building codes is essential to addressing industry challenges such as climate change. At ID360 we work with municipalities to design and implement building codes that create more sustainable buildings and communities. 

Sustainable Design and Building Safety

Sustainable design goes hand in hand with building safety, benefitting both occupants and the environment. Integrating sustainability principles into building codes enhances resilience and reduces negative environmental impact. Through energy-efficient design, water conservation measures, and the using renewable materials, buildings can become more resilient to disasters and contribute to the health of our communities and our planet.

By prioritizing sustainable design practices, communities can create buildings that withstand the test of time and promote the well-being of their inhabitants. Incorporating sustainable building designs can help cut emissions, lower human exposure to toxins, and conserve energy. 

Building Safety Month reminds us of the importance of prioritizing building safety in our communities. Together, we can create resilient communities and ensure a safer future for all. At ID360 our team of experts collaborates with both public and private sectors to implement sustainable design practices and enhance building safety. From green building codes and rating systems to training programs and community outreach initiatives, we are committed to creating safer, more resilient communities through sustainable design. Together we can promote awareness and adherence to building codes laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and secure environment for ourselves and future generations. 

San Jose, CA, January 23, 2024. ID360, a leading sustainability consulting company, announced today that their Principal and Founder, Melanie Jacobson, has been appointed President of the International Code Council’s (ICC) Peninsula Chapter. 

The International Code Council is a non-governmental organization that develops model-building codes and standards through an open, consensus process. Membership in the ICC Peninsula Chapter provides key opportunities to keep up to date on the activities of the ICC and code adoption status. The group regularly hosts forums to discuss code changes, interpretations, and updates.  

“This is such an exciting time for our industry and I am honored for the opportunity to serve as President of the ICC Peninsula Chapter,” said Melanie Jacobson, Principal and Founder of ID360. “We have aggressive growth goals and an exciting lineup of opportunities for our members to promote green solutions throughout the peninsula region.” 

ICC Peninsula Chapter meets monthly and hosts events and educational opportunities throughout the year. Previously, Jacobson served as Vice President of the volunteer-run organization. Jacobson was sworn in during a ceremony on January 19. She will serve a one-year term. 

For more information or to become a member of the ICC Peninsula Chapter visit www.iccpeninsula.org.  To learn more about ID360 visit www.id360.green.

Introduction

2023 was a big year for sustainable design and carbon reduction in the construction industry. As leaders in sustainability, we wanted to take a look at some of the sustainable initiatives that are helping reshape the industry’s approach to environmental consciousness and responsible design.

NetZero Redefined: Insights from the White House

2023 witnessed a groundbreaking redefinition of NetZero, spearheaded by the Biden Administration. While the definition is not legally binding, it will help provide real estate developers with guidance and clarity on green building practices. This recalibration holds immense implications for the industry, aligning closely with ID360’s core mission of sustainability and innovation. The shift opens doors to reimagine sustainable practices.

Carbon Reduction Focus: California Cities Taking the Lead & ID360’s Contributions

The Golden State shone brightly in its commitment to carbon reduction. Through specific projects and initiatives aligned with industry evolution, ID360 played a pivotal role in this change. 

From rolling out the City of Newark’ Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Fee Deposit Recycling Program, supporting the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) in collaboration with GGA Architects, and being selected by the City of Agoura Hills to support its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) Assessment, ID360 is taking large strides to further greener practices across the built environment. 

Company Wins

ID360 experienced significant milestones in 2023, reaffirming its dedication to company growth and environmental sustainability. In 2023, Leila Silver was promoted to Sustainable Policy and Programs Manager to further support ID360’s position as a leader in sustainable policy and programs. We were also proud to announce our support for the Women Leaders in Code Enforcement and our Founder and Principal, Melanie Jacobson, served as the Vice President of the ICC Peninsula chapter. ID360 also won the project for the City of San Jose Building Electrification and Reach Code Analysis.

Reflecting on Industry-Wide Developments & Wins

The industry’s focus on carbon reduction resonated deeply throughout 2023, inviting opportunities to expand capabilities. We observed agencies leading the charge in transformative policies for the built environment, amplifying the momentum for change. Notable events like National Building Safety Month, President Biden’s Heat Alert, and more than 800 leaders rallying with resolve to stand with COP28 President and all parties in bringing us together behind a 1.5 C° plan. 

Conclusion

Sustainable initiatives in 2023 stand as a testament to the strides taken in sustainable design and carbon reduction. ID360 is proud to have contributed to this transformative journey, aligning our values with industry milestones and leveraging our expertise for positive change. As we bid farewell to this transformative year, we look ahead with optimism and a commitment to driving sustainable innovation.

In a significant move to address the climate crisis, the Biden administration is taking a proactive approach to define “zero-emission” buildings. This newly established national standard aims to tackle one of the most substantial contributors to climate change in the United States: buildings. Though it’s not legally binding, this definition has the potential to help real estate developers navigate the complex web of state and local regulations designed to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. 

Defining “Zero-Emission” Buildings

The new national standard for zero-emission buildings will be based on three pillars: buildings must be energy-efficient, they should produce no on-site emissions, and finally, they must rely on 100 percent renewable energy sources. The Biden administration believes this triple-pronged approach will set a clear and comprehensive standard for environmentally responsible construction and operation.

From a climate perspective, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Environmental Protection Agency has calculated that commercial and residential buildings are responsible for nearly one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions when factoring in their electricity consumption. In lieu of a federal definition, states have been setting their own standards. California leads the pack with requirements for new residential buildings to be net zero by 2020 and commercial buildings to be net zero by 2030. At ID360 we help local government officials demonstrate leadership in the community by developing policies that advance those set out by the state legislature. 

In addition to the zero-emission building standard, the Biden administration is taking steps to bolster the nation’s resilience against extreme weather events and climate-related disasters. This move comes following costly disasters, including wildfires in Maui and Hurricane Idalia in Florida. These extreme events have become more frequent and severe due to climate change, resulting in substantial economic losses. To address this, the administration is unveiling a national resilience strategy, aiming to embed the importance of climate adaptation and mitigation into all federal planning and management decisions.

The Biden administration’s move to define “zero-emission” buildings is a crucial step towards combating climate change. Establishing a national standard provides clarity, consistency, and a benchmark for the construction industry and those of us working to advance more sustainable practices. With these initiatives, the United States moves closer to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in decarbonization and building sustainable green buildings. This industry is responsible for erecting amazing structures, but also, unfortunately, responsible for generating a significant amount of waste. In this blog, we take a closer look at the construction waste management industry and efforts to implement greener practices. 

Importance of Construction Waste Management and Green Practices

Construction waste generation is a staggering global issue. To put this into perspective, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the United States generated 600 million tons of construction and demolition debris in 2018 alone. Aside from the amount of debris generated during construction and demolition, there is also the issue of improper disposal. 

Improper disposal leads to landfills overflowing with construction waste. This not only depletes valuable landfill space but also poses serious environmental risks. Construction waste often contains hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead, which can leach into the soil and groundwater, causing long-term pollution and posing a health risk to nearby residential areas.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) Principles

The 3R principles, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” provide a roadmap for sustainable construction waste management. Here is an example of how to implement these principles. 

Reducing Waste at the Source: This involves careful planning and design to minimize waste generation during the construction process. Strategies may include using prefabricated components, adopting lean construction practices, and optimizing material use.

Reusing Materials and Components: Instead of discarding materials, construction professionals can salvage and repurpose them. For example, reclaimed wood and metal can find new life in other projects, reducing the demand for virgin resources.

Recycling Materials or Materials Made with Recycled Components: Recycling construction materials, such as concrete, asphalt, and metal, not only diverts waste from landfills but also conserves resources. 

City of Newark- Greener Construction in Practice

ID360 worked with the City of Newark to support the adoption of an updated construction and demolition waste ordinance. The city wanted to establish a Construction and Demolition Fee Deposit to increase local compliance for permitted building projects. ID360 provided technical expertise as well as guidelines and implementation support. Through careful planning and implementation, the City was able to realize an ordinance that aligns with the State of California CALGreen requirements. 

Future Trends in Construction Waste Management and Green Practices

The construction industry is constantly evolving, and so are its sustainability efforts. Emerging technologies and materials are playing a significant role in shaping the future of construction waste management and green practices. For instance, 3D printing of building components can reduce material waste by up to 60%, while the use of advanced sensors and data analytics enhances construction efficiency.

Additionally, there is a growing demand for sustainable construction. As environmental awareness increases and regulations become stricter, clients are increasingly seeking eco-friendly construction solutions. This trend is driving the adoption of green building certifications like LEED and BREEAM, which incentivize sustainable practices and waste reduction.

A Greener Construction Future

Construction waste management and green practices are not just buzzwords but fundamental pillars of a sustainable future. The construction industry’s immense waste generation cannot be ignored, given its far-reaching environmental and social consequences. By adhering to the 3R principles, adopting innovative technologies, and responding to the rising demand for sustainability, the construction sector can minimize its negative impact and contribute to a greener, cleaner future.

In the years ahead, as construction practices continue to evolve, we can anticipate more eco-friendly innovations and increased commitment to sustainable construction. This progress represents a significant step toward a world where the built environment harmonizes with nature rather than depleting its resources.

October 24, 2023 – ID360 is proud to announce its contract with the City of Newark to roll-out the City’s Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Fee Deposit Recycling Program. The City of Newark has recently adopted an updated Construction and Demolition Waste Ordinance to align with the State of California CALGreen requirements. ID360 was contracted to support the City’s sustainability goals and take a step towards a greener and more sustainable future for Newark’s construction industry. The City of Newark’s C&D Recycling Program with ID360 is set to increase compliance with the C&D waste requirements.

“We are excited to launch this compliance program in partnership with the City of Newark,” said Melanie Jacobson, Founder and Principal of ID360. “By working together, we can drive positive change within the construction industry and make significant strides towards a more sustainable and resilient Newark.”

To learn more about ID360 sustainable policy and programs and other green building services please visit www.ID360.green

Imagine schools not only as centers of learning but as beacons of sustainability, fostering healthier and greener environments for our children. This is the vision behind Collaborative for High-Performance Schools (CHPS), an organization with revolutionary programs that aims to transform K-12 schools into eco-friendly havens of education.

The Role of CHPS in K-12 Schools

At its core, the CHPS criteria encompasses various aspects of sustainability within educational spaces. This multifaceted strategy within the criteria addresses energy, water, and material efficiency. In addition, the criteria ensure schools are well-lit, thermally comfortable, acoustically sound, safe, healthy, and easy to operate. 

The benefits of adopting CHPS in K-12 schools are vast. Energy-efficient buildings result in reduced operational costs, allowing schools to allocate resources to impactful programs. Many of the improvements outlined in CHPS criteria are designed to improve the health and productivity of students and staff. CHPS helps school districts reach their sustainability goals while creating positive ripple effects throughout the community.

ID360’s Impactful CHPS Consulting

ID360 is an industry leader when it comes to sustainability and the built environment. This is why we provide technical design support for those looking to implement the CHPS standards. We have consulted on numerous CHPS projects working directly with the school districts as well as the lead architects. 

ID360 worked with Barker Vilar Architects in the remodeling of Richmond High School in the West Contra Costa Unified School District. The Richmond High School renovation project included a new 22,000-square-foot gymnasium and a new 30,000-square-foot classroom building. The project has been designed using the CHPS New Construction and Major Modernization Criteria.

We have also worked with Quattroccki Quok Architects on the renovation of Fremont High School in Oakland, California providing the support needed to integrate innovation and sustainable features. This project included a new gym and modular classroom building.

In our work with Franklin Elementary School & Huntington Park High School, both in the Los Angeles Unified School District, we collaborated with the district and GGA Architects to develop a sustainable design plan that incorporated energy-efficient systems and green building materials. We prepared a strategic implementation of all the CHPS criteria for both schools and supported GGA with the CHPS submittal process. 

Paving the Way for Greener, Healthier Learning Environments

In a world where environmental challenges are becoming increasingly urgent, the importance of environmentally friendly learning environments cannot be overstated. CHPS has emerged as an innovative solution that seamlessly merges education and sustainability.

District sustainability managers and architects have the power to shape the future of education with the help of green building practices. By collaborating with ID360 and embracing CHPS guidelines, you can pave the way for greener, healthier learning environments. Seize the current funding cycle as an opportunity to bring about lasting change. Together, we can build a brighter future—one school district at a time.

If you are ready to embark on a journey toward a green school, explore our portfolio of transformative projects and discover the potential of CHPS. Learn more about how CHPS can revolutionize education and create sustainable school environments for the next generation. Visit our CHPS Consulting Page to get started today.

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/