EDMONTON, Alberta and NEW YORK and CHICAGO, June 8, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSX,NYSE:STN

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has signed an agreement to acquire Environmental Systems Design, Inc. (ESD), a 270-strong engineering firm headquartered in Chicago. Founded in 1967, ESD has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in high-performance design with a list of industry-leading customers. The terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

The acquisition of ESD significantly increases Stantec’s expertise in mission-critical facilities and data center design. Mission-critical facilities represent a fast-growing segment of dedicated infrastructure that requires higher levels of reliability. These facilities—spanning almost every major industry—are designed to keep building infrastructure, emergency dispatch, data storage, or other critical functions running during inclement weather and utility outages. Data centers like hyperscale facilities require specialized, resilient design considerations developed by uniquely skilled teams that regularly address the changing needs of large organizations.

With the acquisition of ESD, Stantec expands its mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) and civil engineering businesses in the United States by 40 percent. These additional resources significantly expand the company’s smart building capabilities, supporting the workplace of the future and the emerging trends of decarbonization, building repositioning and adaptive reuse.

“Bringing talent and ESD together positions Stantec as one of the leading integrated design companies in the US market,” said Leonard Castro, executive vice president and head of Stantec’s Buildings business unit. “Our expanded data center, smart building design, and high-performance building services will provide our customers with the flexible and resilient facilities to meet their operational needs well into the future.”

“Stantec is a world-class company that shares our vision of improving society through the built environment,” said Raj Gupta, ESD CEO. “ESD has increased the depth and breadth of its services in recent years. By joining Stantec, we are expanding our offering globally and creating exceptional career opportunities for our employees.”

Critical Project Experience
ESD provides data center design services to multiple companies Industry-leading technology customers. ESD was recently engaged by a confidential client to provide peer reviewed and hyperscale data center design services and has subsequently been engaged in the construction of multiple hyperscale data centers across the United States on their behalf. Hyperscale campus developments range from a single 500,000 square foot facility (20 to 30 megawatts of power) to multiple multi-million square foot facilities (over 300 megawatts of capacity). Several sites across the country share a common basic concept with local adjustments and are designed for efficient incremental expansion without disrupting ongoing facilities.

Other projects in the ESD portfolio include:

• MEP and mission critical engineering for the United Airlines Network Operations Center in Chicago, an important part of the airline’s day-to-day operations. Building Information Modeling (BIM) was used to route new systems through and around existing structures. ESD worked closely with the City of Chicago and provided specialized consulting services in the areas of electrical and fire detection codes to provide a unique furniture wiring design that met all of United’s requirements.
• MEP and fire protection technology for the 1,400,000 square meter expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers in the world. The new West Hall includes 600,000 square meters of flexible exhibition space with numerous infrastructure services, including various voltages and capacities, telecommunications, water and sewage, and natural gas. Additional program and support spaces include a reception hall, meeting rooms, lobbies and a cafe/kitchen area.
• MEP and fire safety engineering and energy modeling for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois. The 201-bed hospital has been designed to meet future demand and earn LEED Silver certification. Energy saving measures included optimizing the thermal performance of the façade while balancing solar heat from the glass, external shading methods, LED lighting and more. ESD also reduced the use of plumbing fixtures by 20 percent and household hot water consumption by 26 percent.

Stantec has three existing offices in Chicago and five in Illinois. With a large concentration of employees in Chicago, ESD also has offices in New York City, San Francisco and Phoenix. The acquisition will expand Stantec’s footprint to nearly 600 in Chicago and more than 2,050 in the wider 12-state north-central region.

The acquisition is expected to close on June 30, 2023.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or around the world, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and belonging. That’s why we at Stantec always Design with the community in mind.

We are designers, engineers, scientists and project managers innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that improve the quality of life in communities around the world.

Stantec trades on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol STN.

media contact
Danny Craig
Stantec Media Relations
Tel: (949) 923-6085
danny.craig@stantec.com

Contact for investors
Jess Nieukerk
Stantec Investor Relations
Tel: (403) 569-5389
jess.nieukerk@stantec.com

Design with the community in mind

The post Stantec to accumulate Environmental Techniques Design, Inc., a appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Stantec

EDMONTON, Alberta and NEW YORK and CHICAGO, June 8, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSX,NYSE:STN

Stantec, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, has signed an agreement to acquire Environmental Systems Design, Inc. (ESD), a 270-strong engineering firm headquartered in Chicago. Founded in 1967, ESD has built a reputation for excellence and innovation in high-performance design with a list of industry-leading customers. The terms of the transaction are not disclosed.

The acquisition of ESD significantly increases Stantec’s expertise in mission-critical facilities and data center design. Mission-critical facilities represent a fast-growing segment of dedicated infrastructure that requires higher levels of reliability. These facilities—spanning almost every major industry—are designed to keep building infrastructure, emergency dispatch, data storage, or other critical functions running during inclement weather and utility outages. Data centers like hyperscale facilities require specialized, resilient design considerations developed by uniquely skilled teams that regularly address the changing needs of large organizations.

With the acquisition of ESD, Stantec expands its mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) and civil engineering businesses in the United States by 40 percent. These additional resources significantly expand the company’s smart building capabilities, supporting the workplace of the future and the emerging trends of decarbonization, building repositioning and adaptive reuse.

“Bringing talent and ESD together positions Stantec as one of the leading integrated design companies in the US market,” said Leonard Castro, executive vice president and head of Stantec’s Buildings business unit. “Our expanded data center, smart building design, and high-performance building services will provide our customers with the flexible and resilient facilities to meet their operational needs well into the future.”

“Stantec is a world-class company that shares our vision of improving society through the built environment,” said Raj Gupta, ESD CEO. “ESD has increased the depth and breadth of its services in recent years. By joining Stantec, we are expanding our offering globally and creating exceptional career opportunities for our employees.”

The story goes on

Critical Project Experience
ESD provides data center design services to multiple companies Industry-leading technology customers. ESD was recently engaged by a confidential client to provide peer reviewed and hyperscale data center design services and has subsequently been engaged in the construction of multiple hyperscale data centers across the United States on their behalf. Hyperscale campus developments range from a single 500,000 square foot facility (20 to 30 megawatts of power) to multiple multi-million square foot facilities (over 300 megawatts of capacity). Several sites across the country share a common basic concept with local adjustments and are designed for efficient incremental expansion without disrupting ongoing facilities.

Other projects in the ESD portfolio include:

• MEP and mission critical engineering for the United Airlines Network Operations Center in Chicago, an important part of the airline’s day-to-day operations. Building Information Modeling (BIM) was used to route new systems through and around existing structures. ESD worked closely with the City of Chicago and provided specialized consulting services in the areas of electrical and fire detection codes to provide a unique furniture wiring design that met all of United’s requirements.

• MEP and fire protection technology for the 1,400,000 square meter expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers in the world. The new West Hall includes 600,000 square meters of flexible exhibition space with numerous infrastructure services, including various voltages and capacities, telecommunications, water and sewage, and natural gas. Additional program and support spaces include a reception hall, meeting rooms, lobbies and a cafe/kitchen area.

• MEP and fire safety engineering and energy modeling for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital in Illinois. The 201-bed hospital has been designed to meet future demand and earn LEED Silver certification. Energy saving measures included optimizing the thermal performance of the façade while balancing solar heat from the glass, external shading methods, LED lighting and more. ESD also reduced the use of plumbing fixtures by 20 percent and household hot water consumption by 26 percent.

Stantec has three existing offices in Chicago and five in Illinois. With a large concentration of employees in Chicago, ESD also has offices in New York City, San Francisco and Phoenix. The acquisition will expand Stantec’s footprint to nearly 600 in Chicago and more than 2,050 in the wider 12-state north-central region.

The acquisition is expected to close on June 30, 2023.

About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or around the world, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and belonging. That’s why we at Stantec always Design with the community in mind.

We are designers, engineers, scientists and project managers innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that improve the quality of life in communities around the world.

Stantec trades on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol STN.

media contact
Danny Craig
Stantec Media Relations
Tel: (949) 923-6085
danny.craig@stantec.com

Contact for investors
Jess Nieukerk
Stantec Investor Relations
Tel: (403) 569-5389
jess.nieukerk@stantec.com

Design with the community in mind

The post Stantec to amass Environmental Methods Design, Inc., a number one constructing engineering design agency specializing in mission essential and knowledge middle experience appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Oberflächlich betrachtet ist die Geschichte der US-Umweltpolitik von durchschlagenden Erfolgen durch entscheidende Regulierung geprägt. Es wird geschätzt, dass der Clean Air Act von 1970 die Luftverschmutzung insgesamt um 66,9 % reduziert und die Lebenserwartung eines durchschnittlichen Amerikaners um 1,3 Jahre verlängert hat.

Aber es ist auch eine Geschichte von „Einheitspolitik“ anstelle von Gleichheit und Gerechtigkeit. Obwohl die Umweltgesetzgebung die Gesamtverschmutzung verringert hat, hat sich die Belastung durch gefährliche Giftstoffe für Haushalte mit niedrigem Einkommen und insbesondere für farbige Menschen verschlechtert. Die Luftverschmutzung liegt in farbigen Gemeinschaften zwischen 10 und 15 % über dem Durchschnitt, und heute leben mehr farbige Menschen in „Zaungemeinschaften“ (Stadtvierteln in der Nähe von Einrichtungen mit hoher Schadstoffbelastung) als noch vor 30 Jahren.

Der letztjährige Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) ist ein weiteres weitreichendes Umweltgesetz – eine 369-Milliarden-Dollar-Investition, die die Emissionen bis 2050 voraussichtlich um bis zu 50 % reduzieren wird Obwohl es sich um eine Gruppe lokaler Planer und Praktiker handelt, die sich für die Umsetzung einer gerechteren Politik in ihren Städten eingesetzt haben, ist die IRA nicht in der Lage, Gesetze zum Thema Gerechtigkeit zu erlassen.

Denn der nachfrageorientierte Ansatz des Gesetzentwurfs – der auf Steuererleichterungen und Subventionen als Anreiz für die Eindämmung des Klimawandels setzt – bedeutet, dass die Klimaresilienz tatsächlich ungerechter werden und einkommensschwächeren Haushalten und farbigen Gemeinschaften schaden könnte. Aber wie in diesem Artikel untersucht wird, sind die Staats- und Kommunalpolitiker gut aufgestellt, um die Maßnahmen zur Bewertung und Durchsetzung der Gerechtigkeit während der Umsetzung des IRA zu stärken und so das Gesetz möglicherweise in Richtung besserer Ergebnisse für alle Gemeinschaften zu verändern.

Wie reparativ ist die IRA?

Anfang dieses Jahres haben wir eine reparative Haltung für die Klimapolitik dargelegt – Prinzipien für die Umweltpolitik, die auf der Schließung von Wohlstands- und Wohlstandsunterschieden zwischen den Rassen als Weg zur Stärkung der Klimaresilienz von Haushalten und Gemeinschaften basieren. Wir haben uns auf Wohlstand, Gesundheit sowie finanzielle Sicherheit und Wohnsicherheit konzentriert, da dies die Faktoren sind, die die individuellen – wirtschaftlichen und persönlichen – Kosten des Klimawandels erhöhen. Diese Faktoren vermitteln das Klimarisiko und können den Unterschied zwischen einer Katastrophe, die einen vorübergehenden Rückschlag verursacht, oder einer Verfestigung der Armut ausmachen.

Glücklicherweise nimmt die Biden-Regierung fortschrittliche Zivilklagen ernst, insbesondere im Bereich der Klimagerechtigkeit. Präsident Biden hat das Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act in Kraft gesetzt, kündigte die Finanzierung von 17 technischen Hilfszentren in Höhe von 177 Millionen US-Dollar an, um Gemeinden den Zugang zu Mitteln für Umweltgerechtigkeit zu erleichtern, und gründete das Büro für Umweltgerechtigkeit des Weißen Hauses, das bei der Entwicklung neuer politischer Ansätze eine entscheidende Rolle spielen könnte Emissionsreduzierungen durch inklusive Klimaresilienz ergänzen.

Neben dem Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) als zentraler Komponente der Klimaschutzpolitik der Regierung wäre es unaufrichtig zu sagen, dass die IRA keine Verpflichtung zu Gerechtigkeit und Gerechtigkeit beinhaltet. Es wird von der Justice40-Initiative unterstützt, einer Politik, die sicherstellen soll, dass mindestens 40 % der Bundesinvestitionen in die Klimapolitik in historisch benachteiligte und überlastete Gemeinden fließen. Die IRA wird außerdem durch aktuelle Verordnungen zur Reform der Regierungsstrukturen ergänzt, darunter Pläne zur Stärkung der Rassengerechtigkeit und zur Unterstützung unterversorgter Gemeinschaften in allen Regierungsbehörden.

Darüber hinaus sieht das Gesetz mindestens 45,95 Milliarden US-Dollar für Umweltgerechtigkeitsprogramme vor, darunter 10 Milliarden US-Dollar an Wettbewerbszuschüssen. Mit etwa 12 % der IRA und 3,4 % der IRA und IIJA zusammen bleiben diese Umweltgerechtigkeitsverpflichtungen hinter der Justice40-Initiative zurück (siehe Abbildung 1). Dennoch ist es keine Kleinigkeit. Diese Programme werden durch das Screening-Tool für Klima- und Wirtschaftsgerechtigkeit geleitet, ein vom Council on Environmental Quality geleitetes Kartierungstool, das Bundesbehörden und Kommunalverwaltungen dabei hilft, bedürftige Gemeinden anhand ihrer Anfälligkeit für Klimarisiken zu identifizieren.

Obwohl dies alles in die richtige Richtung geht, verfolgt die IRA immer noch einen einheitlichen Ansatz. Wir haben bereits darüber geschrieben, dass das Gesetz Gerechtigkeit nicht wirklich berücksichtigt und insbesondere die Kodifizierung eines Prozesses zur Bewertung von Investitionen im Hinblick auf Gerechtigkeitsergebnisse umgeht. Wie genau ein erfolgreiches Umweltgerechtigkeitsprogramm aussehen wird, ist unklar; Der Mangel an Leitlinien der IRA dazu, wie erfolgreiche Programmergebnisse definiert, gemessen oder aufrechterhalten werden, stellt eine erhebliche Lücke dar, die die Bewertung und Verfeinerung der Fortschritte bei der Gleichstellung zu einer Herausforderung machen wird.

Dies alles geht zu Lasten des Transformationspotenzials der IRA. Das Risiko besteht darin: Ohne eine Strategie, die Rassengerechtigkeit berücksichtigt, kann die Klimaschutzpolitik zu einem Vehikel werden, das unbeabsichtigt die Wohlstands- und Wohlstandsunterschiede zwischen Rassen vergrößert, selbst wenn es zu Emissionsreduzierungen führt. Dies war die Geschichte der Umweltpolitik in den USA, und ohne Maßnahmen besteht die Gefahr, dass sie auch zur Geschichte der Klimapolitik wird.

Die Vorteile der IRA werden nicht neutral verteilt

Die Verteilung der Bundesmittel und ihre Auswirkungen auf die lokale Umweltverschmutzung und Klimaanfälligkeit sind wichtiger als die Reduzierung der Gesamtemissionen, wenn es darum geht, wie farbige Gemeinschaften vom Klimawandel betroffen sind. Da die Hinterlassenschaften rassistischer Politik die Verwundbarkeit systemisch auf bestimmte Orte und Gemeinschaften konzentriert haben, kann ein verteilungsneutraler Ansatz die zugrunde liegende Ungleichheit zementieren. Es stimmt zwar, dass die IRA die Dekarbonisierung auf nationaler Ebene vorantreiben wird und dass bundesstaatliche Gerechtigkeitsbestimmungen dazu beitragen werden, einige ungleiche Ergebnisse auszugleichen, Ungleichheit ist jedoch immer noch in den Schlüsselmechanismen des Gesetzes verankert.

Erstens vergrößern nachfrageorientierte Richtlinien, die das Chancengleichheitsrisiko nicht kodifizieren, die Resilienzkluft, indem sie einkommensschwache Gemeinschaften und farbige Gemeinschaften zurücklassen. Dies liegt daran, dass die finanziellen Anreize im Gesetzentwurf auf Hausbesitzer ausgerichtet sind – typischerweise Bewohner mit mittlerem bis hohem Einkommen, von denen die Mehrheit weiß ist. Darüber hinaus haben andere auf das nahezu vollständige Fehlen von Bestimmungen zur Verringerung der Faktoren der Gefährdung hingewiesen, darunter Wohnsicherheit, gleichberechtigter Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung und die Verbesserung der Bereitstellung und des Zugangs zum öffentlichen Raum. Eine stärker reparative Politik würde Bestimmungen für Mieter und Menschen in unsicheren Beschäftigungs- und Wohnungsverhältnissen umfassen und so die zugrunde liegenden Wohlstandslücken angehen, die diese Gruppen anfälliger für die Auswirkungen des Klimawandels und Katastrophen machen.

Zweitens werden nachfrageseitige Maßnahmen ohne restriktive angebotsseitige Regulierung (d. h. den Ausstieg aus der Nutzung fossiler Brennstoffe) die Förderung fossiler Brennstoffe verlängern, wodurch farbige Gemeinschaften weiterhin übermäßigen Schäden ausgesetzt werden. Ölkonzerne erzielten im Jahr 2022 Rekordgewinne, und nach der russischen Invasion in der Ukraine schossen die Verbraucherpreise in die Höhe und Unternehmen weiteten ihre Bohrprojekte in den USA aus. Große Hersteller haben ihre Verpflichtungen zur Emissionsreduzierung bereits verdoppelt. In diesem Zusammenhang öffnet die IRA die Tür zur CCUS-Technologie (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage) – ein Ansatz, den Kohle- und Gasproduzenten unter anderem deshalb unterstützen, weil er die Fortsetzung der Verbrennung fossiler Brennstoffe ermöglichen würde. Die wahrscheinlichsten Standorte für diese Infrastruktur sind Gebiete, in denen die Gemeinden bereits durch die Verschmutzung durch Öl- und Gasraffinerien überlastet sind – beispielsweise entlang der Golfküste, wo bereits große Entwicklungen geplant sind. Diese Kombination ist eine schlechte Nachricht für viele Gemeinden an vorderster Front, die es sich nicht leisten können, länger auf strengere Kontrollen lokaler Schadstoffe zu warten.

Einige Kommentatoren, darunter auch unsere Kollegen bei Brookings, haben argumentiert, dass sich diese Kompromisse für beschleunigte Klimaschutzmaßnahmen lohnen, mit der Begründung, dass unvollständige politische Maßnahmen besser seien als gar keine. Wir argumentieren jedoch, dass das Versäumnis, eine inklusive und gerechte Politik umzusetzen, ein größeres soziales Risiko mit sich bringt, als nur einige zurückzulassen, da eine regressive Politik eine negative Rückkopplungsschleife aufrechterhalten kann, die die Wirksamkeit der Klimapolitik selbst untergräbt. Der Grund, warum internationale Entwicklungsagenturen zunehmend integrative Klimaschutzmaßnahmen unterstützen, liegt nicht darin, dass sie moralische Akteure sind, sondern darin, dass es sich um eine kluge Klimapolitik handelt. Die sozialen Kosten des Klimawandels – d. h. die Auswirkungen auf die gesamte Wirtschaft, vom Wohnungsbau bis zur Gesundheitsversorgung – sind in finanziell weniger sicheren und ungerechteren Ländern tendenziell höher, da diese Faktoren die Klimarisiken verstärken (siehe Abbildung 2). .

In den USA, wo Rasse häufig einer der größten Prädiktoren für Klimaanfälligkeit ist, ist es logisch, einen Ansatz für Klimaschutzmaßnahmen zu verfolgen, der auf Rassengerechtigkeit basiert. Aber die IRA beantwortet einige der entscheidenden Fragen, die wir in unserem Bericht über reparative Klimapolitiken aufgeworfen haben, nicht. Wie wird Rassengerechtigkeit in der Milderungs- und Anpassungspolitik kodifiziert? Wie gewährleistet es Fortschritte bei der Umweltgerechtigkeit bei der Umsetzung? Wie wird diese Politik rassistisch bedingte Lücken in der Klimaresilienz verringern?

Die Umsetzung auf staatlicher und lokaler Ebene könnte die IRA zu gerechteren Ergebnissen führen

Diese Einschränkungen der Klimagerechtigkeit bedeuten, dass die IRA durch lokale und staatliche Maßnahmen unterstützt werden muss, um bessere Chancen auf gerechtere Ergebnisse zu haben.

Ein guter Anfang für beide Regierungsebenen wäre die Zusammenarbeit mit Gemeindepartnern in gefährdeten Regionen, um den Zugang zu den unterschiedlichen Klimafonds zu vereinfachen. Traditionell unterinvestierte Gemeinden haben aufgrund mangelnder Ressourcen und Fachkenntnisse in der Regel Schwierigkeiten, Zuschussfinanzierungen zu erhalten. Investitionen in gemeindenahe Organisationen durch Initiativen wie lokale Aktiennavigatoren können dazu beitragen, dass die Mittel dorthin fließen, wo sie am meisten benötigt werden. Neue Richtlinien, wie die kürzlich angekündigten Community Disaster Resilience Zones, bieten die Möglichkeit, gemeinsam mit Gemeinden an vorderster Front Resilienzstrategien zu entwickeln und aus den Fehlern früherer Richtlinien wie dem Programm „Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities“ zu lernen, das vor allem wohlhabenden Küstengemeinden zugute kam .

Ebenso wichtig wird sein, wie die IRA mit lokalen Richtlinien interagiert, bei denen es offiziell nicht um das Klima geht, die es aber dennoch beeinflussen, etwa in den Bereichen Wohnen, Beschäftigungsmöglichkeiten, kommunale Infrastruktur und Erschwinglichkeit von Dienstleistungen, die die Anfälligkeit für das Klima verringern. Unsere Kollegen haben gezeigt, wie die Interaktion der IRA mit anderen politischen Maßnahmen – einschließlich des IIJA und makroökonomischen Faktoren – die Ergebnisse des Gesetzes beeinflussen wird, aber auch seine Wirksamkeit bei der Lösung von Rassenunterschieden bestimmen wird.

Das Ausmaß, in dem Kommunalverwaltungen gerechtere Ergebnisse planen können, dürfte uneinheitlich sein, da Städte in einigen der am stärksten gefährdeten Regionen entweder weniger bereit sind, sich für Klimagerechtigkeit einzusetzen, oder durch regressive staatliche Maßnahmen behindert werden. Dennoch geben einige Regionen ein positives Beispiel, indem sie ergänzende Initiativen zur Rassengerechtigkeit anführen, die die Auswirkungen der IRA auf die Widerstandsfähigkeit verstärken werden. In Boston, Rochester, NY und San Francisco wurden Task Forces für Reparationen eingerichtet. Kürzlich war Evanston, Illinois, die erste Stadt in den USA, die ihren Bewohnern direkte Wiedergutmachung gewährte, und Los Angeles County hat Land im Wert von 20 Millionen US-Dollar an die Nachkommen einer schwarzen Familie zurückgegeben, die es ihnen als bedeutendes Eigentum gestohlen hatte. Andere Städte, darunter New York und Chicago, testen Verfahren zur Einbeziehung der Gleichwertigkeitsbewertung in die Planungsprozesse für neue Infrastruktur.

In ähnlicher Weise verfolgen einige Staaten Richtlinien, die unbeabsichtigt oder absichtlich zu besseren Ergebnissen für farbige Gemeinschaften führen. Gute Beispiele sind strengere Vorschriften zur Luftverschmutzung, wie die Gesetze von New York und New Jersey, die umweltschädliche Entwicklungen in überlasteten Gemeinden verbieten, und Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung bezahlbaren und nachhaltigen Wohnraums für Mieter, wie das vom American Rescue Plan finanzierte Whole Home Repairs Program in Pennsylvania.

Obwohl diese Fälle nicht als Anpassungspolitik gedacht sind, zeigen sie einen Anstoß für eine stärker reparative Politik und nicht nur für einen einheitlichen Ansatz. Das entstehende Büro für Umweltgerechtigkeit des Weißen Hauses sollte diese lokale und staatliche Dynamik zur Kenntnis nehmen. Eine gerechtere und gerechtere Klimapolitik mit messbaren Fortschritten bei der Umsetzung könnte Strukturen schaffen, die Emissionsreduzierung mit Programmen zur Stärkung der Anpassungsfähigkeit und zur Verringerung von Klimaresilienzlücken verbinden. Darin mangelt es der IRA, aber zukünftige Richtlinien müssen es nicht sein.

The post The US can’t obtain environmental justice by way of one-size-fits-all local weather coverage appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

In the 21st century, a building dedicated to education cannot do without an approach aimed at sustainability and respect for the environment as a fundamental element of its construction. And just from that reflection, it’s a perfect example of that “Learn by doing, learn by caring” the motto of new schoolthat the new science and environmental center of the Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects Atelier for this private school draws inspiration from. Founded in 1967 in the United States, Nueva School focuses on educating students with strong intellectual abilities from kindergarten through high school. In particular, the Hillsborough campus in California, on which the new Science Center was built, is aimed at students up to the eighth grade. Spread over 33 acres along the coastal and semi-rural hills of the San Francisco Peninsula, the school’s campus consists of several buildings amid lush vegetation, mostly oak trees, with fantastic panoramic views across the bay. Surrounded by a forest, the Science and Environment Center building fits right into this context: a two-storey building with eight flexible classrooms with external classrooms for interdisciplinary activities.

The building received the 2022 AIA National Education Facility Design Award and is LEED Gold, Net Zero Energy certified. In fact, the project was carried out in accordance with the sustainability and energy saving objectives of the master plan, with particular attention to the preservation and restoration of the original habitat, as well as the design of flexible educational spaces that can be easily adapted to the different training programs.

The architects encouraged connections between users and the natural environment through a series of passive strategies and design choices that are easy to spot. An example is the shape of the building, inspired by the natural topography of the hill. A solution that has made it possible to reduce the excavations required for construction and to maximize contact with the natural environment, through a series of outdoor classrooms that become an extension of the classrooms located on the ground floor. Therefore, a building with a “narrow” floor plan was preferred, a solution that helped maximize the natural lighting and ventilation of the classrooms and reduce the building’s visual and physical impact on the surrounding nature.

(Agnes Bifulco)

Images courtesy of Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects

Project: Nueva School Science and Environment Center
Architect: Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects www.lmsarch.com
Project team:
Bill Leddy, director
Jason Bolander, Project Manager
Ian Ashcraft-Williams, Project Architect

Architect: Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects

engineers:
Civil: BKF engineers
Structurally: Murphy Burr Curry
MEP: Point Energy Innovation (Base of Design)
Electrical: Cupertino (Eng. of Record)
Mech/Plumbing: Air systems

Advisor:
Landscape: CMG landscape architecture
Joint Trench: UDCE
Impregnation: WJE
Acoustic: Salter
Laboratory: HERA
Audiovisual: Shalleck
General Contractor: WL Butler

Photographer: Bruce Damonte, Richard Barnes

The post Leddy Maytum Stacy Science and Environmental Centre for the Nueva Faculty in California appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

ELMONT, NY – Kim Stone needed something “really great” to leave Miami and become president of UBS Arena, home of the New York Islanders.

Oak View Group opened the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle in October 2021 and the Belmont Park facility the following month with state-of-the-art sustainability ambitions and offered Stone the opportunity to oversee UBS Arena to support its carbon neutrality efforts for all known Scopes 1 and 2 emissions to be achieved by 2024.

All one would have to do is leave the tropics to face the bitter wind chill that life in the Northeast brings.

Stone accepted the position of arena president on July 11 and took over on August 1. The UBS Arena exceeded its self-imposed deadline by running on 100 percent renewable energy in October, and in February announced LEED certification from the US Green Building Council, a globally recognized symbol of sustainability in green building design .

[RELATED: Learn more about NHL Green]

UBS Arena is also a founding member of GOAL (Green Operations & Advanced Leadership), a sustainability movement recognized in the sports and entertainment industry, started by the Oak View Group.

“I saw New York as the Mecca,” Stone said. “This is where it will be the biggest challenge. We’re in a crowded market, which forces you to innovate. It forces you to be creative and step out of your comfort zone. It’s a challenge and I love challenges. It’s probably a hallmark of my career.”

It’s the perfect time for the NHL to celebrate Green Month and raise awareness of sustainability and environmental issues in the hockey ecosystem as the UBS Arena potentially hosts the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time. The Islanders (39-30-9) hold the first Eastern Conference wild card and have a two-point lead over the Florida Panthers, the first team outside of the postseason bubble, with four games remaining in the regular season.

Visitors see the big picture. According to UBS Arena:

* All arena lights are energy-saving LED lights.

* Olympia ice resurfacing machines are used, which are powered by renewable electricity and produce no exhaust fumes.

*Electric shuttles provide round-trip transportation to Emerald car park, half a mile away.

* Water usage has been reduced by 40 percent compared to similar venues with low-flow plumbing to LEED standards.

* Sustainable, local and healthy food is used by sourcing 75 percent of most ingredients within a 300 mile radius depending on seasonality.

“You basically have very little material that’s going anywhere other than recycling and composting,” said Kristen Fulmer, sustainability expert at Oak View Group and lead of the OVG Goal 360 program. “They continuously track their carbon footprint through the GOAL portal. They have a great team that prioritizes sustainability.”

Growing up in Durham, North Carolina, Fulmer’s appreciation for the environment came from some unique sources.

“My parents are basically hippies,” she said. “Growing up, I had to open the blinds in my room at just the right angle to let the sun in. And if I didn’t do it right, I was grounded. I’m not exaggerating.

“I was always so frustrated that doing the right thing for the environment felt like such a challenge. In my career I realized that sustainability in buildings has to be easy for people.”

This challenge led her to study architecture at Virginia Tech and earn her Masters in Sustainable Design from the University of Texas.

Like many women with career advancement plans, however, Fulmer was told “no.”

Stone had similar bumps in her path and said she was often mistaken for serving coffee rather than chairing the meeting, despite having 25 years of experience overseeing green initiatives for the Miami Heat and two at the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, had San Francisco. She then returned to Heat as Executive Vice President, Human Capital and Special Projects. Heat President Pat Riley, an NBA Hall of Fame coach, helped her learn best practices for dealing with obstacles that might stand in her way.

“I had the microaggressions,” she said. “I had people who took my ideas. But you have a choice at that moment, to either really let it set you back and throw you off course, or just keep going and just keep going and prove over time what you can bring to the table because sometimes some people take longer than others to understand.”

UBS Arena’s green initiatives raise the bar for what former arena president Hank Abate said in May 2021 it should be “like no other building in the country.” OVG is exploring on-site solar generation for renewable energy, and a goal by the end of the year is a zero-waste site, diverting at least 90 percent of its waste from landfill. The Islanders in March enticed fans to take the 31-minute Long Island Rail Road ride from New York Penn Station to Elmont with “31 Days of 31 Giveaways” and a chance to win a signed jersey or a hockey bobblehead Hall of Famer goaltender Billy to promote Smith.

There are also plans to make learning about sustainability fun and get to what Stone calls “that moment of truth.” When you’re about to throw out your trash, you’re not making an easy choice. Take those five extra seconds and make the right choice.”

Fulmer added: “Call it maternal instinct, call it what you will, but I just think we’re generally proactive about the health and well-being of the next generation. That is why we are committed to sustainability. We want to protect the planet.”

The post Islanders dwelling changing into chief in environmental sustainability appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The latest North Bay Business Journal research (Lists.NorthBayBusinessJournal.com) focuses on firms with local offices that design and implement technologies, equipment and processes to deal with contamination and environmental impact.

The list of environmental consulting and engineering firms is ranked by 2020 North Bay environmental billings. Other information provided includes annual environmental billings companywide, number of employees and professionals with advanced degrees, number of North Bay offices, year established, percentage of work in various categories, services offered, North Bay 2019-2020 projects, and top local executive.

Detailed information from the list is available for purchase as a spreadsheet via the links above.

Want to have your company surveyed for this and other lists? Contact Research Director Michelle Fox at michelle.fox@busjrnl.com or call 707-526-8682.

The post Environmental engineering and consulting corporations in San Francisco North Bay appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

GILROY (KPIX) — Big tech may be making a huge mark on southern Santa Clara County.

The City of Gilroy is soliciting bids in order to determine the environmental impact of Amazon’s Gilroy Data Center, or GDC, one of two major projects the tech giant is pushing forward in the South Bay.

READ MORE: BART Steps Up Security In Wake Of NYC Subway Mass Shooting

“Gilroy has put out a request to get consultants outside of the city to come in and assist us with fully understanding what the benefits of such a project might be, as well as some as what the drawbacks might be, and what opportunities we have as a city to try to mitigate some of those negative impacts,” said Gilroy Vice Mayor Peter Leroe-Munoz.

Leroe-Munoz, who is also General Counsel and Senior Vice President at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, said the city has been working behind the scenes for years to attract tech companies into the city, but added city leaders would not be “rubber stamping” projects.

“We certainly want to be very thoughtful, as we are with every applicant that comes to our city. We have a lot of resources that we offer here. We have a very diverse, young and growing workforce. So there are benefits that we offer to innovation industries that want to locate here in Gilroy. And we certainly want to work with them, but we want to make sure it’s a good fit for both partners,” said Leroe-Munoz.

The GDC would sit atop a 66-acre parcel behind the Gilroy Unified School District, along the eastern side of Highway 101.

READ MORE: SF-Based Yelp Offers To Pay Travel Fees For Its Oklahoma Employees Seeking Abortions

The details are still being worked out, but the data center would likely consist of several buildings totaling around 500,000 square feet, to “reliably meet the increased demand of the digital economy,” the company said in a statement.

Less than a mile south, Amazon is also moving forward with plans to build a large distribution center and warehouse, dubbed “Project Garlic,” on a 60-acre parcel located at the northeast corner of Camino Arroyo and Highway 152. The company is also working out plans that would total 400,000 square feet, along with a six-acre commercial development.

Less than a mile south of Project Garlic is yet another project from another tech giant. In 2019, Google purchased a 40-acre rectangular plot to build a nursery in order to grow their own trees for the company’s real estate developments.

“I think Gilroy has had a moment for quite some time. I think it’s time that Silicon Valley finally recognized that the southernmost city in Silicon Valley is certainly open for business and has so much to offer,” said Leroe-Munoz.

The vice-mayor assured citizens that the city would not abandon its agricultural roots.

MORE NEWS: Lawsuit: Elon Musk Violated Regulatory Disclosure Laws After Buying Twitter Shares

“We recognize that history. We recognize its importance to our local economy and it is something that we are going to protect, in addition to bringing a diversity of jobs and economic opportunities to our communities,” said Leroe-Munoz.

The post Gilroy Probes Environmental Impression Of Proposed Amazon Information Middle – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) — Environmentalists are not looking kindly upon a proposal by Governor Gavin Newsom to send vehicle owners a $400 debit card to help cover the higher costs of gasoline.

Pumping back $400, or even $800 if you own two vehicles, back into the wallets of drivers when gas prices are spiking sounds like relief. But many environmental groups don’t believe this is the right approach.

READ MORE: Convicted Chowchilla kidnapper Frederick Woods Recommended For Parole

“It’s like a bandaid that doesn’t really do anything for the current problem we’re in,” said director of Environment California Laura Deehan.

Instead of spending $9 billion for $400 rebates, the non-profit Environment California wants to see that money used for more electric vehicle charging stations, transit system improvements, and programs that would drive more people to use electric bicycles.

The rebates, they say, would conflict with efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

“It reminds me of a glass of wine for an alcoholic. It feels really good when you’re struggling. But the problem is we’re dependent on this fuel to power our lives that is hurting your health and planet,” said Deehan.

READ MORE: Man Shot After Trying To Disarm Gunman During Stockton Robbery

Bay Area Environmental groups like Food and Water Watch want the Governor to address fossil fuel dependence more aggressively.

“He needs to take on the fossil fuel industry, do more to speed that transition which means stopping the expansion of fossil fuels and moving towards a robust and quick and just 100% renewable energy,” said Mark Schlosberg of Food & Water Watch.

Newsom’s proposal would also provide relief to non-drivers by providing free rail and mass transit service for three months. State lawmakers have introduced their own proposals, regardless of whether you own a car. One would provide rebates of $200 for each taxpayer and dependent, and excludes the top 10% of earners.

On Thursday, the Democratic-led Assembly rejected a GOP-proposed suspension of the gas tax, which would immediately reduce the price of gas by 51 cents per gallon.

“We need to have a very rapid and aggressive transition to 100% renewable energy with investments in electrification and transportation,” said Schlosberg.

MORE NEWS: Major Retail Theft Ring Busted; Among Targets Bay Area Macy’s Stores; JCPenney In Stoneridge Mall

The post California Environmental Teams Criticize Proposed $400 Fuel Rebate – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

OAKLAND (CBS SF / BCN) – It’s finally here: Oakland officials say they expect to release the final environmental impact report on the proposed new stadium for the Oakland A’s at the Howard Terminal on Friday morning.

The report is expected to be posted on the city’s website at 8:00 a.m. City officials will recommend that the Oakland Planning Commission certify the report and send it to the city council for approval.

CONTINUE READING: Experimental gene therapy has been shown to be safe and effective and gives children a new chance in life

The planning commission will take up this recommendation on January 19th and the city council can approve the report in February.

“The release of the final environmental impact report is an important milestone in our journey to building a new waterfront ballpark area that will create up to 18 acres of beautiful public parks, more affordable housing and good jobs for Oaklanders,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf.

Oakland A released renders of their planned new ballpark at Howard Terminal near Jack London Square in Oakland (courtesy Bjarke Ingels Group)

“The 3,500-page document is thorough and comprehensive and ensures that the project is environmentally friendly and sustainable,” said Schaaf. “The completion of the EIR also keeps us on track to bring the 2022 project to the final vote in the city council – and brings us one step closer to keeping our beloved A’s rooted in Oakland.”

The final EIR does not contain any “material” new information and does not need to be re-circulated, thereby delaying a vote on it.

A’s proposal not only envisages a new stadium with around 35,000 seats, but also apartments, a hotel and a performance venue with 3,500 seats as well as commercial space.

The entire development would be on approximately 55 acres in the Jack London Square area.

CONTINUE READING: Man charged with threats at VTA meetings has bail set of US $ 350,000; Ordered to stay away

The approval of the overall project consists of an environmental assessment, project assessment and project agreements. The city and the A’s are well advanced in the approval process, although the A’s are considering moving the team to Las Vegas.

A’s President Dave Kaval has said it’s Howard Terminal for the A’s or they are moving out of Oakland.

The approval of the final environmental impact assessment by the city council would complete the environmental assessment process.

City officials are waiting for the A’s to revise the plans and present them to the city as part of the project appraisal process. The two now draft and negotiate the project agreements, which are of a financial nature.

A lawsuit could delay the project, but for a limited time. Assembly Bill 734 sets a limit for the duration of a lawsuit over the project.

Frequent questions raised by the draft EIR included railroad safety, parking, bridges over the railroad tracks near the proposed park, and questions about why a ballpark cannot be built at the Oakland Coliseum site. City officials answered any of the questions or concerns.

Answers to these questions were not available on Thursday, but the answers will be part of the final EIR released on Friday. More than 400 comments were made on the draft EIR.

The Oakland A’s did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the publication of the final EIR on Thursday afternoon.

MORE NEWS: The recent rains raise hopes that Marin could ease the drought containment

© Copyright 2021 CBS Broadcasting Inc. and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The post Oakland Officers Will Launch Ultimate Environmental Influence Report on A’s Proposed Ballpark – CBS San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.