California: It ain’t easy being a green builder (but there are some real opportunities)

San Diego's Building Industry Association played host to an outstanding and dynamic presentation earlier this morning on the topic of energy and the 2016 California building codes that went into effect at the beginning of this year. The panelists included a great mix of building professionals and thought leaders that don't merely speculate on the … Continue reading California: It ain’t easy being a green builder (but there are some real opportunities) →

Oroville Dam interim report highlights the importance of codes and standards

When the Oroville Dam failed earlier this year, it prompted a review of numerous major infrastructure projects throughout California. The news is not good, as it is clear that many billions of dollars of tax-funded projects were designed and constructed to withstand significant seismic events. That's because we've learned that our previous codes and standards … Continue reading Oroville Dam interim report highlights the importance of codes and standards →

Augmented Reality goes to trial, wins (for now…)

David Kravets, writing for Ars Technica: A judge on Thursday declared as unconstitutional a local Wisconsin ordinance mandating that the makers of augmented reality games get special use permits if their mobile apps were to be played in county parks. The law—the nation's first of its kind—was challenged on First Amendment grounds amid concerns it … Continue reading Augmented Reality goes to trial, wins (for now…) →

Can a hybrid jet engine and battery combo help California meet renewable energy goals?

As California continues the transition to renewable energy, practical issues sometimes create unforeseen complications. One example: California requires that ALL residential buildings constructed after January 1, 2020 produce at least as much energy as they used. By 2030, all new nonresidential buildings must meet zero net energy requirements. Additionally, the state is requiring that 50% of … Continue reading Can a hybrid jet engine and battery combo help California meet renewable energy goals? →

As deadline approaches, majority of San Francisco’s mandatory seismic retrofits not yet even permitted

According to J.K. Dineen at the SF Chronicle: With five months to go before a Sept. 15 deadline to pull permits for the work, owners of nearly 52 percent of “tier three” buildings — wood-frame structures of between five and 15 units — have yet to submit permit applications. That’s the first step in the … Continue reading As deadline approaches, majority of San Francisco’s mandatory seismic retrofits not yet even permitted →