Tag: laws

Energy Benchmark for 2022 compliance

Last chance for a free 2022 Energy Benchmark for 2022 compliance
Vert Energy Group is offering a Free 2022 Energy Benchmark to 150 building owners/property managers! Sign up today to claim your free Energy Benchmark! (Limit one per user for one property not complied for 2022) With 2023 right around the corner, Vert Energy Group wants to protect you from multiple years of non-compliance, as some of you may already be incurring fines or penalties! Use this free code to avoid continued fees and get in compliance today!
With 50+ Energy programs nationwide, it can feel like you’re in a maze trying to identify and meet your building’s specific requirements. Vert Energy Group takes the guesswork out of compliance, assuring data accuracy and ease of filing. We offer several tools to help you best determine how to optimize your building’s efficiency and now offer Vert Rebates on Energy Benchmarks and Energy Audits when you post a project on VertPro® Upgrades. Limitations do apply but check with your project specialist to determine which of your projects may qualify for the Vert Rebate.
Vert Energy Group makes benchmarking fast and easy for your entire portfolio of properties when you register on our platform VertPro®. All it takes is 30 minutes- or less- 3 easy steps and you are done. If you have any questions schedule a 1-on-1 demo with our team of experts.
Get started today as the promo code BMFREE2022 is only valid until November 18th, 2022.

“Production is the only answer to inflation.” – Chester Bowles

Inflation vs building material costs

With rising inflation rates and turmoil in a post covid world, many are concerned about what this means to the building industry. Inflation can have a significant impact on building costs, as the cost of materials and labor tends to increase when inflation rates are high. To stay within budget, it is important to monitor inflation rates and be prepared for potential cost increases.
Inflation rates can vary significantly from year to year. For example, inflation in 2020 was around 2%, but the inflation rate as of September 2022 was a whopping 8.2% year over year. Source “CBRE’s new Construction Cost Index forecasts a 14.1% year-over-year increase in construction costs by year-end 2022 as labor and material costs continue to rise. Escalation should stabilize to the 2%-4% range in 2023 and 2024, on par with historical averages. A confluence of events—including soaring construction demand, inflation, pandemic-related restrictions, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and the war in Ukraine—are spurring rising, costs and uncertainty across the construction industry.” 2022 U.S. Construction Cost Trends | CBRE
Just one example of the impact is lumber costs. Lumber costs reached an all-time high in 2021, and while the cost has backed down some since 2021, more than 90% of builders say they still face shortages of wood for framing. The expectation is cost inflation for materials will begin to slow and largely return to typical levels by mid-2023.” However, given the large number of construction inputs—many of which are often subject to geopolitical risks such as tariffs and sanctions—costs for some materials may remain volatile. Supply chain-related disruptions should begin to ease, but ongoing global labor and component shortages will hamper production and logistics capacity. As a result, long lead times and material shortages will likely continue in the short term.” Source
Graph Source
Inflation is one of the key factors in building costs, making it very important to monitor rates and be prepared for potential cost increases year to year to stay within budget.

2023 SF Energy Audits approaching quickly

San Francisco Energy Audits are quickly approaching. The requirements of a San Francisco energy audit vary with the size, and use of a building. The San Francisco Environment Code Chapter 20 sets a high standard: audits must meet or exceed the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Procedures for Commercial Building Audits, with larger facilities required to receive a more rigorous evaluation than smaller facilities. The San Francisco Existing Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance requires buildings that are 50,000 square feet and larger to conduct an ASHRAE Level II audit or an “intermediate” survey and energy analysis. Buildings that are 10,000 to 49,999 square feet in size require an ASHRAE Level I audit or basic energy analysis. Deadlines vary based on when the last report was submitted, but an energy audit is required to be completed every 5 years. Important dates to remember of when these requirements were enacted: April 1, 2021: Non-residential bldgs ≥ 50,000 sq. ft. Apr 1, 2022: Non-residential bldgs 25,000 to 49,999 sq. ft. Apr 1, 2023: Non-residential bldgs 10,000 to 24,999 sq. ft. Check with your Vert Energy Audit specialist today to see if your building is due for an energy audit and if any additional requirements are mandatory.

“We shape our buildings: Thereafter, they shape us.” -Winston Churchill

Building Materials and Process for Mayflower Ships
We all know the Mayflower set sail for America in 1620, but how many of us understand the long and complicated building process that led to the success of that maiden voyage? The Mayflower ships were built using traditional materials and methods but were equipped with state-of-the-art guns and cannons for protection and sails that were made from the best materials available, resulting in a ship that was able to sail across the Atlantic Ocean and reach America safely.
The Mayflower ship was built using several traditional materials and methods for the time, but this was far from a simple feat. The hull of the Mayflower was made from oak timbers that were cut down and hand-shaped into the desired shape. The oak timbers were then hewn by hand to make them smoother and fastened together with wooden pegs. Finally, the sails were made from linen or hemp, and the hemp or flax rigging was installed. The back-breaking work required to source the materials used to build, and the manpower required for these building methods made the success of the Mayflower’s journey even more impressive.

Comparatively building the Mayflower today would be a much easier feat. With the technology and machines, we now have, it would take a fraction of the time and effort. We would replace oak timbers with steel for the hull, aluminum for the sails, and synthetic materials for the rigging. The guns and cannons would be replaced with machine guns and missile launchers. Overall, the mayflower ship was a technologically advanced ship for its time.

Nowadays, there are mayflower replicas that you can visit and tour to get a feel of how life may have been like on the original mayflower ship. These replicas are also built using traditional methods and materials, so you can get a sense of how difficult and time-consuming the process was.

It took a lot of hard work and dedication to build the Mayflower ship, but thanks to the efforts of the builders, the Mayflower ship was able to set sail and successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean, a remarkable feat and building material choice for its time.

Fun Fact:

Thanksgiving Day continues to be one of the busiest travel days year after year. The entire week of thanksgiving will see a record number of people traveling, with an expected 54 million Americans traveling to see friends and family. According to a recent Thanksgiving Travel Survey, ’more than 43% of American adults plan on traveling to a vacation destination or holiday gathering this year on Turkey Day. With travel rapidly recovering, the 2022 holiday season is looking to be extremely busy, with many people flying for the first time in a few years.” Source According to thevacationer.com the best day to fly is Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday if you can’t depart earlier in the week. See the table below for more suggestions!

Stephanie’s Section
British Royal Family Post Queen Elizabeth Queen Elizabeth II, reigning queen for 67 years, was one of the most respected and beloved members of the British royal family. Her recent passing will largely impact not only the British Royal Family but also British society and culture. Queen Elizabeth was not only head of state but a stabilizing force for the royal family, and her death will likely change the way in which the British royal family functions. Prince Charles, now king, will hold more power than the former queen, as Britain is a constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a monarch is head of state, but the powers of the monarch are limited by a constitution. Many believe Prince Charles will be a more hands-on King than his mother, and we will see many changes under his reign. Prince Williams’s future in the British royal family is also unclear. While a current working member of the royal family, it is possible that he will step back from his role or even leave the royal family entirely. The role of the British royal family in 21^st-century Britain is primarily ceremonial. While the royal family is of noble birth, they do not hold any real political power, but play a very important role in British society and culture. The family’s main duties are to represent Britain domestically and internationally, to support British interests, and to provide a focus for national unity. Some of the challenges the British Royal family faces in the 21^st century include maintaining relevance in a society that is increasingly secular, the royal family must manage public perception in the wake of negative publicity and scrutiny, dealing with financial constraints, addressing the issue of succession, while navigating changing social norms and expectations. With a net worth estimated to be around $88 billion, the world is watching to see what will come of the British Royal family post-Queen Elizabeth II. A beacon for the British people and British society, her impact and passing will be felt for years to come.

Want your Make Your Building Green? Get an Energy Audit! »

Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws

There are over 30 cities/states with Energy Benchmark requirements – 16 have Energy Audit requirements as well! Use this free tool to check if your building has an upcoming Energy Benchmark or Energy Audit deadline.
FIND OUT HERE »

November 3, 2022

New Evolving Energy Efficiency Laws

Today, nearly everyone accepts that we must transition away from the use of fossil fuels, as the damage happening to our planet and environment is astronomical. This has led to many science and business innovations as we search for new sustainable or renewable alternatives to coal, oil, and gas.

One such innovation is energy efficiency. This is the practice of using less energy to achieve the same goal, whether that’s powering a home, running a business, or manufacturing a product. For example, new energy-efficient lightbulbs use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs to produce the same amount of light. In the United States, new energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment have led to significant savings in electricity use. New laws and regulations are increasingly requiring that products use less energy, and while some of these new efficient products may cost more upfront, over time they save money and help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

As the world transitions to a low-carbon future, energy efficiency will play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing the rate of climate change. In 2018, the United States updated its energy efficiency standards for commercial buildings. These new standards will require new buildings to be more energy efficient than ever before, and they will spur businesses to invest in energy efficiency upgrades for existing buildings. The new standards are estimated to save businesses $12 billion in energy costs over the next 30 years. And by 2030, the standards are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 160 million metric tons—the equivalent of taking 33 million cars off the road for a year.

As energy efficiency becomes an increasingly important issue for cities, states, and the nation, new energy laws and regulations are being enacted to mandate better performance from commercial and multifamily properties. Metrics you need to reach, deadlines, and specifics on how to file your energy performance with your municipality vary from city to city.

For commercial building owners, new energy efficiency laws are taking effect that will require significant improvements in the way their buildings use energy. These laws are designed to promote energy conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many commercial building owners are already taking steps to improve their buildings’ energy efficiency, but the new laws will require even more changes. There are incentives for those who do make their buildings more energy efficient, including tax breaks, utility rebates, and other financial assistance. It is also important to note that building owners who don’t comply with the new laws may be subject to fines or other penalties.

An example of such regulations is the newly adopted standards for consumer appliances and the energy-saving rules for federal buildings. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released new building energy code requirements “that will save taxpayer dollars and ensure that the federal government leads by example in energy efficiency. Beginning in April 2023, all new buildings and major retrofits constructed by the Federal government must comply with the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2019 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers Standard 90.1 building energy codes. DOE estimates that this measure will save $4.2 million dollars in operating costs within the first year of implementation.” Source

Another example is California’s Building Decarbonization Partnership. The Building Decarbonization Partnership is a voluntary, non-regulatory program that helps buildings stakeholders identify and overcome barriers to achieving deep energy savings in their buildings. The Partnership provides resources and technical assistance to help participants save energy, money, and water, and achieve their climate goals. The Partnership is open to any multifamily or commercial building owner, manager, or operator who is interested in reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in their buildings. There is no cost to participate in the Partnership. “California’s buildings produce a quarter of the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, making homes and businesses a major factor in climate change. The California Building Decarbonization Assessment provides a framework to tackle the challenges in developing a path toward reducing GHG emissions associated with California’s buildings.” Source

These are just two examples of how the United States is leading the way in energy efficiency. While making your commercial building more energy efficient can be a challenge, it’s one that is well worth the effort. Not only will you save money, but you’ll be doing your part to help protect our environment.

“In reality, studies show that investments to spur renewable energy and boost energy efficiency generate far more jobs than oil and coal.”-Jeff Goodell

Upcoming Energy Audits deadlines for (LA, SF, SJ, Austin Tx, Seattle WA, Atlanta GA, Boston, Washington State)

With consistently updating laws and ever-changing regulations, we have compiled a list of important dates and requirements for the upcoming Energy Audit deadlines for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Austin, Seattle, Atlanta, Boston, and the state of Washington. Mark your calendars with important dates, and requirements to avoid potential fines/violations.

Location	Deadline	Additional Requirements:
Los Angeles, CA	June 1, 2023: Bldg IDs ending in “4” December 1, 2023: Bldg IDS sending in “5”	Energy Audit, Water Audit & Retro-Commissioning (Every 5 years)
San Francisco, CA	April 1, 2023	Energy Audit or RCx (Every 5 years)
San Jose, CA	May 1, 2023	Last Digit of APN 0,1
Atlanta, GA	December 31, 2023	2022 deadline, extended to January 4^th, 2023 Every 10 years) starting in 2020
Boston, MA	June 15, 2023	Every 5 years starting in 2010
Austin, TX	June 1, 2023	Energy Audits + Mandatory Upgrades
Seattle, WA	October 1, 2023	Periodic Tune-Ups for Larger Commercial Buildings
Washington (State)	April 1, 2023	Energy Audits

Audits and RCx can take substantially longer than benchmarks as on-site inspections conducted by licensed professionals (LP) are required. A minimum of one on-site inspection is required to gather information and depending on the complexity and size of the building, additional on-site visits may be needed to get a full scope of the building and its systems and equipment. Any missing information can cause inaccurate reporting and delay the process of filing. To assure compliance by the deadline it is suggested that you request your audit 6-9 months prior to the due date, making this the time to start planning for 2023!

Fines or Violations for missed Energy Benchmark Deadlines

Penalties for Missed benchmark deadlines

Missed benchmark deadlines can be a costly mistake for building owners. Every year building owners and managers are required to ensure their property is in compliance with their local city or state energy benchmark programs. Many benchmarking programs have penalties, and failure to file can result in written warnings and/or monetary fines. Non-compliance fines can add up quickly, so it is important to be aware of deadlines and the penalties for missing those deadlines. While not all benchmark programs have monetary fines or official warnings, each city and state agency keeps records. These are often made public via a compliance list, to hold building owners accountable and enforce compliance. These compliance lists can be located on your local city or state benchmarking website or by contacting your local programs support line directly. The following is a complete chart of Benchmark programs with existing penalties for non-compliance:

Benchmark Program	Annual Deadline	Penalty for Non-Compliance
Atlanta Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance	June 1^st	$1,000
Austin Energy Conservation Audit & Disclosure (ECAD) Ordinance	June 1^st	$500-2,000
Berkeley Building Energy Saving Ordinance	July 1st	$100-1,000
Boston Energy Reporting & Disclosure Ordinance	May 15^th	$35-200
California Assembly Bill 802 (CA AB802)	June 1^st	$500-2,000
Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance	May 1^st	$300/day
Chicago Building Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance	June 1^st	$100 + $25/day
Chula Vista Building Energy Saving Ordinance	May 20^th	$750-2,250
Denver Commercial & Multifamily Building Benchmarking	June 1^st	$2,000
Des Moines Energy & Water Benchmarking Ordinance	May 1^st	$50 + $300-500/day
Evanston Building Energy & Water Use Benchmarking Ordinance	June 30^th	$100
Fort Collins, CO Ordinance 144 Building Energy & Water Scoring	March 1^st	$1,000
Los Angeles Energy & Water Efficiency (LA EBEWE)	June 1^st	$202
New York City Local Law 84 (NYC LL84)	May 1^st*	$500-$2,000
Philadelphia Building Energy Benchmarking Ordinance	June 30^th	$300 + $100/day
Pittsburgh Building Benchmarking Ordinance	June 1^st	Publicly listed non-Compliant
Portland Energy & Water Use Performance Benchmarking Ordinance (Maine)	May 1^st	$20/day
Portland Commercial Building Energy Reporting (Oregon)	April 22^nd	$500
Reno Energy & Water Efficiency Program (Ordinance 7068)	April 1^st	$850
Saint Louis Building Energy Awareness Bill	April 1^st	$50-1,000
Salt Lake City Elevate Buildings	May 1^st	$500-1,000
San Francisco Existing Commercial Buildings Energy Performance Ordinance (SF EBO)	April 1^st*	$50-2,500
Seattle Council Bill 116731 (CB116731)	July 1^st	$150-500/day

Quote: “Energy-saving technologies keep improving faster than they’re applied, so efficiency is an ever larger and cheaper resource.” – Amory Lovins

Top 10 Vert Employees Halloween Movies

Hocus Pocus Copyright by Disney 1993 – disneyplus.com

Halloween movies are a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re looking for spooky, funny, family-friendly, or just downright creepy, there’s sure to be a Halloween movie out there for you. Grab some popcorn and get ready to be scared because the Vert Energy Team has compiled a list of our all-time favorite movies to watch on All Hallows Eve and these are the top 10 winners!

In order of the most suggested titles by employees:

Hocus Pocus
Nightmare on Elm Street
Halloweentown
The Nightmare before Christmas
Halloween
Practical Magic
The exorcist
Young Frankenstein
The Thing
Scary Movie

As one of the most iconic Halloween movies of all time, it’s no surprise Hocus Pocus was the most chosen Halloween movie to watch among Vert Energy Group employees! Hocus Pocus has been praised for years for its humor, performances, and iconic songs. For an extra special surprise, head on over to Disney+, as Disney released Hocus Pocus 2, just in time for Halloween 2022! Gather your coven, grab your candy corn, and prepare for the ultimate Halloween movie night with a Hocus Pocus double feature!

Fun Fact:

Halloween is a big industry in America. Every year, Americans spend billions of dollars on Halloween costumes, decorations, and candy. The Halloween industry has grown significantly in recent years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. According to the National Retail Federation‘s seasonal shopping trends this year, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, Americans are predicted to spend $2.6 billion buying candy for Halloween, in comparison to $3.2 billion on costumes and $2.7 billion on decorations. 172 million people in the United States celebrate Halloween — and about 95% are predicted to purchase candy. That’s a lot of candy corn!

Stephanie’s Section

Houdini’s Final Performance

Halloween, a fun holiday with costumes, and candy, also happens to be the death date of one of the best escape artists in history, Harry Houdini.

Harry Houdini was a famous magician who dazzled crowds for over 30 years. He was born in Hungary in 1874, and he immigrated to the United States with his family when he was a young boy. Houdini was known for his daring escape acts. He would escape from handcuffs, chains, and even straight jackets, often in water or other dangerous situations. Houdini was also an accomplished aviator, and he set many records for flying machines.

On October 24, 1926, Harry Houdini was performing at the Princess Theatre in Montreal. During his show, he invited a member of the audience to come onstage and punch him in the stomach as hard as they could. This was part of Houdini’s act, and he had done it many times before without incident. However, this time was different. The student who punched Houdini, J. Gordon Whitehead, hit him so hard that Houdini collapsed and had to be taken to the hospital.

Houdini initially seemed to recover from the incident, but his condition quickly deteriorated. He is said to have died of peritonitis after his appendix ruptured, but the circumstances of his death remain mysterious to this day. At age 52, on October 31, 1926, Halloween night, Harry Houdini died.

While none would argue Harry Houdini’s death was a tragic event, some people believe that Harry Houdini’s death was not accidental. There are many wild theories about what really happened to Houdini, and many seem to believe that he was murdered.

One theory is that Houdini was killed by the Mafia. It’s well known that Houdini was very critical of the Mob, and he had made enemies within the organization. It is possible that the Mafia ordered Whitehead to punch Houdini in the stomach as a way of getting revenge.

Another theory is that Houdini was killed by the KGB. This theory emerged after the release of previously classified documents in 2006. These documents showed that Houdini had been under surveillance by the KGB for many years. It is possible that the KGB ordered Whitehead to punch Houdini to silence him.

Whether or not he was murdered, his death shocked the world, and his legacy has lived on ever since. Harry Houdini was a true pioneer in the world of magic, and his death is still the subject of conversation decades later.

Search by Zip to Find Applicable Energy Laws

There are over 30 cities/states with Energy Benchmark requirements – 16 have Energy Audit requirements as well! Use this free tool to check if your building has an upcoming Energy Benchmark or Energy Audit deadline.

October 5, 2022

Changing Landscape of Energy Efficiency

The landscape of energy efficiency is ever-changing. New technologies and approaches are emerging that are transforming the way we use and conserve energy. As our understanding of energy efficiency evolves, so too do the ways in which we can make our businesses more energy efficient. From solar panels to LED lighting, from benchmarks to building upgrades there are a variety of options available to help save energy and money.

States are continuing to adopt ordinances and laws, that make it easier for business owners and businesses to “go green.” Some of these laws and ordinances are designed to increase the use of renewable energy, while others aim to improve energy efficiency. These laws and ordinances are always changing and updating, with new laws coming into effect every year.

Many states are mandating compliance with the updated International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which includes provisions for increased energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The code is updated every three years, with the most recent version being published in 2021. The 2024 IECC will be more stringent than the 2021 IECC in terms of overall energy performance. The ICC board gave the committee this directive: “The code is updated on a three-year cycle with each subsequent edition providing increased energy savings over the prior edition.”

The IECC provides a minimum baseline for Energy Efficiency standards that must be met or exceeded to obtain a building permit. The code is designed to reduce energy consumption and encourage the use of energy-efficient practices and technologies. Some of the provisions of the IECC include:

Commercial	Non-Commercial
Improved insulation for walls, ceilings, floors, and windows	Improved insulation for walls, ceilings, floors, and windows
Reduced air leakage through cracks and openings in the building envelope	Reduced air leakage through cracks and openings in the building envelope
More efficient heating and cooling systems	More efficient heating and cooling systems
Improved lighting efficiency	X
Reduced water consumption	X
Improved ventilation rates	X

As you can see the IECC includes additional requirements and provisions for commercial buildings. Many cities and states are also adopting additional energy efficiency measures beyond what is required by the IECC, particularly for existing commercial buildings. These measures can vary from state to state, but some common examples include offering incentives to businesses to make energy efficiency improvements and establishing building energy codes that are more stringent than the IECC.

Additional energy efficiency measures such as energy benchmarks and disclosure for commercial buildings are becoming more and more prevalent across the United States. This means that owners of commercial buildings must track their energy use and report it to the state on a regular basis. With 32 Benchmark Laws adopted in 2021, which increased to 45 by 2022, and at least 6 more coming into effect in 2023, it’s ever apparent that energy benchmarking will continue to play a vital role for more and more cities in the years to come.

As the number of Benchmark Laws increases every year, so do the mandates for Energy audits and other additional requirements. For instance, commercial buildings will soon be required to supply part, if not all, of their own electrical usage through sustainable means. By making energy use more transparent, building owners are encouraged to make improvements that can save money and help the environment. The goal of these measures is to promote energy efficiency and help reduce energy consumption.

The trend toward more energy-efficient businesses is likely to continue in the years ahead, as we look for ways to save energy and money with new technologies and approaches. As the landscape of energy efficiency continues to adapt and change, there are sure to be new and exciting developments in the field that we can all benefit from.

Beginning in 2023, VertPro® will be switching to online payments only, following suit with paper-free companies such as Google, Apple, and Facebook. Join the paper-free revolution with VertPro® and enjoy all the same benefits in a more environmentally friendly way!

Mountain View Seismic Ordinance

Following suit with many other California cities, Mountain View is mandating the retrofit of unreinforced masonry-bearing wall buildings constructed prior to 1933. The provisions of City code Article x111. – Earthquake Hazard Reduction in Existing Buildings depicts minimum standards for structural seismic resistance established primarily to reduce the risk of loss of life or injury and to reduce earthquake damage to rehabilitated buildings. So, what does this mean for Mountain View?

In the United States, seismic ordinances have been adopted in several jurisdictions, including California, Oregon, and Washington. These ordinances generally require the evaluation of buildings identified as being vulnerable to earthquake damage and the implementation of specific retrofit measures if the building is found to be deficient. The type of buildings typically covered by these ordinances includes unreinforced masonry buildings, soft-story buildings, and non-ductile concrete buildings. These requirements address critical safety concerns by increasing the likelihood that occupants can safely exit the building in the event of an earthquake.

Historically, many of these ordinances were passed because of devastating earthquakes. The 1994 Northridge earthquake resulted in 57 deaths and over $20 billion in damage. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake caused 63 deaths and over $12 billion in damage. And the 1971 San Fernando earthquake resulted in 65 deaths and over $500 million in damage. These earthquakes – and others like them – led to a greater understanding of the importance of seismic safety. As a result, cities began mandating retrofits for buildings of a certain age and construction type. If your building falls into one of these categories, it’s important to get in compliance as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, many buildings in California are at risk of collapse during an earthquake. A study by the US Geological Survey found that, in a major earthquake, up to 28% of wood-frame soft-story buildings could collapse. Wood-frame soft-story buildings make up a large portion of the housing stock in California – an estimated 60% of all apartments in the state are soft-story buildings. Different cities in California have different seismic retrofit ordinances. The City of Los Angeles passed its Seismic Retrofit Ordinance in 2015, which applies to wood-frame soft-story buildings and non-ductile concrete buildings. San Francisco’s Soft-Story Program applies to wood-frame buildings with five or more stories that have soft, weak, or open-front walls and were built before 1978. And Berkeley’s Seismic Retrofit Program applies to all buildings, regardless of construction type or year built.

Mountain View is now mandating all buildings constructed or under construction prior to 1933 which have bearing walls constructed of unreinforced masonry to be retrofitted. Unreinforced masonry buildings are defined as any building built prior to 1933 containing walls constructed wholly or partially with any of the following materials:

• Unreinforced brick masonry
• Unreinforced concrete masonry
• Hollow clay tile
• Adobe or unburned clay masonry
• Any other unreinforced tile or masonry construction material.

“This article shall not apply to group M occupancies; detached group R, division 3 occupancies; detached group R, division 1 occupancies with less than five (5) dwelling units used solely for residential purposes; nor to any undamaged building less than nine hundred (900) square feet and containing less than five (5) occupants as determined by 33-A of the 1985 Uniform Building Code.” Source

Time Limits for Compliance starting from August 12, 2022

Structural Analysis

REQUIRED ACTION BY THE OWNER	TIME FRAME FOR COMPLIANCE
The building owner submits structural analysis or other data indicating that the building complies with this article; or	270 calendar days from.
The building owner submits structural analysis and plans for proposed structural alterations of the building to ensure compliance; or	270 calendar days from.
The building owner submits plans for the demolition of the building.	270 calendar days from.

Structural Upgrade

REQUIRED ACTION BY THE OWNER	TIME FRAME FOR COMPLIANCE
The City council shall establish a mandatory compliance date for completion of the URM building structural upgrade for demolition.	Within 120 calendar days from the end of the 270-calendar day structural analysis period.

Letter of Intent

REQUIRED ACTION BY THE OWNER	TIME FRAME FOR COMPLIANCE
The building owner shall submit a letter of intent to the building official stating intent to upgrade or demolish the building.	Within 180 calendar days after the council adopts the mandatory compliance date.

¹ Where two (2) or more adjacent buildings under separate ownership are to be rehabilitated simultaneously, an extension may be allowed, with a suggested minimum extension of six (6) months. An extension could be granted on submission of a binding agreement between the owners involved, with the actual date of compliance to be determined by the chief building official.

Furthermore, while Mountain View does not currently mandate the retrofit of wood-frame soft-story buildings (as of January 2022) it is likely the city soon will, and this provision will apply to existing buildings that have the following characteristics:

• Ground-floor wood-frame construction with an open layout

• Minimum of two stories

• Three or more dwelling units on a single parcel of land

• Constructed prior to approximately 1980

The May 2018 Mountain View Soft Story Study Report, estimates that approximately 488 buildings within the City of Mountain View would fall within the scope of this potential wood-frame soft-story building ordinance. The 488 buildings identified within the survey have at least three residential units, a total of 5,123 housing units which represents about 16 percent of the city’s total housing, which rivals the percentage of earthquake-vulnerable homes in Oakland and San Francisco.

Seismic retrofitting is vital for the safety of your tenants, employees, and customers. It’s also required by law in many cases and can result in heavy fines from the city for non-compliance. Additionally, if your building is found to be at risk of collapse in an earthquake, you may be ordered to vacate the premises until the retrofit is complete. Check with your city to see what ordinances apply to your commercial building, don’t wait until it’s too late – retrofit your building today and help ensure the safety of everyone inside.

New Energy Benchmark Laws for 2023

As more and more states look to benchmarking to improve energy efficiency, several new laws and ordinances are set to go into effect in 2023. These laws will require benchmarking for all commercial buildings over a certain size and will impose penalties for those that do not comply. While some building owners may see this as a burden, benchmarking can be a valuable tool. It can help identify areas where a building is wasting energy and can also help reduce a building’s energy consumption and be more sustainable. In the long run, benchmarking can save building owners money by helping them make their buildings more efficient. Not only are new laws and ordinances being implemented, but existing laws are constantly being updated. These updates include lowering the size threshold for buildings covered by the benchmarking requirements, establishing new third-party data verification requirements, requiring the use of whole-building utility data, including aggregate data directly from utilities when applicable, and clarification of violations and the enforcement process.

Source: IMT Benchmarking Map 08312022 CURRENT If you own a commercial building, now is the time to start getting ready for the new benchmarking laws, and if you’re not already benchmarking your building, now is a good time to start. Many new states will require benchmarking compliance in 2023 and will enforce penalties on those who do not follow the new benchmarking laws. However, benchmarking can be simple and easy with the help of Vert Energy Group! Once you know where your building stands in terms of energy efficiency, you can make changes to ensure that your property is as efficient as possible with VertPro®.

“I have a firm belief in the ability and power of women to achieve the things they want to achieve” – Eleanor Roosevelt

A Brief History of Labor Day

In the United States, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It’s a day off for many workers, and a time to enjoy the last few days of summer, but did you know that Labor Day is more than just a day off from work? This American institution has a long and interesting history so let’s take a quick look at the origins of Labor Day and how it’s evolved over the years. Labor Day has its roots in the labor movement of the late 19th century. At that time, working conditions were often very dangerous, and workers were frequently required to work long hours for little pay. In an effort to improve these conditions, workers began organizing into unions. On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid leave and marched in New York City to demand better working conditions. The following year, another labor parade was held in New York City. Inspired by these events, workers across the country began holding their own parades and rallies on the first Monday in September. In 1884, the first formal proposal to make Labor Day a national holiday was made at a meeting of the Central Labor Union. The proposal was approved, and the first National Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1884. In 1894, Congress passed a law making the first Monday in September, a national holiday, Labor Day. The first Monday in September was selected as the official date for a few reasons: first, it allowed workers a three-day weekend (as Friday and Saturday were already days off); second, it prevented summer vacations from being cut short; and third, it avoided competition with Independence Day celebrations. Today, Labor Day is celebrated in countries around the world to recognize the achievements of workers and to celebrate the labor movement. Over time, the meaning of Labor Day has changed somewhat. It’s still a day to celebrate workers and their achievements, but it has also become a day for barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor activities. For many Americans, it marks the end of summer and the start of the school year. No matter how you choose to spend your Labor Day, one thing is for sure: it’s a day to kick back and enjoy some well-deserved time off! There you have it: a brief history of Labor Day. Next time you’re enjoying a cookout or taking a leisurely stroll on this day off from work, remember that it exists because workers fought—and sometimes died—for the right to a fair wage and reasonable working hours. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

Fun Fact: As of 2021, 65% of Americans believe there is intelligent life on other planets!

Stephanie’s Section

Aliens vs. Voyager 1 Do you believe in aliens? It’s a question that has been debated for centuries, and there is still no clear answer. There are those who firmly believe that aliens exist, and others are convinced that aliens are nothing more than a figment of our imagination. There is no right or wrong answer, but it’s certainly an interesting topic to debate. Recently, Voyager 1 has been at the center of this very debate. How and why? You may be wondering what is Voyager 1? Voyager 1 is a space probe launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, to study the outer solar system and interstellar space beyond the sun’s heliosphere. Voyager 1 has been in operation for almost 45 years, and still transmits data back to earth through the Deep Space Network! Recently, Nasa’s engineering team is investigating a mystery taking place on the Voyager 1 spacecraft. The vehicle is more than 11 billion miles from Earth, and for the past several months has been sending back strange readings that have left engineers baffled. As the most distant human-made object from Earth, Voyager 1 is operating at the edge of the solar system, beyond the Sun’s influence, and while the craft is successfully receiving and executing commands from Earth, the readouts from the probe’s AACS (attitude articulation and control system) show something strange is happening on board. The AACS maintains the craft’s orientation, keeping the antenna pointed directly at Earth so that data can be successfully sent back to Nasa. While all indicators suggest the AACS is working as normal, the readings show that something is interfering with the spacecraft’s ability to communicate with Earth. The interference is coming from an unknown source and it’s preventing Voyager 1 from sending back data at its full capacity. It appears Voyager 1 is detecting a never-before-seen interaction between particles from inside our solar system and particles from interstellar space. This is something that was not predicted by models of how these particles should behave. The new findings have been published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, and they could help scientists to better understand the environment around Voyager 1, as well as the transition between our solar system and interstellar space. “The spacecraft are both almost 45 years old, which is far beyond what the mission planners anticipated. We’re also in interstellar space – a high-radiation environment that no spacecraft have flown in before. So there are some big challenges for the engineering team. But I think if there’s a way to solve this issue with the AACS, our team will find it” said Suzanne Dodd, project manager for Voyager 1 and 2 at Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Source Although the interference is preventing Voyager 1 from functioning at its full capacity, and the team is working to determine the cause of the interference, they haven’t been able to find a definitive answer. They’re confident that they’ll eventually be able to solve the mystery and figure out what’s causing the strange signals. This isn’t the first time that Voyager 1 has picked up strange signals. In 1977, the spacecraft recorded a series of pulses that were later determined to be from two objects colliding in deep space. The last time we picked up strange signals onboard the Voyager 1 it was later explained, but many have theorized that the spacecraft is now picking up signals from an unknown intelligent life form and that’s what is causing the interference. So, what do you believe? Are aliens causing the interference onboard Voyager 1?

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September 14, 2022

Tag: laws

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“I have a firm belief in the ability and power of women to achieve the things they want to achieve” – Eleanor Roosevelt

A Brief History of Labor Day

Fun Fact: As of 2021, 65% of Americans believe there is intelligent life on other planets!

Stephanie’s Section

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