"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Month: February 2025
Building Point of Access
02/06/25
“How do we define the access point to a building?”
Buildings come in all shapes and sizes. But something almost all of them have in common is that they have a main entrance. This defines the Building Point of Access that people may use to enter and exit.
Waste Management
02/05/25
“How do we classify the processes for managing waste?”
People produce waste every day. Methods for collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of waste must be developed. These actions are grouped under the umbrella of Waste Management. If proper waste management is not undertaken, major public health issues can ensue.
Parametric Insurance
02/04/25
“Can we have insurance that only pays out when a certain threshold is reached?”
Insurance usually pays out when a loss is incurred. But a special type of insurance, Parametric Insurance, pays out after reaching a certain threshold. Example parameters for disaster parametric insurance include earthquake magnitude size, wind speed, or flood level.
BREEAM Communities
02/03/25
“How can we certify communities that achieve high sustainability using the BREEAM framework?”
LEED for Cities and Communities allows us to certify places that achieve high sustainability. But this is not the only metric. BREEAM Communities uses the BREEAM framework to evaluate places.
Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years
02/02/25
“Why will U.S. states have to lead on climate change over the federal government for at least the next four years?”
The new U.S. administration is destroying federal climate initiatives. Whether it be ordering the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take down references to the climate crisis, deleting the White House Council on Environmental Quality’s climate and economic justice screening tool, embracing fossil fuels, and (re)exiting the Paris Agreement, the U.S. Federal Government is relinquishing its role in moving forward on climate. However, States such as California and Massachusetts are fighting back. For at least the next four years, these states must show Americans how to act to stop climate change. This is Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years.
Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Plans
02/01/25
“How can we create plans to reduce construction activity pollution?”
Construction activity generates pollution through soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust. Construction and development professionals can create Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Plans by considering how to control debris and material generated from construction activity. This is an important component of LEED for Cities and LEED for Communities.
Isaac's Science Blog 