Point Access Blocks

Point Access Blocks

Point Access Blocks

02/08/25

“How can we improve American and Canadian apartments with one simple design rule?”

Most places in Canada and the US require two staircases per 3+ or 4+ story apartment (respectively) to meet fire safety regulations. This forces the floor layout into a double-loaded corridor with small apartments on each side of the central hallway. However, if we were to allow apartments to carry only one staircase, we would have much more flexibility with floor geometries. This small action enables the creation of Point Access Blocks. Point access blocks maximize the usable floor area, allow daylight to hit multiple sides of a building, increase ventilation, and lower cost. The US and Canada can greatly expand affordable multifamily housing by making point access blocks easier to build.

Building Point of Access

Building Point of Access

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

Waste Management

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

Parametric Insurance

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.

Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years

Why U.S. States Will Have to Lead on Climate Change Over the Federal Government for At Least the Next Four Years

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

Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Plans

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.

LEED for Communities

LEED for Communities

LEED for Communities

01/31/25

“How can we certify communities that achieve high sustainability?”

Places with a governing jurisdiction can apply for LEED for Cities to certify their sustainability. But what about communities without a formal governing body, like a neighborhood or college campus? Well, they can apply for LEED for Communities instead! Leed for Communities can be pivotal for pioneering places to achieve recognition for their sustainability efforts.

UV Air Purifiers

UV Air Purifiers

UV Air Purifiers

01/30/25

“How can we use UV lighting for air purification?”

HVAC systems often recycle air inside a building. When one person is sick, they can spread their bacteria and germs throughout the ventilation system and make others ill. How can we use our engineering mindset to solve this? Well, we know that UV lights can kill harmful pathogens. What if we were to use UV lighting as in the air filter? This is exactly how UV Air Purifiers work.

Image credit statewideconditioninginc.com