A fun climate adaptation update from the world of roofing construction:
-blue roofs, which are designed to retain water. New to me. One must design roof deck to hold greater loads, of course, but this is going to be a requirement across the board regardless of whether one builds a blue roof or not, just because of increased storm severity. Anyway, the water retained on a blue roof can be directed inside to water plants or, I suppose, flush toilets. Or it can be released into the storm drain system, but slowly, thus reducing local flooding. Stored water can insulate and it can actively cool a building during hot weather as it evaporates.
-green roofs, you've probably heard about them, it's a roof with plants on top! Also requires increased load-bearing capacity. Can be challenging to maintain, especially during dry weather. But the advantages: insulation and cooling, reduction in flooding and in air pollution impacts. When paired with solar panels, they can increase the efficiency of electricity generation, since photovoltaic panels don't love operating in high heat.
-the simplest roofing climate intervention: changing the color of the roofing membrane or shingles from dark to light. A simple increase in albedo can decrease temperatures in the vicinity 1 - 2 C.
Le secteur du BTP semble résister pour l'instant malgré les turbulences de 2020. Cependant, la Fédération des promoteurs immobiliers a tiré un bilan sombre pour 2023 et les perspectives 2024 dans le marché de l'immobilier neuf. Les professionnels critiquent les récentes annonces gouvernementales visant à stimuler l'offre...
#POTUS Biden will champion a new Microsoft #Artificial Intelligence investment in #Wisconsin on Wedn — showcasing the failed #economic commitments of his political rival Trump, whose promises for a #job-rich Foxconn plant in the battleground state never materialized.
We think we’re finally done with everything we had to get done before concrete. The Glavel is in and compacted, the filter fabric is laid on top, and the Stego radon barrier is installed under the building slab. Every one of the 22 (!) conduits and pipes has been meticulously sealed with mastic.
Tomorrow morning our concrete contractor will form for the two slabs and add rebar, and concrete for the first slab is due at 10am. Fingers crossed!
Weird #plumbing issue. In warm weather, our toilet and drains sound hollow, gurgles, etc, when flushing or draining, like when the tub is drained. In the cold months, it is fine. Last year we had the system snaked 100%. No clogs–been an issue since we bought house in 2019.
I am thinking the warm weather, wind, etc is causing negative air pressure through the main roof plumbing vent
We’ve been making good progress on the build. All that’s left to do before concrete can be poured is install filter fabric and our radon barrier (15-mil Stego). But, rain has stopped play today and the concrete contractor is coming Tuesday so Monday is going to be busy!
On Friday we bought a rock bucket for the tractor which is a game changer for getting big rocks out of our soil before we backfilled.
Good article from the Big Issue on the dearth of construction workers in the UK due to the pandemic and Brexit. One company has the answer. Pay people a decent wage while training and make jobs permanent.
KHI Restoration: Your trusted source for quality restoration services. Trust in our years of experience and expertise to handle even the most complex restoration projects. From initial assessment to final clean-up, we are with you every step of the way.
PNNL: Design for Extreme Heat. "This guide is intended to provide basic concepts and strategies for designing homes to be safer during extreme heat events. When designing homes for extreme heat, the overarching goal is simply to keep the building occupants cool enough to avoid health risks, particularly when the power is out or A/C is not available. " https://basc.pnnl.gov/information/design-extreme-heat
Matériaux biosourcés, réemploi, hybridation… À l’heure du « tout-béton », l’architecte Alia Bengana propose des alternatives au sacro-saint ciment – ô combien polluant – dans sa bande-dessinée Béton, Enquête en sables mouvants, paru le 11 avril dernier. Entretien.
More than five years ago, a fire damaged the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris so badly that many were skeptical of President Macron’s promise to repair the landmark. Now, thanks to donations of funds and trees from around the world, an international team of carpenters has made “significant progress” rebuilding it. NBC News has more.
"Concrete is the second-most-used product on Earth, aside from water. Cement makes up 10-15% of concrete by volume, but accounts for 88% of concrete’s considerable emissions. Manufacturing one ton of cement emits nearly one ton of carbon dioxide."
"Fortera intercepts carbon dioxide exhaust from the kilns where cement is made and routes it back in to make additional cement. In its first effort at commercial scale, the technology is being added to a CalPortland facility in Redding, California, one of the largest cement plants in the western U.S."
Been fun, although my back and knees have been aching at times.
Not bad for a first timer, I think. Hope they like it and the company installing the wheelchair ramp don't make a mess of things. They have certain norms that make the ramp absolutely ginourmous - 7m plus a platform, longer than the entire terrace.
I’ll be speaking at this year’s Pint of Science in Launceston. May 15. Do energy efficient homes have a dark side? Spoiler alert. Yes, yes they do. #Architecture#Construction#science#Launceston
L'actualité du BTP (michelcampillo.com) French
Le secteur du BTP semble résister pour l'instant malgré les turbulences de 2020. Cependant, la Fédération des promoteurs immobiliers a tiré un bilan sombre pour 2023 et les perspectives 2024 dans le marché de l'immobilier neuf. Les professionnels critiquent les récentes annonces gouvernementales visant à stimuler l'offre...
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