Canadian Government Confirms Support for Transition to Net Zero March 23, 2023 Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault outlined Canada’s support for a net-zero emissions economy through the fostering of economic environmentalism and a range of policies, including the launch of the independent Net-Zero Advisory Body, which will provide advice on the most likely pathways for Canada to reach net zero. Guilbeault made his remarks during a March 20, 2023, speech at the Americana 2023 environmental conference. Read More
North Dakota Senate Panel Protects Building Enclosure Consultants February 23, 2023 IIBEC recently celebrated another legislative victory, as the North Dakota Senate Committee on State and Local Government on February 17 brought up SB 2370, amended it, and then passed it on a 6–0 vote. The amendment addresses concerns IIBEC raised in its previously submitted testimony and prohibits cooperative purchasing programs from being used to procure construction design services. Read More
Canada Opens Applications for Two Initiatives to Accelerate Building Retrofits February 16, 2023 On February 9, 2023, Natural Resources Canada issued a statement announcing Calls for Applications for two new initiatives to accelerate building retrofits: the Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative (DRAI) and the Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program (GNPP). Read More
IIBEC Asks North Dakota Senate Panel to Protect QBS in Cooperative Procurement Bill February 16, 2023 On February 8, 2023, IIBEC submitted to the North Dakota Senate State and Local Committee testimony in support of qualifications-based selection (QBS) for the procurement of construction design services. Specifically, IIBEC asked the committee to amend SB 2370 “to protect taxpayers and ensure compliance with state requirements regarding the procurement of architecture, engineering, and land surveying services, as outlined by N.D.C.C. Chapter 54-44.7, by inserting a provision prohibiting the purchase of such services via a cooperative purchasing program.” Read More
Canadian Advisory Body Submits Report to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 February 03, 2023 On January 27, 2023, Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change of Canada, announced that the Net-Zero Advisory Board had submitted its first annual report, “Compete and Succeed in a Net-Zero Future.” The report contains 25 recommendations to speed Canada’s transition to net-zero emissions by 2050. Composed of nine experts from across Canada, the board was authorized by the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. Read More
Incentivizing Building Upgrades to Achieve Carbon-Reduction Goals December 21, 2022 The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) supports appropriate tax policies and programs (i.e., low-interest loans, tax credits, and accelerated depreciation) to promote energy efficiency projects designed to expedite carbon reduction goals in the built environment. Credentialed building enclosure consultants should be required for the design and administration of these upgrades to ensure the enclosure meets the carbon reduction goals. Read More
IIBEC Provides Comments on Canadian Green Buildings Strategy September 23, 2022 By John Boling On August 17, 2022, Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN), announced the launch of a public engagement process for the Canada Green Buildings Strategy (CBGS). IIBEC took the opportunity to provide comments on the new strategy. According to the announcement, the CGBS seeks to mobilize national action to reduce emissions […] Read More
IIBEC-Backed Group Calls on GSA to Protect QBS in Federal Acquisition Systems August 26, 2022 On August 17, 2002, the Council on Federal Procurement of Architectural & Engineering Services (COFPAES) cited legislative language IIBEC secured in a fiscal year (FY) 2023 appropriations bill to call on the General Services Administration (GSA) to take specific actions to protect the qualifications-based selection (QBS) process. IIBEC is a member of COFPAES and helped coordinate the effort. Read More
House Passes Spending Bill with IIBEC-Sponsored Language July 29, 2022 On July 20, 2022, IIBEC’s advocacy on behalf of consultant members was rewarded when the US House of Representatives passed legislation that included IIBEC-backed language ensuring the General Services Administration’s (GSA) commitment to qualifications-based selection (QBS) of architects, engineers, and design professionals. Read More
July 2022: IIBEC’s Strategic Plan Includes Advocacy at the Chapter Level July 18, 2022 Advocacy doesn’t just happen at IIBEC headquarters. IIBEC chapters serve an integral role in being the eyes and ears on the ground, partners in the fight, and even leading the efforts—yes, you read that right: Chapters are leading. Find out how IIBEC members in the Virginia Chapter were able to collaborate with other industry groups to formulate a plan, draft state legislation, find a sponsor, and secure passage through both chambers for legislation that was then signed into law. Read More
