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… News/Advocacy
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. Government Relations
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. Government Relations
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. Government Relations
President Biden Signs Ocean Shipping Reform Bill June 17, 2022 To address the growing problem of ocean shipper consolidation—port congestion, shipping rate increases, and subsequent supply chain backlogs and shortages—President Joe Biden on June 16, 2023, signed legislation that overhauls shipping laws for the first time since 1998. “The industry has dealt with supply chain issues as products or components of products necessary at nearly every step of construction have been delayed,” noted Brian Pallasch, chief executive officer and executive vice president of IIBEC. “We are hopeful that the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (S.3580) will give the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) the tools necessary to bring order and competition back to the industry and prevent future port congestion.” Government Relations
Florida Lawmakers Approve Legislation Strengthening Oversight of Condominiums and Updating Windstorm-Damaged Roof Requirements June 2, 2022 When the 124th session of the Florida state legislature adjourned on March 14, 2022, without addressing the tragedy at Surfside, Florida, the state government was roundly criticized by victims’ families and the media. Nevertheless, principals involved kept working, and the result was a bipartisan bill, SB 4-D, that passed the Florida Senate on a 38–0 vote and then the House on a 110–0 vote before being signed by the governor on May 22, 2022. SB 4-D includes provisions to strengthen oversight of condominium associations and cooperative associations, and it updates requirements for roofing damaged by windstorms. Government Relations
Administration Launches Initiative to Modernize Building Codes, Improve Climate Resilience, and Reduce Energy Costs June 2, 2022 On June 1, 2022, the Biden-Harris administration announced a National Initiative to Advance Building Codes to encourage state, local, and Tribal governments to adopt the latest building codes and standards. According to the White… Government Relations
Roofing Industry Tells GSA to Leverage Roof Alteration Projects to Decarbonize Buildings May 26, 2022 IIBEC joined a roofing industry letter to the General Services Administration (GSA) highlighting the contributions of energy-efficient roof alterations in the effort to accelerate the rate of net-zero emissions retrofits and to improve the resiliency of federal buildings. The letter calls upon GSA to include recommendations for roof alterations within any “playbook” that is compiled for federal buildings, specifically mentioning roof alteration projects that improve passive efficiency and incorporate complementary building decarbonization and resiliency measures. Government Relations
