Number of ESG regulations in 2024 is at an all time high: Is your company prepared?

In an era where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are gaining increasing importance, staying ahead of regulations is crucial for businesses and organizations. One of the key areas where ESG compliance matters is in the built environment. From energy efficiency to accessibility, adherence to building regulations plays a pivotal role in achieving ESG goals. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of building compliance and provide insights into creating your Building Compliance Handbook to help you stay ahead in the ESG game.

Understanding ESG and Building Compliance

ESG refers to the set of criteria that investors and stakeholders use to evaluate a company's impact on the environment, society, and its governance practices. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including climate change, social responsibility, and ethical governance. Building compliance, on the other hand, focuses on ensuring that structures adhere to local and international regulations, codes, and standards. These regulations cover various aspects of building design, construction, and operation, including safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.

50+ cities have already set US building emission regulations. 147 new regulations have been introduced to decarbonize real estate this year alone.

New York City, New York:

• Local Law 97: This law sets strict emissions limits for existing buildings over 25,000 square feet, with penalties for non-compliance. It encourages energy-efficient retrofits and renewable energy adoption.

San Francisco, California:

• San Francisco Green Building Code: This code mandates green building practices, including energy efficiency and sustainable construction materials, for new construction and major renovations.

Los Angeles, California:

• Sustainable City pLAn: Los Angeles has implemented various initiatives, including benchmarking and energy disclosure requirements for large buildings, as part of its comprehensive sustainability plan.

Chicago, Illinois:

• Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance: This ordinance requires large buildings to track and disclose their energy usage. It aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Seattle, Washington:

• Seattle Energy Code: Seattle has stringent energy codes that require new buildings to meet high standards for energy efficiency. The city also has programs to encourage energy efficiency retrofits.

Portland, Oregon:

• Portland Green Building Policy: This policy focuses on sustainable building practices, including energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction, for public buildings and developments receiving city incentives.

Austin, Texas:

• Austin Energy Green Building Program: Austin has a voluntary green building program that offers incentives for energy-efficient and sustainable construction practices.

Denver, Colorado:

• Denver Green Code: Denver's Green Code sets sustainability standards for construction projects, emphasizing energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmentally friendly materials.

Boston, Massachusetts:

• Article 37 Green Building Regulations: These regulations require certain projects to achieve LEED certification, emphasizing sustainable construction and energy efficiency.

Washington, D.C.:

• Green Building Act: D.C. has stringent green building standards for both public and private buildings, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.