Engineers & Specifiers - Articles - Page 62

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Feature

2025 Construction Outlook

Factors resulting in 2024’s challenging conditions may soon give way to others working to bolster future construction spending.

January 6, 2025

Economist Michael Guckes provides a 2025 outlook on the construction industry, highlighting factors that may boost future construction spending such as falling interest rates, easing environmental and financial regulations and lower taxes, as well as hurdles such as the labor shortage.

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Collaborative Health Care Design

Addressing Nitrous Oxide as a Greenhouse Gas, Part 1

Given its significant environmental impact, N2O will likely be phased out in health-care settings.

January 6, 2025

John Gregory

The environmental impact of nitrous oxide as a greenhouse gas is emphasized by its long-lasting presence in the atmosphere and significant contribution to global warming.

Thought Leadership

The Search for Work-Life Balance

By setting our boundaries and creating healthy habits, we are creating more of a balance between work and home.

January 6, 2025

Jill Imig, PE, EDAC

Columnist Jill Imig suggests that instead of striving for perfect work-life balance, individuals should focus on setting boundaries and creating healthy habits.

Geothermal HVAC

An Update on the IRA and Geothermal Systems

The legislation made the Investment Tax Credit and Production Tax Credit more valuable and expanded the types of qualifying projects.

January 6, 2025

Jay Egg

The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant incentives for geothermal HVAC projects through 2032, including tax credits and direct funding.

The Future Is Now

New Year, New Fuel: A Hydrogen Story

With every advancement and safety standard, we’re preparing for a future where hydrogen and other water-sourced energy solutions play central roles.

January 6, 2025

John Mullen

Hydrogen fuel can significantly reduce carbon emissions, improving air quality and health; hybrid systems combining hydrogen with other energy sources could enhance grid stability and flexibility.

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FPE Corner

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Sprinkler Protection of Storage Occupancies, Part 1

Though it may seem intimidating at first, sprinkler protection for storage occupancies can be quite simple if you break it down into a few easy steps.

January 6, 2025

Plumbing engineer Jack DeVine simplifies the process of designing sprinkler systems for storage occupancies by breaking it down into manageable steps.

Code Classroom

Code and Standards Meetings Update

An update on recent ASME, CSA, ASSE and IAPMO meetings.

January 6, 2025

Ron George

Columnist Ron George shares notes from recent ASME, CSA, ASSE, and IAPMO meetings.

Evaluation and Testing of ICE and EV Hazards and Sprinkler Protection Guidance for Parking Garages Underway

January 3, 2025

To guide fire safety design in parking garages and similar facilities with dense vehicle placement, the Fire Protection Research Foundation, an NFPA affiliate, is conducting the third phase of a project on sprinkler protection for modern vehicle hazards.