The best designs are those that can improve lives. Ikea is designing a flat pack, easy to assemble housing unit intended to replace tents in refugee camps. Unlike the typical canvas tents that last only about 6 month, these will last up to three years and will provide insulation and electric lights thanks to solar panels on the roof. The icing on the cake: they are expected to cost $2,000 less than tents over a 3 year period.
UPDATE: Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed the legislation on June 25, 2013.
The RI General Assembly has passed legislation in an attempt to ease the burden to businesses and property owners due to varying municipal wetland and septic standards throughout the state. The goal of the legislation is to develop “clear, predictable and reliable standards and a regulated process… needed to foster a business climate that will grow our economy while ensuring the protection of our natural resources”.
The legislation requires the Division of Planning to recommend changes that will protect the state’s natural resources while balancing the need for economic development. If approved by the governor, a task force comprised of stakeholders will prepare a report by the end of the year. The RIDEM must then submit proposed legislation establishing statewide standards based on the Task Force’s report by January 31, 2015.
According to the Press Release, Senator Lynch, a sponsor of the bill, stated “The standards that will eventually be established under this legislation will be a very significant aspect of the Senate’s overall efforts to make Rhode Island a business-friendly state. Uniformity is important for businesses thinking about moving into Rhode Island and this legislation, and the work of the task force it creates, will move us toward that goal.”
Are you prepared for the pending revisions to the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment standard, ASTM E1527? If not, you’re not alone. According to a survey of lenders conducted by Environmental Data Resources and published in a May 30, 2013 EDR Insight report, 43% of respondents either “don’t know enough” or are “waiting for our EP’s” to educate them. This finding correlates well with another survey by EDR of Environmental Professionals that found 69% have not yet educated their clients. Read the rest of this entry »
Definitions are an important part of a Phase I ESA. The key revisions included in the proposed ASTM E1527-13 standard are revisions to, and the addition of, Environmental Condition definitions. While the revisions will likely cause some confusion shortly after the revised standard is published, they are an improvement over the existing definitions.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet: Read the rest of this entry »
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