12 minute read
Getting Smarter About Watering
California Buildings • Q3 2022
Getting Smarter About Watering California Landscapes
By Mahalakshmi Balachandran and Adam Crowell
When someone hears that California is entering a drought, the news gets less shocking each time. The hard truth is that California’s climate is changing so rapidly that seasons without much rainfall have become ordinary. California’s current drought continues into another year, making water more of a focal point for sustainability. Global warming and changing climate urge more permanent changes to utilize water more efficiently. This probes a critical question—can you have landscapes that look lush and colorful and still use less water?
Adapting to Seasonal Change
One myth that has made its way around California is that we should plant our plants in the fall after the summer heat has worn off. This fear stems from the idea that plants planted in the winter or summer would be too weak to make it through the entire season, and planting in the fall was best for the plants to become established by spring. The reality is that California’s climate is mild enough to plant at almost any time throughout the year. Las Pilitas Nursery writes, “Early fall can be a problem in areas where the pressure from deer and rabbits and other critters is at its highest point then when the end of the dry season is near, the animals have run out of food, and your newly planted, juicy plants look tasty!”
Creating a Microclimate
Microclimates in landscapes can be naturally occurring or intentionally designed depending on the site. For example, topography can redirect water flow efficiently and influence runoff and temperature. With more than one microclimate, plant material should be thoughtfully selected and grouped for the type of soil, sun, and shade requirements.
An important thing to remember is that you also do not want to combine plants that hold a drastic difference in water needs. One of the key resources for selecting plants is the WUCOLS database, which lists plants for the region based on plant water needs. This database can help determine what plants’ water needs complement the ones you already have or proposing for the site.
Rethinking Turf
It is difficult to have an open lawn area in California and maintain its health throughout a drought. What makes it more difficult is that some cities have even placed ordinances
California Buildings • Q3 2022
How California Businesses Can Help Save Water
By Margaret Mohr, California Department of Water Resources
California is in the midst of a third year of extreme drought driven by our changing climate. With water supply conditions critical in many parts of the state, we are preparing for the possibility of a fourth dry year.
But it’s not just about what’s happening right now. Climate change is shifting California’s landscape permanently. Scientists and water experts warn that we are moving to a hotter, drier future, forcing all Californians to rethink the way we use water. Climate change is a collective problem that impacts everyone—from California’s families and farms to the government, businesses and industries that shape our state and local economies. The solution requires us all to do our part by taking actions now that can help alleviate the consequences of extreme drought. To help prepare and adapt to California’s changing climate, Governor Newsom recently announced “California’s Water Supply Strategy – Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future,” which
Photo: Adobe Stock. (Continued on page 24)
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California Buildings • Q3 2022
Preparing Your Facility for Political Violence
If the U.S. Capitol Can Get Attacked, Any Building Can
On Jan. 5, 2021 almost no one imagined a scenario in which a sitting president would encourage a violent armed mob to actually attack the Capitol building in hopes of overturning his election defeat, so what are the chances that your facility could experience civil violence? Probably none, but the possibility is realistic enough for the world’s leading commercial real estate organization to issue a detailed guide to its members on how to prepare for violence.
The Building Owners and
Managers Association International
recently distributed to its members a “Civil Unrest Preparedness Guide.” BOMA says in its introduction to the guide, “Given current economic uncertainty and political tensions, preparedness should remain a top concern. This guide has some commonsense precautions and a checklist that building managers can take to protect the building and its tenant base.” The full guide is available at www.boma.org. It is chillingly realistic in its advice. (See preparedness tips below.) Develop a Plan: Work with property management and security personnel to develop policies and procedures to prepare and respond to an incident. Determine when and how to implement additional protections and security, and when and how to initiate lockdown procedures. Specify a clear chain of command, including who within building management or ownership will make key decisions if necessary. Review Your Property: Perform an inventory of possible problems, including property and building access points, glass windows and any potential projectiles. Review all fencing and lighting. Also confirm the exact locations of the property line and any easements, as trespassing may end up being an important consideration. Work with Public Safety Authorities: Coordinate in advance with your local police department and other law enforcement groups. Increased interaction will lead to better communication, better planning and, ideally, better results. Involve law enforcement officials in your planning and drills. Offer your assistance; for instance, space can be offered to law enforcement to assist with their operations in the event of an incident. As is always a best practice, get to know public safety leaders now — an emergency is not the time to be making introductions. Prepare for a Possible Lockdown: Have emergency kits and supplies available should a situation occur where it’s not safe for employees to leave the property. Identify a safe refuge area away from windows that has a landline phone and cell phone coverage. Be Ready to Communicate: Develop a communications plan and confirm your list of employees, tenants and vendors so you can communicate to the right individuals. Test your system for communicating, which must be operable at any time of day. And discuss how any press inquiries will be handled. Practice the Plan: No matter how good your plans are, they won’t work if they’re not practiced. Hold tabletop exercises and physical rehearsals if possible, including building evacuations, with all employees, tenants and vendors; these can be held virtually for those who have not returned to work in the building. Review Insurance Policy: Some policies contain potentially relevant exclusions — including those relating to strikes, riots, and civil commotion. Policyholders and their advisors should review their policies to assess the extent to which this type of exclusion might apply.
u Activate precautionary steps by increasing security measures and personnel; visible security can also act as a deterrent. u Ensure that all recording devices, closed-circuit televisions and cameras are operational. u Remove, repair or replace any loose items on or around the building that could be used as projectiles. u Secure construction sites, trash dumpsters and outdoor property (e.g., tables, chairs, planters). u Consider covering all ground-floor glass windows and doors. u Secure the perimeter by implementing any access control procedures, such as closing selected entrances, manually checking IDs and posting additional signage. u Alter the building’s routine as appropriate, including shifting opening and closing times, encouraging telecommuting and coordinating with tenants on possible curfews. u Consider parking alternatives; for instance, employees could park off-site, shuttle to the building and have security personnel escort them inside. u Circulate security’s phone number so tenants and employees can call for any assistance.
California Buildings • Q3 2022
Acoustical Doors with a Built-In Bullet Rating
Krieger sound control doors enhance building acoustics by exceeding the ANSI Standard S12.60-2002. Plus, now they provide an added layer of safety during an active shooter event with a built-in bullet resistance rating of UL 752.
Acoustical Rating Bullet Resistance STC 45 – 48 UL Level 1 & 2
STC 49 – 55 UL Level 3
Bullet ratings up to Level 9.
Added Safety & Security
Acoustical doors come with Krieger’s new Cam Lift Hinge that has an ASTM F476 Grade 40 rating—the highest available. You can add a security pin, which delays the door opening in the event of an attempted forced entry.
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Architects Still In Demand As Economy Improves
For the eighteenth consecutive month architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in July, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).
The AIA Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for July was 51.0. While this score is down from June’s score of 53.2, it still indicates stable business conditions for architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings from the prior month). Also in July, both the new project inquiries and design contracts indexes moderated from June but remained strong with scores of 56.1 and 52.9 respectively.
“Despite architecture services employment recently surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the ABI score this month reflects the slowest growth since January, and marks the fourth straight month with a lower score than the previous month, indicating a slowing trajectory in billings activity,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. “With a variety of economic storm clouds continuing to gather, we are likely looking at a period of slower growth going forward.” Key ABI highlights for July include: Regional averages: South (53.6); Midwest (52.2); West (51.7); Northeast (48.4) Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (52.8); commercial/industrial (52.2); mixed practice (52.1); institutional (49.6) The regional and sector categories are calculated as a three-month moving average, whereas the national index, design contracts and inquiries are monthly numbers. Visit AIA’s website (www.aia.org) for more ABI information.
California Buildings • Q3 2022
The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has given 2022 Industry Excellence Awards to six Californians. The program recognizes excellence in construction management practice and honors companies and individuals each year based on merit.
Carla Collins, United Engineering Resources, Inc., has received the 2022 CMAA Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This award recognizes a CMAA member with a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, social justice, community, and social responsibility, and a record of acting on that commitment.
Darrin Lambrigger, Port of Long Beach, has been honored with the 2022 CMAA Distinguished Owner Award. This award recognizes an owner member who understands the value of a professional construction manager on the job
and whose consistent actions have made meaningful and extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the construction management profession. Michael Courtney, Cypress Construction Management, received the 2022 CMAA Distinguished Service Provider Award. This honor recognizes a service provider member whose consistent actions have made meaningful/extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the construction management profession, such as mentoring, advocating, promoting, and selecting construction management professionals. Smita Yamgar, Capital Project Management, Inc., and Ashish Rajmane, have both received the 2022 CMAA Distinguished Young Carla Collins, United Engineering Resources, Inc. won Professional Award. This award the CMAA Award for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. recognizes and celebrates a fulltime professional for outstanding professional accomplishments and a commitment to the construction management industry early in their career. Your commercial Dr. Farzad Shahbodaghlou, California State University
IPM/Green/LEED specialists East Bay, has been awarded the 2022 CMAA Mark Hasso Educator of the Year honor. This recognition emphasizes Count on Crane for Pest excellence in teaching and recognizes a full-time educator for outstanding professional accomplishments and a Management Expertise commitment to construction management education. Ida A. Clair, California State Architect, has received
Serving commercial property managers throughout the the 2022 CMAA Leader in Environmental Stewardship Award. This honor recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations, for outstanding leadership in innovation or best
Greater Bay Area...since 1930 practices in guiding and aiding owners as they seek to NPMAGreenPro Certified define and meet their objectives for environmental stewardship throughout a project’s life cycle. “Each of our award winners work hard to make a difference, and we commend each of them for their achievements and contributions to the construction industry,” states CMAA President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge. CMAA will honor its award winners during the organization’s in-person conference, CMAA2022, October 9-11, 2022, in San Diego, Calif. Visit www.cmaanet.org/ cmaa2022 for more information. 415-922-1666 • 510-536-1222 CMAA provides professional development, certifica408-295-3333 • 800-592-7777 tion, advocacy, and business opportunities to its members www.cranepestcontrol.com and the entire construction management industry. For more information, visit www.cmaanet.org.
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