August 12, 2022
Let's talk about the Inflation Reduction Act and what it means for the built environment.
With over $300 billion being invested in energy and climate reform (the largest federal clean energy investment in U.S. history), the Act will have broad implications for design, construction, and proptech.
This bill includes funding for everything from solar power and electric buses to grants to help retrofit homes, accelerating startups like Dandelion Energy working on climate solutions for residences. It could also give the final incentive for cities to enact innovative policies like smart surfaces to chill overheating metropolises (great example below).
Given all of the new stipulations required in order to obtain these grants and funds, architects and general contractors with deep understanding of what qualifies and how to design around it will be highly sought after — huge professional opportunity.
What additional effects could we see from this bill? Feel free to hit respond, would love to hear your thoughts!
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MUST-READS
Why Hospitals Will Start Resembling Parks and Museums // Surface
Walmart launching "mini-retail experience" for travel with Getaway // Axios
How SoLa Impact is turning a profit from affordable housing // KCRW
The real homes of real architects // Dwell
Why cities are exploring metaverse technology // SmartCitiesDive
Meet the Future of Landscape: Three Firms in Pursuit of a Better, Greener World // Cultured
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IDEA SPOTLIGHT
Smart Surfaces Coalition
Cities could dramatically reduce peak summer temperatures by replacing hot, dark surfaces — like streets, rooftops, playgrounds and parking lots — with cooler alternatives, according to the Smart Surfaces Coalition, a new advocacy group. According to founder and CEO Greg Kats, cities have been working "piecemeal" on initiatives like "cool roof" policies and "cool pavement" programs — but they'll only get meaningful results from an inclusive plan that involves all heat-trapping surfaces.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
NYC Programs Coordinator // Institute for Urban Parks // New York, NY
Cities, Public Relations // BerlinRosen // New York, NY
Senior Development Analyst // Impact Housing // Los Angeles, CA
Chief Financial Officer // StoryBuilt // Austin, TX
Manager // Related Affordable Foundation // New York, NY (((VERY COOL POSITION)))
VP of Development, Multifamily // Michael Page // Austin, TX
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