#Local Construction Managers Seattle

[bachassociates1]

Seattle Construction Managers - David Bach & Associates

Our team boasts years of experience in managing complex construction projects. https://bachassociates.com/

[baiyunli]

how to watch baseball now: a primer

This is a long, hopefully-comprehensive guide on how to watch baseball for hockey fans feeling adrift during the offseason — I have constructed this from the perspective of not only how to understand what you’re watching, but how to make it interesting to yourself.

If the numbers aren't interesting to you, forget about the numbers! They don’t have to exist in your version of baseball. Make up your own rules and use them to watch the game. Watch games only for the one kind-of okay player you like. Pick your favourite team because of a video you saw of one of them bouncing a baseball off his ass (Sean Murphy, then of Oakland A's and now of Atlanta Braves). Baseball Olds will try to pretend like the game is this big thing that only people who already watch it can appreciate, but you just have to find what you love most about it. 

I’m using the NHL as my best point of reference: in terms of growing the game, I’d say MLB suffers from a very different problem than NHL (other than like, the current uproar around letting queer people exist, which is a throughline in both), in that while the NHL has a very exciting product but can’t reach people where they’re at, baseball is by and large perceived as a boring, slow game and the league will bend over backwards to make polarizing changes to the Boringest and Slowest parts rather than capitalizing on what excites fans about the game. However, both leagues are plagued by Shitty Commissioner disease. Such is the way of life.

Feel free to read all of this, or none of it, but I’ve tried to split it up in a way that makes sense and is easy to navigate. Last note: many people will tell you baseball is the only major sport going on in North America at this time of year. This is false. The WNBA and NWSL are both in full swing—not to mention the World Cup next month. Supplement your baseball watching with a wide variety of sports where you can!

How to Love Baseball

Pick a Team, Any Team

The first step in becoming a baseball fan is obviously picking a team! I could probably give you NHL comparatives and let you figure it out from there, but I don’t personally think your favourite NHL teams have much bearing on your favourite MLB ones, so I’ll give you a quick and dirty rundown of my teams instead and how you might want to pick a team.

The easiest team for me to love is the Seattle Mariners because I live just across the border, and they aren’t good enough to be annoying but also not bad enough to be embarrassed about. They’re just kind of there, which I enjoy greatly. I also love the Philadelphia Phillies because they’re my friend’s favourite team. They went on a Cinderella run to the World Series last year (before losing to the Astros in the final) and are now solidly middling. My other favourites are the Washington Nationals because of their fantastic social media presence and their hilarious stadium traditions. The current-day Nats are very much the epitome of "how can we lose when we're so sincere?"

Some teams you might want to look into are the LA Angels (actually of Anaheim) for Shohei Ohtani, the Milwaukee Brewers for — at least from what I understand — their boyband energy similar to the New Jersey Devils, the Baltimore Orioles or Tampa Bay Rays for an exciting and winningest team, and the Oakland A's for a miserable fan experience including horribly dysfunctional team management and a coming relocation to Las Vegas. 

The easiest team for me to hate is the Toronto Blue Jays, which is a result of their god complex re: being the only Canadian team. A funny thing from this season is that the Rays opened their season with a historic 13-game win streak, only to be killed 6-3 by the Blue Jays to end it. Something about Toronto teams and ending another team’s 13-game heater, or whatever.

Also look into any local teams if you can. In Vancouver, our local minor league team is the Vancouver Canadians, and setting up a little picnic on the grass with friends while watching a Canadians game is a summer staple. Here’s a very cute article about them. There are a variety of lower-level and exhibition teams across the world, especially in countries where baseball is incredibly popular. One exhibition team is the Internet-famous Savannah Bananas who are dearly loved on TikTok. If there isn’t a huge baseball foothold in your area, it’s worth looking into which MLB teams are most popular where you live and/or have the most coverage. Some analytics sites like FiveThirtyEight will occasionally create maps showing each team’s popularity in different states, countries, etc. and that can be a great guide.

Petty Rivalries 101

You can always just Google these, but I decided to just list off a few major ones for your perusal: the Yankees and Red Sox, the Rangers and Astros, the Dodgers and Giants, and the Orioles and Nationals. As Toronto Maple Leafs scholar Acting the Fulemin once put it, the point of sports is to be sad in a group, and the counterpart to this is that it absolutely rules getting to see a team you hate lose.

A quick note on the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is that it's brought us one of my favourite ever quotes from ex-Mariner and current Yankee Nestor Cortes:

Once you’ve chosen a favourite team, they’re bound to have some kind of geographic or historic rivalry, and you can search those up to find out the background behind them. Also, I highly suggest deciding on a random team you hate for no reason. It makes the season experience much more interesting and gives you the chance to pray on their downfall whenever possible.

Where to Watch

As with most things about baseball, this will vary by your team. Depending on your cable package, you might be able to watch your favourite team already! That’s great news. Even if you can’t, feel free to turn on the TV, find a random baseball game, and imprint on either of those teams like a baby bird. The MLB website offers games broadcast with an MLB.tv subscription, but if you have an account you can also watch the Free Game of the Day and collected highlights from previous games! This is a great way to expand your team repertoire and figure out which team broadcasts you hate with a burning passion. Local radio stations do commentary on games if you like listening to that. 

If you just want to get your feet wet rather than diving in straight away, pretty much every major game of the postseason will be uploaded by some “FirstName BunchOfNumbers” user on YouTube: for example, you can watch Game 1 of the World Series last year by just searching 2022 World Series Game 1 Full Game. However, watching the full game might be a slog if you don’t know what’s going on, and you can learn the intricacies of the sport without having to watch all four hours and twelve minutes of like, the 1962 World Series Game 7 (although that is a very exciting game). In that case, skip to the ‘How the Game is Governed’ section and read on.

All of this pertains to MLB teams, but there’s plenty to watch elsewhere. If you have a local baseball team, you might be able to catch a game or two in-person! Minor League Baseball also has their own broadcasting services and highlights are available on YouTube or their website. 

League Structure

The MLB season is 162 games long. Spring training, aka the preseason, begins in February. During the regular season, teams play a three or four-game series with the same team before playing another with a different team. For example, this month the Philadelphia Phillies played 3 games in a row against the Washington Nationals on consecutive days. The day after the conclusion of their last game against Washington, they started a series against the Tigers, which was three games with one rescheduled due to weather, and then another three games against the Dodgers. This leads to a schedule that looks like this:

Occasionally, due to weather issues or other postponement reasons, a game will be rescheduled for the same day as another game against the same team — so they’ll play two full games in one day. This is called a double-header. They used to be routinely scheduled in MLB, but now they’re only played as a result of scheduling problems.

Team-wise, it’s a little more complicated than the NHL. Like the Eastern and Western conferences, MLB is separated into two ‘leagues’: the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). Both leagues have fifteen teams, and until the 1990s teams in different leagues didn’t play each other during the regular season at all, leading to different styles of play, tactics, and rules implemented between them. This is no longer the case! However, it’s important to recognize that unlike the NHL, NBA, NWSL, etc., Major League Baseball comprises two leagues, rather than two conferences of the same league. This matters because individual awards like the Cy Young or Gold Glove are given to the best players at their position in both the AL and NL, and the MLB MVP includes both an AL MVP and NL MVP. 

MLB is made up of six divisions, with three in each league: AL East, AL Central, AL West, NL East, NL Central, and NL West. A division has five teams. If you know much about US geography, you might notice that the teams in each division don’t actually correspond very well to their geographic location: this is for a variety of reasons, not least of which is expansion teams requiring change in division partitioning, but nobody’s going to fix it at this point. And that’s okay!

Fandom and Things As Such

Baseball fandom, regrettably, is not much of a Tumblr phenomenon these days, but Baseball Twitter does have some incredible gems. The Baseball RPF tag on AO3 is also fairly fleshed out (albeit not to the extent of HRPF) and you’ll find that many authors who write HRPF have dabbled in baseball as well. If you’re lost on where to start choosing a team, going through the AO3 grab bag and choosing a random player who you really like in a fic is also a very respectable avenue.

I cannot stress this enough: the easiest way to learn the game without having to learn the characters is reading baseball AUs. That’s it. They’re ten times more approachable than trying to memorize everyone on your favourite team’s roster, and they abound in HRPF if you’re looking for a landing port. I have witness testimony from Lil (@wymgreenteam) that she learned what pitching signs and shortstops were from the wonderful Jack/Nico baseball AU. It works! Obviously fanfiction won’t teach you everything, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed they can be a fantastic first step and really illustrate the game from a fan perspective.

Other Media

I will caution against taking the ‘consume baseball-related media’ advice too seriously, because I find that unlike baseball AUs, other media involving baseball does not always come from someone who watches and loves the game. Think of it like hockey romance books—just like the main characters of those novels are probably not scoring hat tricks in 5 consecutive games, they probably aren’t reaching such baseball heights either.

With that said, I have not watched Daiya No Ace but I’ve heard that people do enjoy it! For genuine baseball culture-oriented media, Roger Angell wrote fantastic articles and books on the game. I love his book ‘Five Seasons: A Baseball Companion.’ Then there are movies like Moneyball and shows like A League of Our Own which tackle specific aspects of the game and how it’s played. Depending on your eventual favourite team(s), hometown coverage will also play a huge part: for the Phillies, that’s outlets like the Philadelphia Inquirer or Penn Live.

Narratives

Once upon a time there was a young man named Shohei Ohtani who was breaking records set in the 1920s while playing on a horrible, failing team that refused to build around him. I assume you have some familiarity with Ohtani, but he is very difficult to describe because he is literally making history. He is the only two-way player in MLB right now: a two-way player is someone who is both a pitcher and a batter; there are a ton of rules about what constitutes a two-way player, but currently Ohtani is the only true two-way player at the Major level. This is not a perfect analogy, but he’s sort of like if Jason Robertson went out there and had a 50-goal season, then immediately jumped into net and played like Juuse Saros. He’s the best all-around player in MLB, and even though he isn’t the best pitcher or the best batter, the fact that he’s incredible at both of them makes him stand out. He also plays with Mike Trout, who’s breaking records of his own, while trying to drag the LA Angels to any sort of notoriety. Here is a prescient article about the Ohtani-Trout era in Anaheim.

Each team has their own current narratives and pairings, but Ohtani and Trout are the biggest one right now. People compare them to McDavid and Draisaitl, but it’s more like if the Oilers had McDavid and Draisaitl but were also one of the worst teams in the league right now. However, Trout is currently in the worst slump of his career while the Angels have won the last 11 of 14 games, so really all this means is that baseball is fake.

Baseball is rife with redemption and villain arcs—you just have to dig a little to find them. I have presented the Ohtani and Trout trainwreck because it’s the closest comparable to the Oilers tragedy, but there are plenty others that really depend on team and current events.

Bush Leagues

MLB teams have a very different relationship to their minor-league affiliates than NHL teams do. There are about five hundred various regional minor leagues, but the MiLB levels are Rookie, Single A, High A, Double A, and Triple A, each of which has two or three individual leagues similar to the AL-NL system in MLB.

The fun thing about MiLB is that it’s a lot closer to home than MLB! Most places don’t have an MLB team, but there’s a good chance anywhere in the USA has a nearby MiLB or regional/collegiate league team. They also have way more interesting names, like the Portland Pickles, Rocket City Trash Pandas, and Sugar Land Space Cowboys. The prospect pipeline in MLB runs a whole lot slower than it does for the NHL, and generally through those Double or Triple-A affiliates, so it’s definitely worth paying attention to minor-league teams and their standout players to see who might be the next rookie on your favourite team.

MiLB player compensation has been an issue for a long time, and the players recently unionized! A few great write-ups on it: 1, 2, and 3.

Regional Popularity

I’ve said this plenty, but I truly do think that finding your baseball niche hinges upon imprinting on a hometown team or a player you just really like. This sport isn’t just an American pastime: it’s hugely popular in Central America and parts of East Asia, and some of the best and brightest up-and-coming (and current) players hail from countries that haven’t traditionally been viewed as bastions of baseball. The game is growing every day, and it’s wonderful to see.

Baseball is very popular in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Japan, and Korea. Out of those, I’d probably say the Dominican Republic has the largest MLB presence, with only American players outnumbering Dominican ones in the league, but the sport is also fast-growing in Japan, Korea, and Australia. Japan won the 2023 World Baseball Classic, which is the baseball equivalent of the World Cup of Hockey, where the best players in the world compete against each other and Shohei Ohtani (captain of the Japanese team) pitched to Mike Trout (captain of the American team) in possibly the most electric moment of baseball in the 21st century.

How to Understand Baseball

How the Game is Governed

Rather than doing a big writeup on this, I figured I would just find some articles and videos that go through the rules well and hold your hand through it! Think of these like helpful assets, similar to the first time you search up ‘what is goaltender interference’ or 'what is offsides' after hearing it mentioned on the play-by-play and a goal got turned over and all the fans were mad and you wanted to be in on the reason why. This is that search.

Baseball Explained in 5 Minutes

How to identify baseball pitches

Everything there is to know about the The Strike Zone in Baseball.

Intro to Baseball: Positions

What’s going on with the DH in MLB? (MLB Originals)

Rules Glossary | MLB - PDF Version

Lastly, once you’ve got a good grasp on the rules and positions, I probably wouldn’t go straight to watching a full game—you want to make sure you’re using your three hours well rather than staring at a game you don’t really get or don’t care about, or both. Instead, watch YouTube highlights of various players and best (or worst) plays of the week! This gives you an idea of what creates excitement in a game and why, and different positional strengths. From there, you can start watching longer clips, like full innings or the highlights uploaded after each game, which give you a better idea of the game’s pace. 

Pressing Play

While I was writing this I remembered that a fun and unique baseball tradition is players having walk-up songs when they’re up in the batting lineup.

Most teams will post their players' walk-up songs on Spotify, YouTube, etc. and while there are a few songs that are synonymous with legendary players - like Mariano Rivera's "Enter Sandman" - players usually like to switch up their songs. Often, a song will become emblematic of an era in that team's history (Anthony Rizzo's "Intoxicated" and the Cubs' 2016 playoff run). After a while, you'll notice patterns in what players pick.

Learning about each player’s song rotation can be extremely revealing, like Mark Canha switching his walk-up songs to Born This Way, Vogue, and I Wanna Dance with Somebody in honour of the Mets Pride Night last week!

Diamond Sports Bankruptcy

I’m not going to pretend to know anything about broadcasting or RSNs, but Diamond Sports, the group that runs Bally Sports, recently filed for bankruptcy, which has really affected some franchises’ profit margins and where their games can be streamed. Not sure if this interests you, but you can read about it here!

The Oakland A’s Relocation

Again: I’m not an Oakland fan, but there’s a lot of debate right now about the owners of the Oakland Athletics moving the team to Vegas despite the wishes of the town and city. Rob Manfred, the MLB commissioner, also made rude comments about Oakland fans as a result of their Reverse Boycott Night, where almost 28,000 fans came out to support the team. A professional sports league commissioner acting like an asshole to fans of a small-market team is nothing new, but it’s the culmination of a lot of drama between terrible owners and a market that loves their team.

The Long, Storied History of Cheating

The long, storied history of cheating in MLB encompasses not only stealing signs and tipping pitches, but also foreign substance usage on hands (which pitchers sometimes try in order to change how they pitch the ball), illegal equipment, and more. It’s kind of a lot. The most notable, recent case is the 2017 Houston Astros World Series Win.  

Houston’s Fucking Astros

Nobody likes the Astros except Astros fans. They won the World Series last year and are universally hated, not least of all because of the 2017 cheating controversy. 

In baseball, ‘signs’ are what catchers use to communicate to pitchers what kind of pitch they should throw. These rely on knowledge of the hitter currently on the plate and catching them by surprise. Each pitcher-catcher battery will usually have their own signs. In 2017, a year in which Houston won the World Series, the team set up a video camera in the center field seats with a full frontal view of the catcher, and they would use that to figure out what pitches the pitcher would throw. Then from the dugout, whoever was watching the video feed at the time would use a signal (audio cues, like banging garbage can lids) to tell the hitter who was up what pitch they had to expect. This was mostly possible because of the time delay between a catcher signalling and a pitcher throwing, which has been changed by this season’s pitch clock implementation. 

In 2020, The Athletic published the first exposé article about the Astros cheating scandal, and it rocked the baseball world. Several immediate consequences followed: the Astros GM and field manager (head coach) were suspended for the full 2020 season, and although players received no punishment, the team gave up four draft picks (their 1st and 2nd round picks in 2020 and 2021). 

Pitching and Sticky Stuff

Pitchers applying foreign substances on their hands is always a controversy in MLB games. Recently, star pitcher Max Scherzer was ejected and suspended 10 games after an umpire decided his hand was unusually sticky. TLDR: cheating is common, and consequences vary. Nobody has gotten over the Astros cheating scandal.

Expected By Whom

A quick rundown on the analytics side of the game and how baseball stats look very different both in their progress and insights than hockey. This is how you can sound like you know ball.

The Moneyball book does a great job explaining the rise of sabermetrics (baseball analytics) in the early 2000s, starting with Billy Beane and the Oakland A’s. Because MLB doesn’t have a salary cap and their luxury tax isn’t difficult for big-market teams to pay, small-market teams like Oakland have to constantly innovate in their game tactics in order to stay competitive, and that’s why the game today is so numbers-oriented. Watching a baseball game, you’ll see far more stats than you would in an NHL broadcast: OBP (On-Base Percentage), ERA (Earned Run Average), pitching speed, slugging percentage, pythagorean win percentage, and more. Do not fear the big numbers. You don’t have to know what every stat means in order to love the game, but if you watch enough and you hear commentators discussing what, say, Kodai Senga's ERA is, you’ll come to learn what they mean! In a pinch, you can also easily just search up ‘league average [stat]’ to figure out what the standard is.

Some websites that are really instrumental in baseball analytics are Baseball-Reference, FiveThirtyEight, and FanGraphs, plus YouTube channels like Foolish Baseball and statisticians like Bill James and Tom Tango. Baseball is a lot further along in its analytics revolution than hockey, and as a result, such analysis is not just a thing for Stats Nerds but also a huge part of the way the game is played and watched today. Personally, I love stats that assess umpire accuracy in calling strikes, and so Umpire Scorecards on Twitter is one of my favourites.

It's Too Long and Too Much Money

If Connor McDavid played in Major League Baseball and was close to the kind of player he is in the NHL right now, he would be getting paid north of 400 million dollars, not to mention endorsement money. Instead, he sold his soul to a sport where reporters ask about his biological clock and his only consolation for living in Edmonton is his heated driveway.

Because MLB payrolls are so much larger than the NHL’s and they have a luxury tax rather than a salary cap, contracts are worth much more. The sport itself is less volatile as well: both a product of the longer season (larger sample size) and the luck factor inherent in chance-based games like hockey that isn’t present as much in baseball, a player's year-to-year performance is easier to predict and therefore teams feel more comfortable betting on their production. In contrast to the NHL’s 8-year limit & penalty for long contracts (like the Kovalchuk deal), and bridge deals made when a player hasn't demonstrated that their performance is sustainable, MLB GMs often give their stars contracts over 10 years, and for hundreds of millions of dollars total. Mike Trout is on a 12-year contract for almost $430 million, and by several estimates, his endorsements and the money he receives for being named All-Star, AL MVP, etc. brings that up significantly.

MLB front office terminology is very similar to the NHL, but their contracts differ in another important way: baseball players can opt out of a contract and enter free agency. For example, last season Carlos Correa agreed to a 12-year, $310m deal with the New York Mets, but the Mets were worried about the results from his physical and his injury history, so they pulled out of the deal before the season began and instead, Correa signed with the Minnesota Twins on a six-year, $200m contract.

The Used Boy Auction

Drafting in MLB works very differently than the NHL. The amateur draft (the Main one, which is also called the Rule 4 Draft) takes place mid-season and lasts 20 rounds (used to be 40), plus picks that teams are given as compensation for other events. Teams can draft players either out of high school or college baseball—while the majority of players in the early days were picked right out of high school, nowadays the largest percentage are collegiate players. High school players are only eligible after graduation, and they don’t have junior leagues like the OHL or USHL. Players at universities can only be drafted after their 3rd season there in order to avoid going to a university only for drafting purposes. 

Teams retain the rights to sign the players they draft until July 15 of the following year, and a player who does not sign with their team is eligible to be signed once again as long as they meet the age and educational requirements (attending an academic institution, three years of college, etc.) Unless the player has consented to be re-selected by their old team, they cannot be chosen again in another draft year. This leads to players like Brandon Belt having been drafted three times, by the Red Sox, Braves, and Giants, and ultimately playing for the Giants after his college career.

The Rule 5 Draft is another major part of the MLB drafting system. It's sort of similar to what happens in the NHL with an expansion draft, but it takes place in the winter every year. As the MLB prospect pipeline moves slower and it's easy for teams to Stockpile high-quality prospects and bury them in the minors due to the team's current success, this draft aims to ensure that young players have a chance to play in the bigs on a team that needs more manpower. Not every team has to select a player in the Rule 5 draft; last season, 15 players were taken, including the Nats selecting Thad Ward and the Phillies selecting Noah Song.

Here's the official MLB description of the drafting process:

Podcasters or Whatever

My most toxic trait is that I unfortunately love listening to sports podcasts, so here are some good baseball ones:

The Athletic Baseball Show

Ballpark Dimensions

Effectively Wild

The Strike Zone

I hope this serves as a useful first step! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or want to yell about baseball - I wrote this for two people, so if either of those two people find it helpful, the three hours I spent on it will have been worth it.

[gatheringbones]

[“In 1866, nearly all the settlers in King County signed a petition against the creation of a Duwamish reservation along the Black River in south Seattle. Hundreds of Duwamish people had rejected the terms of the Point Elliott treaty, which created the Port Madison reservation across the Sound on Suquamish territory, and called for their own reservation located on their ancestral homelands near the fork of the Duwamish and Black Rivers. With backing from the Indian agent of Washington Territory, George Paige, the federal government appeared ready to move ahead with the Duwamish reservation when the settlers got wind of the plan and moved to squash it. As Paige noted in a report, “The white settlers in the neighborhood desire to have [the Indians] remain among them, that they may avail themselves of their labor, yet at the same time they are unwilling they should have a reservation where they are, because they, the white men, want to appropriate the valuable bottom land which they occupy.” In other words, settlers desired Duwamish land and Duwamish labor, and the involvement of the federal government in the form of a reservation threatened both.

In the absence of federal control, town leaders, many of the settlers and prominent landowners who occupied government positions at the local and county levels, took on the role of managing the Indigenous presence in Seattle. They did this primarily through segregation and other modes of containment. Though boundaries had been imposed during the previous decade in the form of land claims and town plats, these remained just scribbles on a piece of paper, abstract lines that meant little in daily life—particularly in the 1850s and early 1860s, when settlers were outnumbered, ill equipped, and reliant on Indigenous knowledge and labor. By the mid-1860s, however, the balance had shifted, and settlers had gained more power, in numbers as well as through the creation of the municipal state. The removal ordinance was passed on the heels of Seattle’s official incorporation and coincided with the founding of the city police, the election of the first mayor, and the construction of a new courthouse; trials until that point had been held in Yesler’s cookhouse. And while the ordinance simply formalized a spatial division that was already taking shape by 1865, the town now had an apparatus of enforcement to police these boundaries and punish those who transgressed. Ordinance 5 would be one of several passed during the next decade that restricted the movement and residency of Indigenous peoples in Seattle, serving to criminalize their very presence in the town and further legitimize white settler claims to the land."]

megan asaka, from seattle from the margins: exclusion, erasure, and the making of a pacific coast city, 2022

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Canary Media:

Colorado just got a big boost to help slash planet-warming emissions from commercial buildings.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the state was selected to receive a $20 million grant to help implement its building performance standards — ambitious rules that limit the amount of carbon pollution big buildings can emit. Colorado adopted the policy, which applies to edifices 50,000 square feet or greater, last year.

The funding will be used to help buildings in marginalized communities, whose owners may be less able to afford deep carbon-cutting measures like insulation and heat pumps, meet the state’s building decarbonization targets.

“We’re really excited about this DOE award to ensure the success of Colorado’s building performance standard,” Dominique Gómez, deputy director of the Colorado Energy Office, told Canary Media.

The Colorado award was the largest among the 19 grants to state and local governments announced last week as part of a broader $1 billion Inflation Reduction Act effort to clean up the U.S. building stock. The vast majority of the new round of funding went to helping cities and states design or implement performance standards for buildings, a means of tackling emissions that’s taking root around the country. From New York City’s pioneering Local Law 97 to Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standards, these policies set emissions or energy-use intensity caps per square foot in large structures that become more stringent over time.

Building owners have flexibility in figuring out how to meet these standards, whether that’s switching to LED light bulbs, weatherizing, electrifying heating or all of the above. If they fall short, owners face hefty penalties that are designed to exceed retrofit costs, according to Paulina Torres, research manager at global real-estate services firm JLL.

Performance standards are sticks to the policy carrots incentivizing energy efficiency upgrades that, on their own, largely haven’t worked to reduce building sector emissions, said Marshall Duer-Balkind, policy director at the building decarbonization nonprofit Institute for Market Transformation (IMT).

Unlike building energy codes, which generally target new construction, performance standards tackle emissions from existing buildings — a massive source of climate pollution. When you include the electricity they consume, buildings are the largest source of carbon emissions in the country — more than transportation, agriculture, or industry (excluding its buildings), according to the DOE. 

[thephoenixandthecrocodile]

Heads Up Seven Up!

Rules: Post the last seven lines you wrote

Thank you for the tag @sarah-sandwich-writes! I have not yet written anything for Camp NaNo but here are seven lines from a short story I was noodling on in an effort to end my writer's block (it did not end it).

Death brought Gregory an unwanted and detested piece of good fortune: the family house and money as well as ownership of a company their father bought but never truly managed. It brought Monica the oddly comforting thought that she had been right all along: her father had never loved her. A thought that had once caused decades of anguish and therapy, not brought relief and a strange sense of freedom. Greg would forever be caught in their father’s legacy while she could live as her own person and entity.

Which is why it surprised everyone when the pair were seen together in a Tully’s Coffee shop one rainy Tuesday in downtown Seattle, chatting as if they were the best of friends. Their surprised increased when the Zook company broke ground on two new wings graphed onto the old Zook manor. Monica’s influence felt immediately when she fired the largest construction company in the state and hired a local company and independent contractors.

Tagging: @arndtezra @amarajlynn @averyames @mihrimahfs and whoever else wants to play!

[nirvanabuilders]

Essential Questions to Ask During Your Kitchen Remodeling Consultation

Planning a kitchen remodeling project can be a game-changer for your home, offering a fresh, functional space that suits your lifestyle. Before diving in, it’s crucial to make the most of your initial consultation with a contractor. Asking the right questions helps you understand the process and ensures that both you and your contractor are on the same page. Here are some key questions to consider during your consultation.

What’s the Estimated Timeline for My Project? One of the first things you’ll want to know is how long your kitchen remodeling project will take. Understanding the timeline gives you a clear idea of what to expect and helps you plan for any temporary changes to your routine. Ask your contractor about the time required for each phase, from design to demolition to installation, so you can manage your expectations and plan accordingly.

How Do We Stay Within My Budget? Budget is often a top concern when it comes to kitchen remodeling. During your consultation, ask your contractor how they plan to keep the project within your financial limits. They can provide tips on where to save and where it might be worth splurging. This conversation ensures that you get the most value from your investment without compromising on quality or style.

What Design Ideas Do You Recommend? Your contractor brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the table, making them a great resource for design inspiration. Ask them about ideas they think would work well in your kitchen. They might suggest layout adjustments, materials, or finishes that you hadn’t considered. This back-and-forth can spark new ideas, resulting in a kitchen remodeling plan that you’re excited about.

Will I Need Any Permits for This Project? Kitchen remodeling projects often involve structural changes, electrical work, or plumbing updates, which may require permits. Ask your contractor if any permits are needed and how they will handle the process. Knowing this upfront helps prevent delays down the line and ensures that everything is done according to local regulations.

How Will We Communicate Throughout the Project? Clear communication is essential for a smooth remodeling experience. Ask your contractor how they plan to keep you updated on the progress of your kitchen remodeling. Will there be regular meetings, phone calls, or emails? Understanding how you’ll stay in the loop helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps everything on track.

What Is Included in the Estimate? It’s important to know exactly what you’re paying for. During the consultation, ask your contractor for a detailed breakdown of the estimate. This should include costs for materials, labor, and any potential additional expenses. Understanding what’s included can help you avoid unexpected costs later in the process.

Can I See Examples of Your Previous Work? Experience matters when choosing a contractor for your kitchen remodeling. Ask to see photos or visit completed projects they’ve worked on. This gives you an idea of their style, attention to detail, and quality of work. It also helps you feel confident that you’re working with someone who understands your vision.

Moving Forward with Confidence Your initial consultation is your chance to gather the information you need to make informed decisions about your kitchen remodeling project. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that your contractor is the right fit for your needs and that you’re both aligned on the project’s scope, budget, and timeline. With clear communication and a solid plan, you’ll be on your way to creating the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of. Ready to take the next step? Reach out today and start your journey to a beautiful new kitchen.

[locustheologicus]

Excelsior II: Exploring the beauty of New York State through the Empire Trail along the Erie Canal

We reached Syracuse (which happened to be celebrating a latino event) and then staying at the Green Lakes Campground we encountered small towns along the way. We passed through Oneida, Rome, Utica, Herkimer, Little Falls, Canajoharie, and Amsterdam. Passing through Rome we saw where The Erie Canal construction began as it connected to the Mohawk River.

We did get caught in the wind and rain, in Utica we ended up staying at a hotel but we did manage to camp on Lock 14 at Canajoharie as the rain tapered off (although the wind stayed with us and we had to move the tents for fear that they would be blown away).

There was a beautiful old Church at Herkimer that is the site for the book Drums Along the Mohawk, depicting the strugglers of the early settlers. At Little Falls we had the pleasure of going through a tunnel and later accompanied a member of the Amish community. Eventually we found the ruins of the old canal locks as we approached Amsterdam.

The trail continued to challenge us. At Frankfort we had to share the road and we ended up finding muddy and stone dust trails. At larger communities we noticed that they did invest in blacktoping the trail which made it much easier (especially in the rain). We also met many nice people along the trail, local folks who were very curious at where the bike riders were coming from. We met another couple at Green Lakes Campground who were biking from Seattle on their way also to Brooklyn. We were awed at that level of commitment which certianly humbled our own meager enterprise.

[whitepolaris]

Electric Graveland

So goes one of Jimi Hendrix's most famous lyrics, and kiss the sky he did, much too early by any standard. The Seattle-born rock musician, known for his overdriven guitar riffs and flamboyant attire, was only twenty-six when he died in a London hotel from asphyxiation caused by vomiting. September 18, 1970, marked the tragic end of a major talent who, in all likelihood, had not yet reached his full potential.

Jimi reportedly told friends he wished to be buried in England. However, his father, James "Al" Hendrix, had him returned to the Seattle area and interred in a family plot at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton. His grave was marked by a simple headstone with an etching of a Fender Stratocaster guitar, his instrument of choice (though the guitar pictured is right-handed, and Jimi adopted his to play left-handed). At the time, this basic grave was all Al Hendrix could afford.

After his death, Hendrix's popularity grew. In the 1990s, a generation of young Seattle grunge musicians was inspired by his musical technique. Jimi's legacy instilled local pride, and fans regularly made pilgrimages to his grave site. The cemetery's management began worrying about damage to nearby graves from all the foot traffic.

To ease concerns and to vastly expand the family's burial space (since the extended Hendrix family plot had significantly grown beyond the original plot's five graves), Al Hendrix announced plans for a new memorial to his son, bigger and more fitting to his iconic status. Al envisioned such a memorial for a long time, but didn't gain the financial means to build it until the mid-1990s after acquiring the rights to Jimi's music.

Designed by architect Mark Barthelemy, the memorial was constructed over the next few years by Cold Spring Granite of Minnesota. It was dedicated, still unfinished, in June 2002. Sadly, Al Hendrix had died two months earlier.

The memorial consists of a circular plot of land with a granite dome supported by three columns. The slightly raised structure is accessible by steps and a ramp. The outer base is circled with headstones for Hendrix family members; there's space for fifty-four graves, with Al Hendrix and a few other relatives currently occupying some.

Hendrix is interred in the ground beneath the gazebo, with his original gravestone embedded on a pedestal that is intended to support a much-delayed brass statue. Fans presently use it as an altar for paying their respects: They tape guitar picks to it and drop offerings to Jimi's memory into a hole where a peg on the statue's base one day be inserted.

Disputes over the remainder of Jimi's multimillion-dollar estate have divided the surviving members of the extended Hendrix family. It's speculated that this is why the statue, supposedly being sculpted in Italy at the time of the 2002 dedication, has not been mounted in the memorial. Instead, fans can admire the statue of Jimi in Seattle's Capitol Hill, on Broadway just north of East Pine Street.

Hendrix biographers have noted an odd situation involving the family and Greenwood Memorial Park. Kimi's mother, Lucille, who died in 1958 when he was just fifteen, lies elsewhere in an unmarked pauper's grave. Why was she buried this way? Why didn't Jimi buy her a gravestone after achieving rock stardom, especially given his well-known devotion to her? Why hasn't she has been moved to one of the plots at the memorial? The answers may point to more family discord.

Greenwood Memorial Park is located at 350 Monroe Avenue NE in Renton. The Jimi Hendrix memorial is easily visible on the west side of the cemetery.

[guerilla-marketing]

Wheatpasting Agencies in Washington

Unleashing the Power of Wheatpasting: Top Wheatpasting Agencies in Washington

In the rapidly evolving world of advertising, businesses are continuously seeking innovative and effective ways to capture the attention of their target audience. One such method that has gained significant traction in recent years is wheatpasting. This guerrilla marketing technique involves placing posters in strategic urban locations to create a visual impact and generate buzz. In Washington, wheatpasting agencies are leading the charge in this creative advertising approach, helping businesses engage with their audience in a bold and memorable manner. In this article, we will explore the concept of wheatpasting, its benefits, and highlight some of the top wheatpasting agencies in Washington.

What is Wheatpasting?

Wheatpasting, also known as flyposting, is an outdoor advertising technique where posters are affixed to surfaces such as walls, fences, construction sites, and street furniture using a wheat-based adhesive. This method is popular in urban areas and is often used for its guerrilla marketing appeal, providing a raw and unfiltered way to reach consumers directly in their everyday environments. Wheatpasting is known for its artistic and sometimes provocative designs that stand out in the bustling cityscape.

Benefits of Wheatpasting

Wheatpasting offers several advantages that make it an attractive option for advertisers:

1. High Visibility

Wheatpasting places ads in high-traffic areas, ensuring maximum visibility. Whether it’s a bustling downtown street or a trendy neighborhood, these posters are seen by a large and diverse audience.

2. Cost-Effective

Compared to other forms of outdoor advertising like billboards or digital screens, wheatpasting is relatively affordable. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses with limited marketing budgets.

3. Creative Flexibility

The informal nature of wheatpasting allows for a high degree of creative freedom. Brands can experiment with bold designs, unconventional messages, and artistic layouts that might not be feasible in more traditional advertising formats.

4. Local Targeting

Wheatpasting can be highly localized, allowing businesses to target specific neighborhoods or communities. This is particularly beneficial for local events, new store openings, or community-focused campaigns.

5. Immediate Impact

The eye-catching nature of wheatpasting often results in immediate engagement. Passersby are likely to notice and remember the posters, leading to increased brand recall and potential word-of-mouth promotion.

Top Wheatpasting Agencies in Washington

Washington is home to several innovative wheatpasting agencies that specialize in this guerrilla marketing technique. Here are some of the leading agencies that can help your business leverage the power of wheatpasting:

1. Urban Influence

Location: Seattle, WA

Overview: Urban Influence is a premier wheatpasting agency in Washington, known for its extensive network and creative approach. They offer comprehensive wheatpasting services, from design and printing to strategic placement and monitoring.

Specialties:

Strategic Poster Placement

Creative Design Services

Campaign Management

Targeted Area Selection

Compliance with Local Regulations

Notable Clients: Urban Influence has worked with a diverse range of clients, including music festivals, fashion brands, tech startups, and local events, delivering impactful wheatpasting campaigns.

2. Guerrilla Media

Location: Spokane, WA

Overview: Guerrilla Media is a full-service outdoor advertising agency that excels in wheatpasting. They combine creative artistry with strategic planning to create high-impact campaigns that resonate with urban audiences.

Specialties:

Custom Poster Design

Strategic Urban Placement

High-Traffic Area Targeting

Campaign Analytics

Permitting and Compliance

Notable Clients: Guerrilla Media has a strong portfolio of successful campaigns for clients in the entertainment, retail, and hospitality sectors, among others.

3. Street Art Advertising

Location: Tacoma, WA

Overview: Street Art Advertising specializes in wheatpasting and other forms of guerrilla marketing. Their team focuses on delivering innovative and effective outdoor advertising solutions that capture the essence of urban culture.

Specialties:

Wheatpasting Campaigns

Street-Level Advertising

Creative Concept Development

Execution and Monitoring

Local Market Expertise

Notable Clients: Street Art Advertising has partnered with both local businesses and national brands, helping them create buzz and drive engagement through strategic wheatpasting.

4. Flyposter King

Location: Olympia, WA

Overview: Flyposter King is dedicated to providing high-quality wheatpasting services that maximize brand exposure. They offer end-to-end solutions, ensuring that every campaign is executed flawlessly from start to finish.

Specialties:

Comprehensive Campaign Management

Custom Poster Printing

High-Visibility Locations

Compliance and Permitting

Post-Campaign Analysis

Notable Clients: Flyposter King has successfully executed wheatpasting campaigns for a variety of clients, including tech companies, cultural institutions, and lifestyle brands.

5. Poster Wave

Location: Bellevue, WA

Overview: Poster Wave is a boutique advertising agency that specializes in wheatpasting and guerrilla marketing. They pride themselves on their creative approach and deep understanding of the local market.

Specialties:

Creative Poster Design

Targeted Wheatpasting

High-Impact Campaigns

Urban Advertising Strategy

Local Market Insights

Notable Clients: Poster Wave has built a reputation for delivering unique and engaging wheatpasting campaigns for clients across different industries, from entertainment to consumer goods.

Tips for a Successful Wheatpasting Campaign

Launching a successful wheatpasting campaign requires careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to ensure your campaign stands out:

1. Understand Your Audience

Know who your target audience is and where they spend their time. Choose locations that are frequented by your ideal customers to maximize the impact of your posters.

2. Creative Design

Invest in high-quality design that captures attention and conveys your message effectively. Bold colors, striking images, and clear text can make your posters more noticeable.

3. Compliance

Ensure your wheatpasting campaign complies with local regulations and permits. Unauthorized postings can result in fines and damage to your brand’s reputation.

4. Monitor and Maintain

Regularly check your posters to ensure they remain in good condition and replace any that have been damaged or removed. Consistent visibility is key to a successful campaign.

5. Measure Results

Track the performance of your campaign through metrics such as increased foot traffic, social media engagement, and sales. This will help you understand the effectiveness of your wheatpasting efforts and make necessary adjustments for future campaigns.

Conclusion

Wheatpasting is a powerful and cost-effective advertising method that can help businesses in Washington stand out in a crowded market. By partnering with experienced wheatpasting agencies, you can leverage this creative approach to reach your audience in a memorable and impactful way. Whether you’re promoting an event, launching a new product, or simply looking to increase brand visibility, wheatpasting offers a unique opportunity to engage with consumers in their everyday environments.

As the advertising landscape continues to evolve, embracing unconventional methods like wheatpasting can give your business a competitive edge. With the right strategy, design, and execution, your wheatpasting campaign can create a lasting impression and drive meaningful results. So, if you’re ready to take your advertising efforts to the next level, consider working with a top wheatpasting agency in Washington and watch your brand make its mark on the urban landscape.

[kumarumang5566]

The Future of Transportation in Moses Lake, Washington.

Moses Lake, a city in Grant County, Washington, has long been a significant hub for agriculture and industry, bolstered by its strategic location and the expansive water body from which it derives its name. As the city looks towards the future, transportation developments are set to play a crucial role in its continued growth and modernization. This article explores the future of transportation in Moses Lake, examining current projects, potential innovations, and the broader implications for the community.

Current Transportation Landscape

As of now, Moses Lake boasts a robust transportation network that includes highways, railways, and an airport. Interstate 90, a major east-west route, passes just north of the city, connecting it to Seattle and Spokane. State Route 17 provides additional connectivity to other parts of Washington. The Port of Moses Lake, located at the Grant County International Airport, serves as a significant hub for cargo and logistics, benefiting from one of the largest runways in the United States.

Infrastructure Developments

Looking ahead, several infrastructure projects are poised to transform the transportation landscape in Moses Lake, Washington. Key among these is the ongoing improvement of State Route 17 and the proposed expansion of Interstate 90. These enhancements are expected to facilitate smoother traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve safety for both local commuters and long-haul truckers.

The Grant County International Airport is also undergoing significant upgrades. With its strategic location and ample capacity, the airport is being positioned as a critical node for both passenger and cargo flights. Plans are in place to attract more airlines and expand services, potentially making it a regional hub for air travel. This expansion could bring increased economic activity, boosting local businesses and creating jobs.

Embracing Sustainable Transportation

Sustainability is a growing focus in transportation planning worldwide, and Moses Lake is no exception. The city is exploring various green initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmentally friendly travel. One such initiative is the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). With incentives for EV purchases and plans to install more charging stations, Moses Lake aims to make electric cars a more practical option for residents.

Public transportation is another area where Moses Lake is making strides. The city is looking into expanding its bus services to offer more routes and higher frequency, making it a more viable alternative to driving. This expansion is particularly important for connecting underserved areas and providing reliable transportation options for all residents.

Innovations in Transportation Technology

Moses Lake stands to benefit from advancements in transportation technology, which are set to revolutionize how people and goods move. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are a key area of interest. While widespread adoption may still be years away, Moses Lake is positioning itself to be an early adopter by investing in the necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. AVs have the potential to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and offer greater mobility to those who are unable to drive.

Additionally, smart city technologies are being integrated into Moses Lake's transportation systems. Traffic management systems that use real-time data to optimize traffic flow, reduce delays, and enhance safety are on the horizon. These systems can also support emergency services by providing quicker response times and more efficient routes.

Economic Impacts

The transformation of transportation in Moses Lake is expected to have significant economic benefits. Improved infrastructure and connectivity will attract businesses and industries, fostering economic growth and diversification. The transportation sector itself will create jobs, from construction and maintenance to operations and technology development.

The expansion of the Grant County International Airport, in particular, is likely to have a substantial economic impact. By increasing passenger and cargo capacity, the airport can attract more airlines and logistics companies, turning Moses Lake into a key transportation hub in the Pacific Northwest. This development will not only create jobs but also stimulate the local economy by increasing demand for goods and services.

Community and Quality of Life

Transportation improvements will also enhance the quality of life for Moses Lake residents. Reduced travel times and improved safety will make daily commutes less stressful and more efficient. Better public transportation options will provide greater mobility for those without access to a car, including the elderly and low-income residents.

Environmental benefits from sustainable transportation initiatives will contribute to a healthier living environment. Reduced emissions from increased EV adoption and improved public transit can lead to better air quality, which is crucial for public health.

Conclusion

The future of transportation in Moses Lake, Washington, is poised for significant advancements that will enhance connectivity, sustainability, and economic prosperity. With strategic investments in infrastructure, a commitment to sustainable practices, and an embrace of cutting-edge technologies, Moses Lake is set to become a model for modern transportation in smaller cities. As these developments unfold, the community will benefit from improved mobility, economic opportunities, and a higher quality of life, ensuring a bright and sustainable future for all its residents.

[jvbcontractor]

Seattle Home Expansion Ideas | Jvbcontractors.com

Transform Your Seattle Home with JVB Contractors: Your Premier Renovation Partner

Looking to enhance your Seattle home with top-quality renovation services? Look no further than JVB Contractors, your trusted local construction company dedicated to delivering excellence in every project we undertake.

Unmatched Expertise, Unrivaled Results

At JVB Contractors, we boast over a decade of industry experience, solidifying our position as one of the leading construction firms in the USA. From residential remodels to commercial renovations, our portfolio showcases our commitment to superior craftsmanship and client satisfaction.

Why JVB Contractors?

1. Proven Track Record: With a history of successfully completed projects spanning various scopes and scales, we have garnered a reputation for reliability and excellence. Our track record speaks volumes about our dedication to delivering on our promises and exceeding expectations.

2. Skilled Team: Behind every successful project is a team of skilled professionals. At JVB Contractors, we;ve assembled a roster of architects, engineers, project managers, and craftsmen who bring expertise, passion, and creativity to every job site. With their collective talent and commitment, we turn your renovation dreams into reality.

3. Commitment to Quality: Quality is the cornerstone of our business. We adhere to rigorous quality assurance protocols, utilizing premium materials and innovative techniques to ensure durable, aesthetically pleasing results that stand the test of time. When you choose JVB Contractors, you’re choosing excellence from start to finish.

Comprehensive Renovation Services

From revitalizing your kitchen to refreshing your bathroom or expanding your living space with home additions, JVB Contractors offers a comprehensive suite of renovation services tailored to your needs. Whether you;re seeking modern design solutions, custom cabinetry, or sustainable flooring options, we have the expertise and resources to bring your vision to life.

Customer-Centric Approach At JVB Contractors, we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. From the initial consultation to the final walkthrough, we collaborate closely with you to understand your goals, preferences, and budget constraints. Our transparent communication, attention to detail, and dedication to exceeding your expectations ensure a seamless renovation experience from conception to completion.

Contact Us Today

Ready to elevate your Seattle home with JVB Contractors? Take the first step towards realizing your renovation goals by contacting us today. Whether you're envisioning a sleek modern kitchen, a luxurious bathroom oasis, or a functional outdoor living space, we're here to turn your dreams into reality. Trust JVB Contractors for exceptional craftsmanship, unparalleled service, and transformative results. Your perfect home awaits.

[bachassociates1]

Choosing the Right Construction Management Service for Your Project in Seattle - David Bach & Associates

When embarking on a construction project in Seattle, one of the crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right construction management service. Whether you’re planning a commercial development in Downtown or a residential project in Capitol Hill, the expertise and efficiency of your construction manager can significantly impact your project’s success. https://bachassociates.com/construction-management-service-seattle/

[foreverengineering]

The Ultimate Guide To Shipping Containers

Further exploring the realm of shipping containers:

Case Studies and Success Stories:

Container City, London: Located in the heart of London's Docklands, Container City is a vibrant community built entirely from repurposed shipping containers. The project showcases innovative design and sustainability principles, providing affordable live-work spaces for artists, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.

Starbucks Shipping Container Stores: Starbucks has embraced container architecture as a way to expand its presence in unconventional locations while minimizing environmental impact. Container-based Starbucks stores have been successfully deployed in various cities worldwide, including Seattle, Denver, and Taiwan.

Puma City, Boston: Puma City is a mobile retail and event space constructed from 24 shipping containers. The innovative design features a dynamic façade that opens up to create a large outdoor plaza, hosting events, pop-up shops, and promotional activities for the Puma brand.

The Cove, Houston: The Cove is a mixed-use development in Houston, Texas, comprising retail, office, and residential spaces constructed from repurposed shipping containers. The project demonstrates how container architecture can revitalize urban areas, foster community engagement, and support local businesses.

Container Terminal Park, Seoul: Located along the Han River in Seoul, South Korea, Container Terminal Park is a public park built on a former industrial site. The park incorporates shipping containers into its design, repurposing them as cafes, galleries, and recreational facilities, while preserving elements of the site's industrial heritage.

Educational Resources and Training:

Container Architecture Workshops: Various organizations and educational institutions offer workshops and training programs focused on container architecture, covering design principles, structural engineering, permitting processes, and hands-on construction techniques.

Online Courses and Webinars: Platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer online courses and webinars on container-based construction, sustainable design, and project management. These resources provide accessible and flexible learning opportunities for architects, builders, and enthusiasts.

Professional Associations: Joining professional associations such as the Container Architecture Network (CAN) or the American Institute of Architects (AIA) can provide valuable networking opportunities, resources, and continuing education for individuals interested in container architecture.

Design Publications and Journals: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in container architecture by subscribing to design publications, journals, and online forums. These resources feature case studies, interviews with industry experts, and design inspiration for container-based projects.

DIY Resources and Communities: For DIY enthusiasts and self-builders, online forums, blogs, and social media groups dedicated to container architecture offer a wealth of information, tips, and inspiration for planning, designing, and constructing container-based structures.

By leveraging these resources and learning opportunities, individuals and professionals can acquire the knowledge, skills, and inspiration needed to embark on successful container-based projects and contribute to the continued evolution of this innovative and sustainable building approach.

[greenbuildingconsultant]

Sustainable Spaces: Case Studies of Green Buildings around the World

In the realm of architecture and urban planning, the concept of green buildings is no longer just a trend but a necessary shift towards sustainable development. As environmental concerns mount alongside rapid urbanization, the importance of integrating eco-friendly designs and technologies into new and existing structures has become paramount. In this blog, we explore several exemplary case studies of green buildings around the world, showcasing the innovative approaches and the role of specialized green building consultancies like Agile Advisors.

The Edge, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Often cited as one of the greenest office buildings in the world, The Edge in Amsterdam exemplifies how technology and sustainability can coexist. The building boasts a BREEAM score of 98.4%, the highest ever awarded at its completion. Key features include a vast array of solar panels, Ethernet-powered LED lighting, and a sophisticated Building Management System (BMS) that maximizes energy efficiency and comfort based on occupancy data. The project's success underscores the importance of expert consultation in green building strategies, akin to the services provided by firms like Agile Advisors.

Pixel Building, Melbourne, Australia

The Pixel Building in Melbourne is another beacon of green construction, notable for achieving a perfect score under the Green Star rating system. This small office building incorporates features such as a green roof, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, and a façade designed to maximize natural light while reducing heat gain. The building also treats all grey and black water on-site to reduce water usage. These initiatives reflect the kind of comprehensive green building consultancy services offered by companies like Agile Advisors, ensuring all aspects of sustainability are addressed.

The Change Initiative, Dubai, UAE

Located in Dubai, The Change Initiative is an impressive example of sustainable retail space. It was once recognized as the most sustainable building in the world, according to LEED certification, scoring 107 out of a possible 110 points. The building’s sustainability features include energy-efficient lighting, high-performance insulation, and solar thermal panels. The presence of Green Building Consultancy in Dubai, such as those provided by Agile Advisors, is crucial to achieving such high standards of sustainability.

Bullitt Center, Seattle, USA

Dubbed "the greenest commercial building in the world," the Bullitt Center in Seattle operates entirely off the grid. It is designed to have a 250-year lifespan, featuring a rainwater-to-potable-water system, composting toilets, and a solar array that exceeds the building's energy needs. This project highlights the critical role that green building consultants play in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable architecture.

National Bank of Kuwait Headquarters, Kuwait City, Kuwait

The National Bank of Kuwait’s new headquarters is designed to withstand the harsh, desert climate of Kuwait while minimizing energy consumption. Its design includes a double skin façade to reduce cooling needs and a high-performance exterior to manage solar gain. Green Building Consultants, particularly those familiar with regional challenges like Agile Advisors in the UAE, are instrumental in tailoring sustainable practices to local conditions.

Conclusion

These case studies demonstrate the global imperative and practicality of green building practices. The role of specialized consultancies like Agile Advisors is critical in this transition. As a Green Building Consultant in UAE, and more specifically in Dubai, Agile Advisors offers expertise that spans across different climates and building types, ensuring sustainability goals are not only envisioned but achieved. For regions facing significant environmental challenges, these consultancies provide not just design and construction guidance but also a pathway to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

[yesterdaysnewstodayandtomorrow]

Sport Venue & Event Management Entry 2

Sustainability practice of a sports venue

The sustainability practices of sports venues such as those at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, have an increased level of importance with everyone becoming more aware of the effects of climate change. Climate Pledge Arena was named in 2021 by naming rights sponsor Amazon, though it was originally known as the Seattle Coliseum when it was first built in 1962. The venue mainly hosts music and sports events. It has been home to many sporting teams based in Seattle however it is currently home to the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, the University of Seattle’s men’s basketball team and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken (Warner, 2023). The stadium has undergone several renovations, with its most impactful occurring between 2018 and 2021, which was overseen by construction company Mortenson. Francis et al. (2023) suggest there has been a recent focus on environmental performance concerning stadium design and construction with countries and mega events committed to reducing carbon emissions. Sustainability was maintained when renovating through the use of existing materials. This included maintaining the original roof, and rescuing the curtain wall and windows systems of the stadium (Obando, 2021). To be the most responsible, progressive and sustainable arena in the world is the goal of Climate Pledge Arena. The arena was the first in the world to be awarded the International Living Future Zero Carbon Certification (Climate Pledge Arena, 2024).

Many of the key attributes of sustainability are met by Climate Pledge Arena such as waste management, efficient lighting systems, public transportation, and water conservation. Their waste management has received TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Platinum certification with over 90% of arena waste avoiding landfill executed with a focus on fan engagement and having the right sized bins and colour-coded bin bags. Debrah et al. (2021) explains the last decade has seen more youth have a greater awareness and positive environmental attitude, without the practical experience in how to best put waste management into practice. These simple colour codes are an easy way to engage the younger fans to practice sustainability. The lighting at Climate Pledge Arena is 100% powered by renewable energy with on-site solar panels on the roof and off-site locally purchased wind farms. Public transportation is the preferred method to reduce the carbon footprint of attendees so transportation is free to publicly ticketed events and games in the hope 25% of patrons use this. Climate Pledge Arena also has leading water conservation practices with ultra-efficient showers, waterless urinals and a rain-to-rink system where a 15,000-gallon cistern captures water from the high levels of rainfall in Seattle, which is used to create ice for the rink. Xu (2020) states the importance of rainwater utilisation systems in sports venues with the obvious scarcity of water resources. The arena has accomplished Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification (Climate Pledge Arena, 2024).

References

Climate Pledge Arena. (2024). Sustainability. https://www.climatepledgearena.com/sustainability/

Climate Pledge Arena. (2023, June 22). How to Access your FREE Public Transit Pass with your Climate Pledge Arena Ticket [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RKUu9G6f4w

Debrah, J. K., Vidal, D. G., & Dinis, M. A. P. (2021). Raising awareness on solid waste management through formal education for sustainability: A developing countries evidence review. Recycling, 6(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling6010006

Francis, A. E., Webb, M., Desha, C., Rundle-Thiele, S., & Caldera, S. (2023). Environmental sustainability in stadium design and construction: A systematic literature review. Sustainability, 15(8), 6896. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086896

Obando, S. (2021, October 20). On site: An inside look at the construction of Seattle’s $1.15B Climate Pledge Arena. Construction Dive. https://www.constructiondive.com/news/climate-pledge-arena-seattle-mortenson-construction/607484/

Warner, A. (2024, April 17). World’s Most Sustainable Sports Venues. Rotowire. https://www.rotowire.com/article/worlds-most-sustainable-sports-venues-71405

Xu, H. Z. (2020). Environmental Optimization Design of Rainwater Utilization System in Large Sports Venues under the Influence of Ocean Climate. Journal of Coastal Research, 104(sp1), 887–890. https://doi.org/10.2112/JCR-SI104-152.1

[maxiglassllcblog]

Crystal Clear Excellence: The Benefits of Choosing a Professional Glass Company in Seattle

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your space, the quality of glass installations matters. In a city known for its modern architecture and innovative design, opting for a Professional Glass Company in Seattle brings a host of advantages. Let's explore the unparalleled benefits of choosing professionals for your glass needs in the Emerald City.

Expertise and Experience: Professional glass companies in Seattle boast a wealth of expertise and experience in the industry. Their skilled craftsmen and technicians understand the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the local architectural landscape, ensuring precise and knowledgeable service.

Customized Design Solutions: Seattle's diverse architectural styles demand customized glass solutions. Professional glass companies excel in providing tailored design solutions that complement the aesthetic vision of each client. Whether it's sleek and modern or classic and timeless, these experts can bring your design ideas to life.

Local Building Code Compliance: Seattle, like any city, has specific building codes and regulations. Professional glass companies are well-versed in local construction requirements, ensuring that all installations adhere to safety standards and comply with city codes. This expertise eliminates potential issues during inspections and guarantees a smooth project process.

Quality Materials and Craftsmanship: Choosing a professional glass company in Seattle ensures the use of high-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship. From durable glass options to precision-cut edges and flawless installations, professionals prioritize excellence in both materials and workmanship.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: With Seattle's commitment to sustainability, professional glass companies offer energy-efficient glass options that contribute to green building practices. These solutions not only enhance the energy performance of your space but also align with the city's eco-friendly initiatives.

Timely Project Completion: Time is often of the essence in construction projects. Professional glass companies understand the importance of timely completion and work efficiently to meet deadlines. Their experience in project management ensures that your glass installations are delivered on schedule without compromising quality.

Comprehensive Range of Services: Professional glass companies in Seattle typically offer a comprehensive range of services. Whether you need storefront glass, residential windows, or custom glass features, these companies can handle diverse projects,commercial glass repair seattle providing a one-stop solution for all your glass needs.

Customer Satisfaction and Reviews: Reputation matters, especially in a city with discerning clientele. Professional glass companies often have a portfolio of satisfied customers and positive reviews. By choosing a reputable company, you can trust that your project will be handled with professionalism and care.