Atlas Insider: Revitalizing Neighborhoods, Addressing the Housing Crisis, Federal Funding for Local Growth, & More!

Celebrate significant milestones in conservation and community development. Discover transformative impact of electric car batteries on our energy grid. Explore how urban trees combat city heat and improve public health.

Atlas Named Among America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and Women by Newsweek

Newsweek has recognized Atlas as one of the best workplaces in America for diversity and women!

“We are honored to receive this acknowledgment as it reflects our company’s commitment to championing a culture that is rich in diversity and welcoming of all backgrounds. Creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging is fundamental to the growth and resiliency of our organization in today’s ever-evolving industry.” — Atlas CEO, Jacqueline (Jacque) Hinman

Discover more about our initiatives and future plans in the full press release.

Renewables Surpass 30% of World’s Electricity

In a landmark year for global energy, over 30% of the world’s electricity now comes from renewable sources, marking a pivotal shift away from fossil fuels.

According to a report by energy thinktank Ember , wind and solar power have played key roles, with solar energy emerging as the fastest-growing source for the 19th consecutive year.

Solar energy generated twice as much new energy as coal last year. In the United States, wind and solar grew to 16%, above the global average of 13%, and ahead of neighbors Mexico (12%) and Canada (7%). However, nuclear remains the largest source of low-carbon electricity at 18%.

The country aims for 59% renewable electricity by 2030, just one percentage point below the International Energy Agency (IEA) Net Zero Emissions scenario, which sets a global benchmark of 60% renewable electricity by the same year.

Leading this global transition is the European Union (EU), producing 44% of its electricity from renewables. Greece, Hungary, and the Netherlands are among the EU’s frontrunners, with Greece achieving the world’s second-highest share of solar power at 19%.

Although droughts driven by drastic climate change have led to a temporary rise in coal power, figures remain optimistic, predicting a 2% drop in fossil fuel generation this year.

Safe to say, we’re on the right track — but the race to a cleaner future is far from over!

Could EV Batteries Bolster Electric Grid?

Once considered a costly component, electric car batteries are now being reimagined as valuable assets that could transform the energy landscape.

Automakers like Ford, General Motors, and BMW are exploring ways these batteries can help utilities manage power supply and demand, potentially lowering utility bills for car owners — and offering perks like reduced lease payments or free parking.

By storing excess renewable energy, electric vehicles (EVs) could support the grid during peak times, with carmakers acting as intermediaries.

Matthias Preindl, an associate professor who studies power electronic systems at Columbia University , believes there’s potential for millions of EVs to create a vast energy system connected to the grid.

Companies like The Mobility House , backed by Mercedes-Benz and Renault, are already implementing this concept.

They buy cheap renewable power, store it in EVs, and resell it when demand rises. Renault’s R5 electric car and BMW’s Neue Klasse vehicles are pushing the envelope with bidirectional charging capabilities, allowing cars to draw and supply electricity.

Ford’s F-150 Lightning pickup also leads in two-way charging, with other automakers following suit.

Despite challenges such as battery degradation concerns and regulatory hurdles, initiatives are underway to unlock the full value of EV batteries, promising to drive adoption and combat climate change.

Looks like EV batteries might just become the grid’s new best friend.

Urban Trees Combat City Heat

In the sweltering heat of modern cities, the humble tree emerges as a silent savior.

With global temperatures rising and urban heat islands intensifying, new research highlights the critical role of trees in cooling our cities and improving public health.

A recent study by Springer Link reveals that increasing tree cover in cities like LA could cut heat-related emergency room visits by up to 66%.

UCLA environmental researcher Edith de Guzman and her team found that neighborhoods with more trees are significantly cooler, leading to substantial health benefits. Their study analyzed four LA heat waves and demonstrated that enhancing tree cover and adding reflective surfaces can lower temperatures and reduce heat-related ER visits.

As cities grow, prolonged heat waves can cause physiological stress, particularly for the elderly and young, and contribute to ozone formation, worsening asthma. Efforts to increase tree cover must be strategic and collaborative, focusing on vulnerable neighborhoods while involving residents in the process.

Alongside trees, other cooling strategies like rooftop gardens and reflective surfaces are being explored to make cities greener and more reflective.

Ultimately, these investments are not just about aesthetics. They directly link to public health outcomes, saving lives and mitigating the impacts of a warming world.

So next time you see a tree in the city, give it a nod — it’s out there fighting the heat, one leaf at a time.

Atlas Soars High Among ENR’s Professional Services Firms

We’re incredibly excited to announce that Atlas has earned a coveted spot on the Engineering News-Record ’s industry rankings!

Atlas is now proudly holding the #19 position on the Top 50 Construction Management Firms and stands at #33 in the Top 100 Construction Management/Program Management-for-Fee Firms.

This recognition is a clear reflection of Atlas’ dedication to excellence, the trustworthiness of our services, and our knack for delivering projects on time and within budget.

As we celebrate, we want to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to our clients for placing their trust in us and our team for their tireless efforts.

Here’s to continuing our legacy in construction and project management.

Explore the rankings: ENR Top Professional Services Firms: Skill Shortages Raise the Stakes

Addressing Cincy’s Housing Crisis

In Cincinnati, planners, developers, and designers from the New Urbanism and Strong Towns movements convened to tackle the urgent housing crisis.

The conference, organized by Strong Towns and the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), spotlighted the urgent need for affordable and diverse housing solutions, emphasizing how local residents can unite to propel development initiatives forward.

Strong Towns founder Charles Marohn sparked discussions among attendees from his new book “Escaping the House Trap,” which included prominent figures like architect Peter Calthorpe, who advocated for market-driven solutions over public housing.

The event highlighted Cincinnati’s zoning code rewrite, “Connected Communities,” aimed at increasing housing density and converting businesses into residential spaces. Mayor Aftab Pureval stressed the importance of addressing segregation and rising home prices.

The conference painted a hopeful picture of small-town America leading the charge in creating affordable housing through community-driven projects.

It showcased success stories like the transformation of a vacant tavern in Buffalo, NY, into a community hub, illustrating the power of local initiatives!

Small Cities and Federal Funds

Smaller US cities face significant challenges in securing federal funds for clean energy and climate projects due to complex grant applications.

Landmark legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS Act make billions available for local economies, clean energy, and environmental justice. However, larger cities with more resources have historically dominated grant opportunities.

Towns often lack the expertise and budget for detailed grant writing, as seen in Jackson, MS, during its water crisis.

The stakes are high, with up to $2.2 trillion in potential funding. Technical assistance and dedicated grant writers are crucial for these cities to compete. Initiatives like the Local Infrastructure Hub and the EPA’s $1.5 billion investment in technical assistance aim to level the playing field.

Efforts are ongoing to streamline the grant application process, including oral interviews and resubmission pilots. Elected officials in states like Colorado are creating programs to ensure equitable fund distribution.

The goal is to help smaller cities access essential funding for transformative projects and address systemic environmental racism.

Atlas specializes in helping small towns navigate the complexities of grant applications, especially for brownfields redevelopment projects, ensuring they secure the funding needed for vital community improvements.

Reach out to National Brownfields Director, Kelly Schmitt , today to learn how we can support your town’s growth and sustainability.

kelly.schmitt@oneatlas.com

Brooklyn’s Greenpoint Waterfront Reimagined

Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood has been transformed by the striking residential towers known as Eagle + West.

These visually captivating towers appear as if they’re constantly shifting, depending on the viewpoint. From one angle, they resemble moving boxes; from another, they rise like stair steps.

Eagle + West represents a significant effort to rezone and rejuvenate Greenpoint’s waterfront. This development is part of a broader initiative that has revitalized 1.6 miles of waterfront, creating new parks and housing.

The towers, with their angular design, maximize residential space while adhering to zoning restrictions, offering terraces with sweeping views of New York.

Eagle + West includes 745 apartments, ranging from studios to three bedrooms. The development features a mix of market-rate and affordable units, amenities, and individual lobbies. The unique shape of the towers ensures they integrate with both the waterfront and the surrounding neighborhood.

The dynamic facade, made of precast concrete with a corduroy texture, adds to the buildings’ striking appearance. Eagle + West marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of the New York skyline, blending innovative design with community integration.

These towers prove that in Greenpoint, even the buildings have character!

Atlas Project Geologist Named to Zweig Group's 2024 Rising Stars List

Working as a project geologist on our landfills team in Duluth, GA, has allowed Morgan Mullins, PG to witness firsthand how powerful the intersection of infrastructure and environmental stewardship can be.

Her contributions have significantly enhanced the well-being of communities both in Georgia and internationally, bolstered by her volunteer work with Engineers Without Borders USA.

That’s why we are honored to congratulate Morgan for being named to the Zweig Group’s 2024 Rising Stars in the AEC Industry List! 🎉

View the full press release here: https://loom.ly/6UEOuR4

Learn more about Morgan’s journey through the Q&A "Do it Scared" on the Atlas Sphere here: https://loom.ly/X09OeBQ

The Great Bear Sea PFP Initiative

The First Nations of the North Pacific coast have achieved a monumental milestone with the closing of the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiative.

This groundbreaking effort, led by 17 First Nations, including the Haida Nation and Gitga’at First Nation, ushers in a new era of collaborative governance in marine conservation and community development.

With a whopping $335 million in funding secured — $200 million from the Canadian government, $60 million from the Province of BC, and $75 million from philanthropic investors — the initiative promises long-term resources to protect marine territories and foster sustainable economic growth.

The Great Bear Sea, or the Northern Shelf Bioregion, is a biodiversity hotspot that has been stewarded by First Nations for millennia.

The PFP will fund the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network Action Plan and the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP), covering approximately three million hectares or 30% of the Great Bear Sea.

This initiative is also projected to create more than 3,000 jobs and 200 new businesses over the next 20 years in various sectors, including marine stewardship and eco-cultural tourism.

Protecting oceans truly takes a village — or in this case, 17 nations!

May 2024 Sees First Decline in Construction Input Prices

There was a marked shift in the construction industry in May 2024 as construction input prices experienced a 0.9% decline — the first this year, mostly due to a significant drop in energy prices and slowing inflation.

This trend suggests that construction costs could potentially decrease, despite being slightly higher than the previous year.

Expert economists suggest this slowing inflation could lead to earlier-than-expected interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

However, overall cost stability has been maintained, irrespective of fluctuations in material prices. Diesel prices saw a notable 20% decrease, while steel mill products and copper wire and cable prices moderately increased.

The dip in material prices, coupled with possible lower interest rates, brings a ray of hope to the construction industry amidst low optimism about profit margins.

The energy sector’s uneven trend also reflects a broader easing of inflationary pressures that could provide some relief to the construction industry.

This summer, it seems the only things cooling down in construction are the input prices!

New Rule Enhances Safety for Hazardous Materials Shipments

In a significant move to enhance safety, the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has instituted a new rule requiring railroads to provide real-time, electronic information about hazardous materials shipments to first responders.

This regulation ensures that emergency personnel are better prepared for incidents involving hazardous materials.

Prompted by recent train derailments, the rule mandates immediate reporting of hazardous materials details to primary public safety answering points, such as 911 call centers or emergency responder apps like AskRail.

Railroads must now generate real-time train consist information, including hazardous materials’ quantity and position, the train’s origin and destination, and emergency response details.

This will allow emergency personnel to effectively utilize PHMSA’s 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook and its mobile app, significantly improving incident preparedness and response.

Now, railroads have no choice but to stay on track with safety.

Atlas Names Jeanne DiBella as New Chief Financial Officer

We’re excited to announce that Jeanne DiBella has joined Atlas as our new Chief Financial Officer!

With over 20 years of leadership in financial management and operations spanning both large, international corporations and smaller start-ups, she brings hands-on experience in building, leading, and integrating financial planning teams.

“Jeanne’s proven leadership in financial management will be invaluable as we continue to execute our growth strategy and enhance our operational efficiency. Her strong background in operations and financial management aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients, stakeholders, and communities, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the team.” — Atlas CEO, Jacque Hinman

To read the full press release, visit: https://loom.ly/b79mLcQ