SBLM

Net-zero energy or zero net energy building, is a building with zero net energy consumption. Meaning that the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site. For a building to be certified as net-zero, all of its energy needs over a 12-month period must be supplied by on-site renewable energy. The International Living Future Institute does allow an “off-site renewables” exception for buildings that are locating in tight urban areas where solar panels aren’t feasible. In recent years there has been a shift toward achieving NZE buildings, especially in California, Virginia, and Europe. Net-zero projects still represent a fraction of total new construction, but their numbers are on the rise. According to the New Buildings Institute (NBI), which has been tracking net-zero buildings since 2000, there were 332 verified or anticipated net-zero buildings in the United States and Canada at the end of

Florida is rolling out a groundbreaking way of addressing mental health treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation facility, and SBLM is excited to be partnering with The Internal Services Division and South Florida Behavioral Network to design a framework for this project. With a budget of $35 million the facility will be housed in an abandoned former State Psychiatric Hospital that is leased to the County/South Florida Behavioral Network. The facility is expected to open late 2019. The Mental Health Diversion Facility will host a comprehensive array of treatment and support services including triage/screening and assessment, crisis stabilization unit, short term residential treatment and therapeutic and vocational training with a “step-down” concept.  The facility will offer comprehensive on site services for the residents and former residents including various levels of residential treatment, outpatient behavioral health and primary care treatment, crisis respite services, l

Technology is slowly being implemented to every aspect of our lives, including our work. A few years ago, VR/AR was considered child’s play, but since then, the software has significantly improved and became a medium that’s being used more by younger professionals in the AEC industry. VR/AR offers a more immersive experience for architectural designs, space building, and interior designs. As more apps and software is being released and focused for the architectural and design community, VR/AR tools are becoming an industry standard. VR (virtual reality) creates fully computer-generated environments, while AR (augmented reality) delivers virtual elements as an overlay to the real world. Both use similar tech, but ultimately lead the end user to different results. VR is sought to be a better tool for architects, while AR used for construction displays. A few applications on the market directed for the AEC industry include Fuzor , Shapespark , and ARki . Many firms are