Insights & News

March 26, 2026

The practice of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Assignment for state departments of transportation (DOTs) is gaining buzz. DOTs across the country are encouraged to consider managing their own responsibilities under NEPA and other environmental laws for highway projects under this program.

March 12, 2026

Grant funding, once the foundation of resilience projects, can no longer be the sole source to advance community risk reduction. Resilience, defined in this context as the ability to withstand and recover quickly from disasters, is a focal point for many communities seeking to close the gap between…

February 25, 2026

Every year, Engineers Week allows us to celebrate our problem-solvers and inspire the next generation. We asked our thought leaders to think about this year’s theme, “Transform Your Future,” which looks at how engineering shapes not only the built environment, but our opportunities, our…

February 18, 2026

Although the Earth’s population continues to grow exponentially, our traditional freshwater supply is limited. This increases the need for alternative water supply projects, which are often more expensive and therefore less feasible for smaller, under-resourced communities. In order to achieve the…

February 5, 2026

Energy efficiency and decarbonization are two focal points in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing industry. As engineers, it is our responsibility to propose and design solutions to address these topics in accordance with the project’s goals. However, measuring the success of such designs…

January 22, 2026

Often perceived by the public as the epitome of permanence, municipal infrastructure systems are, in fact, subject to a host of changing conditions and evolving influences that can challenge a community’s efforts to maintain the delicate balance of quality of life, environmental protection, and…

January 9, 2026

High-stress and high-pressure situations are a daily occurrence for police personnel, which can take a toll on their physical and mental health. Tasked to serve and protect, it is essential that their work environments support and encourage their overall wellness. Design considerations such as…

December 18, 2025

Almost everyone has childhood memories of visiting their local library— and for good reason. Libraries are special spaces that provide free resources to communities and are one of the few remaining venues with no barriers to entry. Even as media transitions away from traditional print to digital in…

December 4, 2025

Recognizing the importance of how we use and manage water is fundamental to life as we know it. It is a precious commodity that covers 71% of the planet—and of that, only 0.5% is “available” fresh water, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Managing this valuable resource can be complex and…

November 20, 2025

In architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects, there are two types of carbon emissions to be aware of—operational carbon and embodied carbon. Operational carbon represents any emissions released from a building’s ongoing operations and day-to-day activities, such as lighting and…

November 6, 2025

When you live in an area that is high risk for potentially devastating natural weather events, communication between local officials and residents is critical, and in some cases, can mean the difference between life and death.

October 23, 2025

Emergency infrastructure projects have a life of their own, shaped by a very human element at their core. In most cases, they involve communities impacted by natural disasters, such as flooding that washes out bridges or roadways. In more severe cases, residents can be displaced.