Ontario, Calif. — IAPMO® has proudly published a new white paper titled Adaptive Reuse: Converting Offices to Multi-Residential Family, a comprehensive analysis of the transformative approach to addressing housing shortages through the conversion of office spaces into residential units.
Authored by Christoph Lohr, P.E., CPD, LEED AP BD+C, ASSE 12080, vice president of IAPMO Technical Services and Research, the white paper delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by adaptive reuse projects. It emphasizes the importance of flexible building codes, like the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC®) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC®), in promoting construction affordability and sustainability.
From policy considerations to financing, the white paper covers all aspects of adaptive reuse projects. It discusses the complexities of zoning changes, the potential for mixed-use buildings to create more affordable housing, and the financial incentives that can make these projects more attractive to developers.
The publication comes at a critical time when the United States faces a significant housing shortage, with an estimated deficit of 3.8 million homes. Adaptive reuse offers a viable solution to this crisis by revitalizing urban cores and reducing the environmental impact of new construction.
“IAPMO urges policymakers, developers, and the construction industry to consider adaptive reuse as a key strategy in addressing the housing crisis,” Lohr said. “By leveraging existing infrastructure and promoting sustainability, adaptive reuse not only preserves historical buildings but also offers a path toward revitalizing urban cores and improving the quality of life for residents.”
Lohr’s white paper is a testament to the organization’s commitment to public health and safety through innovative industry standards and education. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, architects, engineers, and the construction industry at large, providing insights into the economic and environmental benefits of adaptive reuse.
ASSE International is seeking members to update or create the following product standards: ASSE 1012, ASSE 1023, ASSE 1051, ASSE 1376, and ASSE 1391. Working group members will be assisting the Product Standards Committee (PSC) with the continued development of these existing and prospective American National Standards. (ASSE 1376 and 1391 are new standards.)
ASSE International is seeking working group members to update three professional qualification standards — ASSE 12000 Standard for Water Management and Infection Control Risk Assessment for Building Systems; ASSE 13000 Standard for Service Plumber and Residential Mechanical Service Technician; and ASSE 27000 Standard for Hybrid Fire Extinguishing Systems Personnel.
IAPMO’s Systems Certification Body (SCB) has been accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) to provide ISO 45001:2018 certification to existing and prospective clients wishing to demonstrate the effectiveness of their occupational health and safety management system.