May 2022 Trends

Parul Dubey on April 28, 2022 - in Trends

In this section, Informed Infrastructure compiles infographics from trusted sources that reveal insight on infrastructure spending. We also compile some of the top infrastructure stories that shouldn’t be missed. For ongoing news coverage, turn to Informed Infrastructure online , our Twitter feed (@IInfrastructure) and our weekly e-newsletter.

White House Details Transportation FY 2023 Funding

On March 28, 2022, President Biden unveiled the federal government’s proposed budget for fiscal-year 2023 (starting Oct. 1, 2022).

The Biden administration’s proposed budget includes $142.3 billion in total gross budget authority for the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) , an increase of $1.6 billion or 1.1 percent over the enacted level for FY 2022. That includes an additional $36.8 billion in guaranteed “advanced appropriations” provided via the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed into law in November 2021.

That funding also includes $78.4 billion in Highway Trust Fund contract authority, an increase of $1.6 billion over the FY 2022 enacted level, and $27.1 billion in regular appropriations, level with the amount enacted in FY 2022.

The USDOT provided a modal breakdown of its proposed FY 2023 total budget authority:

• The Federal Aviation Administration receives $23 billion, a 0.4 percent increase vs. FY 2022.

• The Federal Highway Administration receives $69 billion, a 1.6 percent decrease vs. FY 2022.

• The Federal Transit Administration receives $21 billion, a 3 percent increase vs. FY 2022.

• The Federal Railroad Administration receives $17.9 billion, an 8.1 percent increase vs. FY 2022.

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration receives $1.5 billion, a 6.6 percent increase vs. FY 2022.

In addition to the FY 2023 budget, USDOT unveiled a new “FY 2022-2026 Strategic Plan” (www.transportation.gov/dot-strategic-plan) to provide a “roadmap” for how to invest the additional transportation funding provided by the IIJA.

Energy Transition Key to Global Energy and Climate Crisis

Short-term interventions addressing the current energy crisis must be accompanied by a steadfast focus on mid- and long-term goals of the energy transition. “High fossil-fuel prices, energy-security concerns and the urgency of climate change underscore the pressing need to move faster to a clean energy system,” according to the “World Energy Transitions Outlook 2022.”

Launched by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue in March 2022, the agency’s outlook sets out priority areas and actions based on available technologies that must be realized by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. It also takes stock of progress across all energy uses to date, clearly showing that the current pace and scale of the renewables-based transition is inadequate.

The outlook sees investment needs of $5.7 trillion per year until 2030, including the imperative to redirect $0.7 trillion annually away from fossil fuels to avoid stranded assets. According to the report, investing in the transition would bring concrete socioeconomic and welfare benefits, adding 85 million jobs worldwide in renewables and other transition-related technologies between today and 2030. These job gains would largely surpass losses of 12 million jobs in fossil-fuel industries. Overall, more countries would experience greater benefits on the energy transition path than under “business as usual,” according to the research.

Read the full report at bit.ly/3uBjT6h.

Chronic Water Waste Increases Carbon Emissions

The water systems within the world’s buildings and facilities are a major source of carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to the global climate crisis, according to “The Carbon Impact of Water,” a new white paper released by WINT Water Intelligence.

Although the availability of clean water has been recognized as an urgent worldwide concern, carbon emissions associated with the production, treatment and distribution of clean water often have been overlooked. This new report (wint.ai/the-carbon-footprint-of-water) details the immediate and long-term consequences of our current water infrastructure.

The paper also highlights the amplifying effect of waste and chronic inefficiency. Approximately 25 percent of all water in the built environment is ultimately wasted, driving up water-related energy use and associated greenhouse emissions. “The Carbon Impact of Water” also offers expert guidance on best practices to reduce waste and emissions.

“The environmental impact of water misuse and waste is a critical challenge,” the report concludes. “Inefficient use of this resource creates shortages and increases greenhouse emissions, sometimes more than notorious emitters such as cars or transatlantic flights.”

Unfortunately, inefficiencies are rampant in buildings. Approximately 25 percent of the water in the built environment is ultimately wasted through leaks, outdated technology, malfunctions and human error. Fortunately, a few key actions such as proper maintenance and installing advanced water intelligence solutions are highly effective ways of reducing waste, emissions and overall environmental impact.

“It is our generation’s responsibility to efficiently use the water we’ve been given,” the paper concludes, “and to identify and curtail the unnecessary, expensive and environmentally irresponsible waste of this precious resource.”

ACI Releases 2022 Codes, Specifications and Practices Collection

The 2022 American Concrete Institute (ACI) Collection spans 50-plus codes or specifications and 200-plus practice guides or reports, including more than 10 newly published documents addressing topics such as thermal bridge mitigation, polished slab finishes and crack repair.

The collection features ACI 318 “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete,” ACI 301 “Specifications for Structural Concrete,” and ACI 562 “Code Requirements for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures and Commentary.” Additional documents are dedicated to reinforcement, specialized application, structural analysis and innovation as well as popular topics such as slabs, formwork and masonry.

ACI Collection subscriptions, thumb drives or print versions can be obtained via www.concrete.org/store.

TOP Stories

The following are the top stories from the last few months (in terms of traffic) on the Informed Infrastructure website. This also reflects key coverage areas that are regularly refreshed online and via our weekly e-newsletter. Simply search key words on Informed Infrastructure online to find the full story.

Buildings

Transportation

Water

Tools and Technology

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