February 12, 2025

Ensure Compliance with BEPP and Avoid Penalties

February 12, 2025/ Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP

If you are a commercial building owner in the City of Philadelphia, you may be required to comply with a recent regulation called the Building Energy Performance Program (§9-3404Building Energy Performance Policy). This ordinance mandates that owners of buildings larger than 50,000 square feet complete a “Building Tune-Up” every five years. The deadline for compliance has passed. If you have not yet addressed this requirement, now is the time to act! Non-compliance may result in violation notices and monthly fines from the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).

September 21, 2024

Reducing the use of Fossil Fuels

September 21, 2024/ Marika Selzler-Williams

Celebrating Zero Emissions Day: a day focused on encouraging the reduction of the use of fossil fuels in daily life and promoting the use of renewable energy.

August 29, 2024

LSA Grant Open for Public Entities with Public Interest Projects

August 29, 2024/ Jamie Lorah

The PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Applications will be received from September 1, 2024 to November 30, 2024.

August 20, 2024

New PADEP NPDES General Permit Requirements

August 20, 2024/ Scott Miller

If you currently have coverage under PAG-02 General Permit, your permit coverage for discharge of stormwater associated with construction activities will expire on December 7, 2024.

August 14, 2024

Understanding the Land Development Process

August 14, 2024/ Scott Miller

Whether you’re adding a new building, expanding an existing footprint, changing the use of the facility or increasing the amount of impervious surface on your site, you may need a Land Development plan. Regardless of size, projects with some level of earth disturbance may require a site plan with a minimum set of requirements to move forward.

August 01, 2024

Celebrating Water Quality

August 01, 2024/ Ashley Nace

National Water Quality Month is dedicated to making the most of what little freshwater we have available. We must protect and repair our waterways because healthy water is essential for our health, agriculture and environment.

At SSM we are dedicated to protecting, developing, and managing water resources for future generations.

July 17, 2024

Reducing Plastic Waste: Joining the Movement with Plastic Free July

July 17, 2024/ Ashley Nace

Take the challenge and join in on Plastic Free July!

Plastic Free July was founded in 2011 by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz to help reduce the amount of plastic waste we consume. The month is dedicated to encouraging people to discover alternatives to single-use plastics and to reexamine the major role plastic takes in their everyday lives.

July 05, 2024

PA Department of Environmental Protection Launches Energy Efficiency Grant and Loan Program

July 05, 2024/ Paul Spiegel, PE, LEED AP

The PA Department. of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) launched a new program to help local governments develop and implement energy efficiency upgrades for their buildings. The Municipal Opportunities for Retrofits and Energy Efficiency (MORE) program offers grants to $50,000 each and loans to PA municipalities and municipal authorities that are ineligible for direct EECBG allocations. Applications are open now, and awards are first come, first served.

July 01, 2024

Embracing Plastic Free July and Protecting Our Environment

July 01, 2024/ Eileen Kaley

Becoming plastic free or lessening your consumption of plastic can positively impact the environment greatly. Plastic Free July gives participants the tools they need to change their habits and the resources to stop and think about how individuals can make an impact for the better and reduce their reliance on plastic.