Atlas Project Support: Knowledge Management

 California, often lauded as a leader in environmental policy, has recently found itself entangled in the complexities of its ambitious cap-and-trade system. While the state has made commendable strides in reducing emissions in the electricity sector, a closer examination reveals a troubling reality: California's policy mix has inadvertently disincentivized emission reductions in the industrial sector. Despite a shift from natural gas to renewables, the intended decarbonization across multiple sectors remains elusive.  The Cap-and-Trade Conundrum Cap-and-trade was introduced as a market-based solution to control carbon emissions, with the principle that the market's invisible hand could guide industries toward greener practices. The theory suggests that by capping total emissions and allowing companies to trade permits, the market would naturally drive down emissions where it was most cost-effective. This approach has led to significant emission reductions in the power sec...

 In the wake of multiple natural disasters, Puerto Rico's government has been engaged in a troubling pattern of politically motivated social engineering, a trend that is actively undermining genuine disaster recovery and sustainable development efforts. This article not only brings to light the depth of these manipulations but also urgently calls for accountability and reform. By delving into existing analyses and incorporating new insights, we can comprehend the systemic issues and work towards a more just and sustainable future for Puerto Rico. The Exploitation of Disasters Puerto Rico's governance issues are longstanding, with political corruption deeply embedded in its history. The mismanagement of billions of dollars intended for disaster recovery, particularly following Hurricane Maria in 2017, highlights a significant failure in leadership. These funds have been diverted to benefit politically connected individuals and entities, leaving the most vulnerable communitie...

  Atlas Project Support LLC In our previous articles, we explored the challenges and barriers to Puerto Rico’s renewable energy transition, highlighting the roles of political corruption and fossil fuel interests. In this third installment, we delve into a practical solution aimed at enhancing energy resilience amidst potential transportation and power system failures. This solution leverages an optimization-based model to strategically locate and configure electric power-generating resilience hubs, crucial for maintaining energy access during disasters. The Model: Maximizing Accessibility and Energy Satisfaction The proposed model addresses the critical need for resilience hubs by focusing on two main objectives: maximizing transportation accessibility to the hubs and ensuring the primary energy needs of communities are met through hub-generated power. This dual approach considers the limitations of energy generation capacity relative to community demands and the transportation ne...

  Atlas Project Support LLC July 6, 2024 In the ever-evolving construction world, integrating technology with traditional methods has always been and will continue to be the focal point of innovation and continual improvement. As someone deeply rooted in developmental and delivery cost management processes, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformation brought about by Building Information Modeling (BIM). This convergence of the art of estimation with the transformative power of BIM has revolutionized the construction industry and highlighted the intricate dance between human intuition and technological precision. The Art of Cost Estimating Cost estimating has always been a blend of science and art. It involves meticulous data analysis and an understanding of material costs, labor rates, and project timelines. However, there is an inherent artistry in foreseeing potential challenges, factoring in contingencies, and understanding the nuances of each unique project. The experience an...