Mobility & Parking

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Mobility & Parking

November 12, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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U.S. Department of Transportation Rulemaking Process
No open consultations as of today’s date

Binghamton University | New Inner Loop Campus Shuttle

 


University of Michigan Human Factors Engineering

Paul Green Research

Development of Human Factors and Automotive Standards Curricula Materials for the University of Michigan and Beyond

 

Drivers facing the yellow-light-dilemma


File: November 7, 2025

 

Statement on the Electric Vehicle Zietgeist

University of Michigan Campus Transportation Master Plan

Die Fachhochschule Wedel bei Hamburg

The Invention of the Wheel – The Journey to Civilization 

Today we amble through the literature providing policy templates informing school district, college and university-affiliated transportation and parking facilities and systems.   Starting 2024 we will break up our coverage thus:

Mobility 100 (Survey of both ground and air transportation instructional and research facilities)

Mobility 200 (Ground Transportation)

Mobility 300 (Air Transportation)

Mobility 400 (Reserved for zoning, parking space allocation and enforcement, and issues related to one of the most troublesome conditions in educational settlements)

Today’s session will be the last when we cover both land and air transportation codes, standards, guidelines and the regulations that depend upon all them. We will break out space and aerospace mobility into a separate session — largely because many universities are tooling up square footage and facilities in anticipation of research grants.

Top Deck View


Public consultation originates from the following organizations:

American Center for Mobility

International Code Council

Electric Vehicle Charging

International Electrotechnical Commission

SyC Smart Cities

International Organization for Standardization

Intelligent Transport Systems
Road Vehicles

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

 Intelligent Transportation Systems Society 

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International)

Like many SDO’s the SAE makes it very easy to purchase a standard but makes it very difficulty to find a draft standard open for public review.  It is not an open process; one must apply to comment on a draft standard.  Moreover, its programmers persist in playing “keep away” with landing pages.

Technical Standards for Road Vehicles and Intelligent Vehicle Systems

 

International Code Council

National Fire Protection Association

Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System

Association of Transportation Safety Information Professionals

International Light Transportation Vehicle Association

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission

Gallery: Electric Vehicle Fire Risk


Noteworthy:

The public school bus system in the United States is the largest public transit system in the United States. According to the American School Bus Council, approximately 25 million students in the United States ride school buses to and from school each day, which is more than twice the number of passengers that use all other forms of public transportation combined.

The school bus system is considered a public transit system because it is operated by public schools and school districts, and provides a form of transportation that is funded by taxpayers and available to the general public. The school bus system also plays a critical role in ensuring that students have access to education, particularly in rural and low-income areas where transportation options may be limited.

 

Something is always happening in this domain:

A Quiet Rollout: Electric Scooters on Campus

Notre Dame Police Department shares gameday parking restrictions, tips

Electric School Bus Market Size, Industry Share, Analysis, Report and Forecast 2022-2027

Non profit associations proliferate:

American School Bus Council

American Bus Association

Campus Parking and Transportation Association

National Association for Pupil Transportation

National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services

National School Transportation Association

School Bus Manufacturers Association

…and 50-state spinoffs of the foregoing.  (See our ABOUT for further discussion of education industry non-profit associations)

There are several ad hoc consortia in this domain also; which include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.  Charging specifications are at least temporarily “stable”; though who should pay for the charging infrastructure in the long run is a debate we have tracked for several revision cycles in building and fire codes.

Because incumbents are leading the electromobility transformation, and incumbents have deep pockets for market-making despite the “jankiness” of the US power grid, we can track some (not all) legislation action, and prospective public comment opportunities.   For example:

S. 1254: Stop for School Buses Act of 2019

S. 1750 Clean School Bus Grant Program

S. 1939 / Smarter Transportation Act

Keep in mind that even though proposed legislation is sun-setted in a previous (116th) Congress, the concepts may be carried forward into the following Congress (117th).

Public consultations on mobility technologies relevant to the education facility industry are also covered by the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee which meets 4 times monthly in European and American time zones.

This topic is growing rapidly and it may well be that we will have to break it up into more manageable pieces.  For the moment, today’s colloquium is open to everyone.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

Standing Agenda / Mobility

Gallery: Campus Transportation and Parking

 

Transport Security

Group A Model Building Codes

November 12, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com

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Military installations depend upon much of the same technical infrastructure and consensus standards that sustain civilian educational settlements, supplemented by requirements particular to national defense.

2027/2028/2029 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

 


The largest share of safety and sustainability concepts relevant to our SAFER-SIMPLER-LOWER COST-LONGER LASTING priorities appear in ICC’s Group A tranche of titles. Comments on Committee Actions taken on the April meetings in Atlanta will were received July 8th — including own proposals for performance-based building interior power chain design — and will be discussed at the Committee Action Hearings in Long Beach, October 23-31.

We will use the transcript linked below:

Complete Code Change Monograph

2024 / 2025 / 2026 Code Development: Group A (2024)

2024/2025/2026 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

Click to launch LIVECAST

2024 International Building Code

2024 / 2025 / 2026 Code Development: Group A (2024)

Action on public response to the first draft of the next edition of the Group A tranche of titles of building codes will be heard in Long Beach, October 23-31.

International Building Code (Occupancy Classification and Use)

Educational Group E
Note that there is a great deal of nuance in the definitions for healthcare and research-related occupancies

International Building Code (Electrical)

Emergency and Standby Power Systems

Lightning Protection Systems

IBC Chapter 27 Proposal

International Building Code (Fire Safety)

International Existing Building Code

International Fire Code

International Mechanical Code

International Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities

International Plumbing Code

International Property Maintenance Code

International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

International Zoning Code

We will examine safety and sustainability concepts tracking in the monographs linked below:

2021 / 2022 Code Development: Group A

2021 GROUP A PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE I-CODES (2306 Pages)

2021 GROUP A PUBLIC COMMENT AGENDA (1425 Pages)

There are over 100 concepts “in play”; a partial list appears below:

423.5.2 Location of schools used as storm shelters.

423.4.1 Required Occupant Capacity in storm shelters

917.1 Requirement for mass notification studies for colleges and universities.

403.3.6 Door locking.

1003.3.1 Fat, oil and grease receptors in kitchens.

Sections 403.1.1 and 403.2.  Minimum number of plumbing fixtures in various occupancy classifications and how many genders.

1110.3 Adult Changing Stations.

410.4.1 Performance theater actor changing room separation from stage.

1202.7 Soil Gas Control.  Radon levels in schools.

1204.1.1 Percentage of natural light in classrooms.

321.1 Artificial combustible vegetation on roofs and near buildings.

907.2.1 Manual fire alarm pull stations located at outdoor stadium bleachers

915.2.3 4 Carbon monoxide detectors in Group E occupancies.

501.1 Accessory dwelling units in residential zones

801.2.3.1 Accessory dwelling unit parking.

We will have time to sort through them, assign priorities and prepare proposals based upon colloquia over the next few weeks.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

April 30, 2023 Update of the New ICC Code, Standard and Guideline Process

Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures



Updated: September 13

(Original Post: April 12, 2021)

 

During today’s colloquium we will review all of the concepts tracking in the Group A tranche relevant to student housing facilities owned by the college, university or school district; soon to be discussed during the Committee Action Hearings starting September 22nd.   There are quite a few so we will likely not have time to cover best practice titles for off-campus housing; a sensitive area.  We will set a separate colloquium for this topic in early 2022.

Group A Committee Action Hearings begin September 22nd and we will provide a link to the ICC livestream every day.


Updated: August 17, 2021

(Original Post: April 12, 2021)

During today’s colloquium on fire safety we will review all of the concepts tracking in the Group A tranche; soon to be discussed during the Committee Action Hearings starting September 22nd.

 


July 12th

For today’s colloquium on elevators and lifts we will review the following concepts tracking in the Group A tranche:

IBC § 1109.2.1| E30-21, E31-21, et. al | The intent of this proposal(s) is to allow for ramps to serve as an accessible route off an occupied roof instead of requiring standby power on the elevator for that occupied roof.

IBC § 1109.2.1| E30-21, E31-21, et. al | Related to the above.  Parking garages and self-service storage facilities have extremely low occupancy loads. Increasing the 4-story limit to 6-
stories for when standby power for elevators is required takes this practical difference in uses into account.

IBC § 1109.2.2| E34-21, et. al | Providing the fire department the option for using the elevator for assisted evacuation in any elevator building using fire department recall; with the additional
improvements of standby power (1009.4.1) at five stories and the fire service access elevator protections at 120 feet.

IBC § 1010.2.15 | E56-21 | Elevator lobby exit access doors

IBC § 1010.2. | E56-21 | Elevator lobby exit access doors

IBC § 3006.3 |  G184-21 | Elevator hoistway pressure

IBC § 3001.2 |  G175-21 | Elevator communication systems

IBC § 1020.2.1 |  G182-21 | Elevator hoistway fire protection

IBC § 3007.6 |  G187-21 | Elevator corridors and access

Keep in mind that most of these failed as stand-alone proposals but will likely inform decisions on related proposals; at least administratively.

Continuation of the Group A Code Development may be tracked below:

2021/2022 Code Development Cycle

You may key in your own responses starting HERE.

The ICC catalog informs a large part of our own agenda so we deal with titles within it nearly every day on nearly every issue.  For example, we will track interaction of Article 620 of the National Electrical Code, Chapter 7 of the Life Safety Code, and Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems in the International Building Code


June 14

For today’s colloquium — a review of the construction spend rate — today note the following:

Table of Contents identifying administration of the Group A revision cycle

For the Nurse & Dentist colloquium today we note the following:

We find most of the discussion centered on nursing home safety concepts; a focus area given the circumstances of the pandemic.   Public comment closes the end of this week.

For the Lively Arts colloquium today we note the following:

  • Fire hazard associated with theatrical lighting and assembly construction materials.
  • Gender sensitive water closet count in theaters and assembly areas
  • Schools as storm shelters

For the Housing colloquium earlier this month we examined the report linked below for concepts related to student housing facilities in these three groups:

  • University-owned dormitories
  • Student residences owned by the private sector; a very large market now
  • Privately-owned off-campus housing in close proximity to educational campuses

2021 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ACTION HEARINGS ON THE 2021 EDITIONS OF THE GROUP A INTERNATIONAL CODES

Consultation closes July 2nd.

We will also examine related concepts tracking through the NFPA and ASHRAE catalog.


June 9

What got through?  The complete monograph is linked below.  We will be picking through these one-by-one, topic-by-topic, according to the topics of our daily colloquia ahead of the July 2nd deadline:

2021 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ACTION HEARINGS ON THE 2021 EDITIONS OF THE GROUP A INTERNATIONAL CODES

– G97-21: Exception expansion for occupant capacity when schools are used as storm shelters

– G35-21 Table 307 Hazardous materials in higher education laboratories

– F105-21 Risk assessments for mass notification system scope expansion for younger children

– Others regarding healthcare settings too nuanced and complex to describe briefly here….

Generally speaking, most of the proposals briefly identified below were rejected.

CLICK HERE to comment directly.   Join us any day at 15:00 UTC


May 24

CLICK HERE for the Results of Committee Action Hearings on the 2021 proposed changes to the international codes.  You may key in your own comments on these results into ICC’s cdpACCESS Code Development System until July 2nd.  Public Comment Hearings run from September 22 through September 29th according to the ICC 2021/2022 Group A Code Development schedule.


April 12

The International Code Council will host public hearings on its Group A Codes, many of which will affect education community safety and sustainability.  The proposals on the docket of the various committee meetings are relevant to every topic on our daily colloquia (See CALENDAR).  We will be attending these meetings and discussing proposals and decisions in this first part of ICC’s code development process.  The transcript of the complete monograph is linked below:

2021 GROUP A PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE I-CODES (2306 Pages)

We will be referring to this transcript every day for the next month.  CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO START LIVECAST STREAM.

VIEW ONLY WEBCAST

Proposals to watch:

IPC § 403.1.1 | P26-21 | Calculation method revision for plumbing fixtures for sporting arenas

IFC § 304 et. al | F9-21 | Waste container concepts

IFC § 304.1 | F8-21 | Valet waste concepts in R-2 occupancies

ICCPC § 1205 | PC15-21 | Non-potable and grey-water recycling

IFC § 805.2 | G3-21 | Wastebaskets and linen containers in Group I-1, I-2, etc

IBC § 713.13.4 | FS57-21 | Chute discharge rooms in recycling or laundry areas

IBC § 503.1 | G104-21 | Rooftop photovoltaic systems.

IBC § 1105.1.1 | E116-21 | Power-operated doors at public entrances.  (Electrification of building openings gathers pace.  Remember the good old days when you simply reached for the doorknob?)

IBC § 716.2.6.1, et al | FS85-21 | Fire doors in storm shelters

IBC § 202, et. al | G94-21 | Expansion of storm shelter concepts to “severe windstorms”

IFC § 304.3, et al | F9-21 | 304.3.7 Waste containers with a capacity of 20 gallons or more in Group R-2 college and university dormitories.

IBC § 1213, et al | G172-21 | Stanchions and grab bars (student dormitories and healthcare facilities)

IBC § 1109.2.1| E30-21, E31-21, et. al | The intent of this proposal(s) is to allow for ramps to serve as an accessible route off an occupied roof instead of requiring standby power on the elevator for that occupied roof.

IBC § 1109.2.1| E30-21, E31-21, et. al | Related to the above.  Parking garages and self-service storage facilities have extremely low occupancy loads. Increasing the 4-story limit to 6-
stories for when standby power for elevators is required takes this practical difference in uses into account.

IBC § 1109.2.2| E34-21, et. al | Providing the fire department the option for using the elevator for assisted evacuation in any elevator building using fire department recall; with the additional
improvements of standby power (1009.4.1) at five stories and the fire service access elevator protections at 120 feet.

IBC § 1010.2.7| E47-21 | Exceptions for stairway door operability with failure of power supply

IBC § 3301, et. al| G199-21 Part 1 | Fire safety during construction concepts; removal of waste, Site Safety Plan

IBC Section 202, et. al | G110-21 |  Live Fire Training Building(s)

IMC Table 403.3.3 | M21-21 |  Minimum Ventilation Rates for Animal Facilities

IBC § 1004.8, et al| E10-21 |  Concentrated business use areas (such as computer rooms and data processing centers).  See the G99-21 series of proposals for computer rooms.

IFC, et. al| F18-21 |  Closer correlation with NFPA 96 (large administrative changes for O&M of ICT fire protection systems)

IFC § 308.4.1, et al| G44-21 |  Groups R-2 dormitories

IBC § 202 (NEW) | G66-21 |  Electrical mobility definitions

IBC § 1107.2, et al | E124-21 & E125-21 & E126-21 |  Electrical vehicle charging stations for R-2 occupancies.

IBC § 1104 | E11-21 |  Posting of occupant load

IBC § 1009.8| E35-21 |  Two-way emergency communication

IFC § 202 et. al | F69-21| Animal Housing Facility

IPC § 609.3. al | P102-21| Hot handwashing water

IFC § 202 et. al | F175-21| Healthcare Laboratory Definition

IFC § 911-21 | F119-21| Crosswalk and correlation with NFPA 99 and NFPA 70

IPC § 1003.1 et. al | P131-21| Fat, oil and grease interceptors (for kitchens)

IFC § 903.2 et. al | F65-21| Ambulatory Care facilities

IFC § 917.1, et. al | F105-21| More risk analysis for Group E occupancies

IFC Chapter 9 Fire & Life Safety Systems | F102-21 | State-by-state analysis supporting hottened fire safety requirements

IFC § 202 et. al | F5-21| Occupancy classifications

ICCPC Chapter 3 Design Performance Levels | PC1-21 | Risk Categories for schools and other occupancy types

IBC § 503.2, et. al | G190-21 | Replacement buildings on the same lot

IBC § 1204.1, et. al | G166-21 |  Classrooms Group E natural light

IBC § 423.4.1 | G96-21, et. al | Critical emergency operations; schools as storm shelters; required occupancy capacity

IBC § 1202.7 | G162-21 | Soil gas control systems in new educational buildings

IFC § 1103.9 | F116-21 | Carbon Monoxide detection

IPC § 403.3 | P33-21 | Location of toilet facilities

IPMC Chapter 3 General Requirements | PM10-21 | Accessibility and maintenance

IBC § 1008.1, et. al | E24-21 | Means of egress illumination

IBC § 202 | E26-21 | New definition for energy storage system

IFC § 1203.1.1| E26-21 | New definition for energy storage system

IBC § 1204.1.1 | G165-21 | Classroom natural light criteria

IBC § 1013.5 | E71-21 | Photoluminescent exit signs installation where they can actually be charged

IBC § 1010.2.10 | E49-21| Access control door locking system

IBC § 1010.2.11 | E51-21 and E52-21, et. al | Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors & delayed egress concepts

IBC § 1010.2.15 | E56-21 | Elevator lobby exit access doors

IBC § 1010.2. | E56-21 | Elevator lobby exit access doors

IBC § 1010.12 | E42-21 | Locks and latches

IBC NEW § 202 | 43-21 | New definitions for Automatic Flush Bolt, et. al

IBC § 1010.2.3 | E44-21 | (Door) Hardware height

IBC NEW § 202 | E55-21 | Control vestibules (hospitals)

IBC § 1110.3 NEW | E142-21 | Adult Changing Stations

IBC § 3301| G199-21 Part I | Fire safety during constructionDenver Public Schools

IFC § NEW SECTIONS 203 Occupancy Classification and Use | F5-21 | See Page 1086

IFC § Chapters 1 – 3 | F14-21| Significant changes to administrative chapters

IBC § 410.1 | G73-21| Stage v.  Platform nomenclature with respect to fire load

IBC § 410.2.1| G77-21| Stage fire hazards

IBC § 410.2.1| G79-21| Stage fire hazards

IBC § 423.4 | G96-21| Critical emergency operations; occupant load for storm shelters

IBC § 423.5.1 | G97-21| Occupant load for storm shelters

G99-21 Part II et. al | Definitions of Information & Communications Technology; revisions to Section 429 Information Technology Equipment Facilities

G112-21, et. al| Sleeping lofts (common in student residence halls)

IBC § 505.2.2 | G115-21 Mixed occupancy buildings

IBC § 506.3.2 | G116-21 Minimum building frontage distance

IBC § 302.1 | G121-21 Occupancy classification

IBC § 1210.4 | G174-21 Use of radiant energy to inactivate bacteria

ICCPC § 1401.3.8 | PC16-21 Protection of secondary power services and equipment

IBC § 2701.1.1 | Group I-2 Electrical systems

IBC & IFC G175-21 | Lightning Protection Systems

IBC § 3006.3 |  G184-21 | Elevator hoistway pressure

IBC § 3001.2 |  G175-21 | Elevator communication systems

IBC § 1020.2.1 |  G182-21 | Elevator hoistway fire protection

IBC § 3007.6 |  G187-21 | Elevator corridors and access

IBC APPENDIX Q (NEW) |  G201-21  | Temporary Structures and Used to Serve Emergencies

IFC § 705.5.1 |  FS17-21 | Buildings in a public right-of-way

Much has changed in the ICC code development process–not the least of which is the absence of the Livecast. Today we will examine our own proposals regarding, a) a performance-based electrical design of building interior feeder power chains; b) market-making by incumbents enlivened by the protected class of money that flows into student accommodations on and off campus.

Notes on Group A Codes 2021

Unified Facilities Criteria

November 12, 2026
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Memorandum

Our interest lies in the built environment for higher education students seeking careers in the military.   Many marquee colleges and universities are, at best, ambivalent about the presence of the military in their educational settlements.  Alas, that is a discussion for another organization; not ours.

 We list a few pros and five cons regarding how the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) may support our primary mission this industry, based on its alignment with the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF) and the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI).

Pros

  • Comprehensive Resource Hub via NCEF: NIBS manages the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities (NCEF), established by the U.S. Department of Education in 1997, which serves as a vital resource for school administrators, facility managers, designers, and researchers. It provides free access to news, events, data, and statistics on school facilities planning, design, funding, construction, and maintenance, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions for safe, healthy, and high-performing educational environments.

  • Advocacy for Safe and Sustainable Schools: Through the National Center on School Infrastructure (NCSI), NIBS collaborates with partners to provide technical assistance and training to state and local educational agencies. This initiative focuses on improving public school infrastructure to ensure health, safety, sustainability, and equity, helping schools address challenges like aging facilities and climate resilience.

  • Development of Standards and Guidelines: NIBS develops criteria, guidelines, and best practices recognized by organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Code Council (ICC). These resources can guide the construction and renovation of educational facilities to meet high-performance standards, ensuring durability, energy efficiency, and safety.

  • Promotion of Digital Transformation: NIBS supports initiatives like the U.S. National BIM Program, which promotes digital transformation in designing, constructing, and operating educational facilities. Building Information Modeling (BIM) can streamline project management, reduce costs, and improve facility maintenance in schools.

  • Stakeholder Collaboration: NIBS brings together experts from government, industry, labor, and academia to address challenges in the built environment. This collaborative approach fosters innovative solutions tailored to educational facilities, such as resilient design to mitigate natural hazards, which is critical for protecting students and staff.

Cons

  • Dependence on Funding and Membership: NIBS relies on a mix of public and private financing, including membership dues and grants. Budget constraints or shifts in funding priorities could limit the resources available for educational facility-specific programs like NCEF or NCSI, reducing their effectiveness.
  • Complexity of Implementation: The technical standards and guidelines developed by NIBS, such as those for BIM or resilience, may be complex and require significant expertise to implement. Smaller school districts with limited resources or technical know-how may struggle to adopt these advanced practices.

  • Potential for Slow Consensus-Building: NIBS emphasizes collaboration and consensus among diverse stakeholders, which can be time-consuming. This process may delay the development or implementation of solutions critical for addressing urgent needs in educational facilities, such as rapid repairs for aging infrastructure.

  • Limited Public Awareness: Despite its contributions, NIBS may not be widely known among local school administrators or facility managers. This lack of awareness could hinder the adoption of its resources, such as NCEF’s database or NCSI’s technical assistance, limiting their impact on the educational facilities industry.

NIBS offers significant benefits to the educational facilities industry through its resources, technical assistance, and collaborative approach, particularly via programs like NCEF and NCSI. However, its broad focus, funding dependencies, and the complexity of its solutions may pose challenges for widespread adoption, especially in under-resourced school districts. For more information on NIBS’s initiatives, visit nibs.org or explore specific programs like the NCSI at ed.gov.


Comment (MAA):  A snarky slide title that implies that current policy is working.  Uncertain policy means the American people are asking for change given US Debt; some of it accelerated by partisans of a large government and its handmaidens in academia.

 

Campus Electric Transit

November 12, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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University of Michigan | Washtenaw County

Widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) on large university campuses offers significant possibilities but also presents challenges. Possibilities include reduced carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals, as EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Campuses could deploy electric shuttles, maintenance vehicles, or shared EV fleets, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. EVs could integrate with campus microgrids, leveraging renewable energy sources like solar panels. They also promote quieter environments, reducing noise pollution in academic settings. Universities could foster innovation by integrating EV infrastructure into research, such as smart grid technology or battery development.

Pros include environmental benefits, lower operating costs (electricity is cheaper than fuel), and enhanced campus branding as eco-friendly. EVs require less maintenance, saving long-term costs. Students and staff benefit from cleaner air and modern transportation options.

Cons include high upfront costs for EVs and charging infrastructure, straining budgets. Limited range and charging times may disrupt campus operations, especially for time-sensitive tasks. Charging station availability could lead to congestion or inequitable access. Battery production raises ethical concerns about resource extraction. Retrofitting existing fleets and managing grid demand pose logistical hurdles.

Balancing these factors requires strategic planning, but EVs could transform campus mobility sustainably.

We have followed standards setting action in this domain since 1993.   During todays colloquium at 15:00 UTC we will answer questions about our involvement, guided by our Safer-Simpler-Lower Cost – Longer Lasting advocacy in all relevant standards.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page. 

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NECA Releases Revised Standard for Installing and Maintaining Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

Gallery: Campus Transportation and Parking

EV Charging Stations Integration into Public Lighting Infrastructure

Electric Vehicle Charging

Campus Micromobility

Fast & Ultra-Fast Charging for Battery Electric Vehicles

Gallery: Electric Vehicle Fire Risk

(C)onnected & (A)utomated (V)ehicle Code

Drivers and Barriers to Implementation of Connected, Automated, Shared, and Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicle Charging

Et al.

An Operations Research approach to aviation security

November 12, 2026
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MIT Open Scholarship

 

Susan E. Martonosi

Abstract.  Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, aviation security policy has remained a focus of national attention. We develop mathematical models to address some prominent problems in aviation security. We explore first whether securing aviation deserves priority over other potential targets. We compare the historical risk of aviation terrorism to that posed by other forms of terrorism and conclude that the focus on aviation might be warranted. Secondly, we address the usefulness of passenger pre-screening systems to select potentially high-risk passengers for additional scrutiny. We model the probability that a terrorist boards an aircraft with weapons, incorporating deterrence effects and potential loopholes. We find that despite the emphasis on the pre-screening system, of greater importance is the effectiveness of the underlying screening process. Moreover, the existence of certain loopholes could occasionally decrease the overall chance of a successful terrorist attack. Next, we discuss whether proposed explosives detection policies for cargo, airmail and checked luggage carried on passenger aircraft are cost-effective.


Relata:

1. Improving the Speed and Safety of Airport Security Screening
— MIT News examines research aimed at improving
the efficiency and effectiveness of airport screening.

2. MIT Lincoln Laboratory | Explosives Detection.
Researchers are developing non-contact systems capable of
identifying explosive vapors without physically swabbing
passengers’ belongings. The project includes mass
spectrometry, infrared lasers and machine learning,
supported by the Department of Homeland Security. 
MIT research report, 2023
.

3. MIT Lincoln Laboratory | Microwave Imaging.
MIT-developed three-dimensional microwave imaging was
licensed for the HEXWAVE screening system. Airports began
adopting the technology for employee screening in 2024,
with a regulatory deadline in April 2026.  MIT report, July 2025.

MIL-STD

November 11, 2026
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Today at the usual hour we take will take a broad view of the technical standards catalog of all military branches as they apply to the educational settings of each of the US military branches. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

“Overgrown military establishments are under any form of government inauspicious to liberty, and are to be regarded as particularly hostile to republican liberty.” Farewell Address, September 19, 1796.

United States defense standards are used to help achieve standardization objectives by the U.S. Department of Defense. Standardization is beneficial in achieving interoperability, ensuring products meet certain requirements, commonality, reliability, total cost of ownership, compatibility with logistics systems, and similar defense-related objectives. Defense standards are also used by other non-defense government organizations, technical organizations, and industry.

Military technical standards and public sector technical standards differ primarily in their purposes, scope, and requirements. Military standards — such as MIL-STD and MIL-SPEC — are designed to ensure high reliability, durability, and performance under extreme conditions, as they often pertain to defense systems, weaponry, and other critical applications. These standards prioritize security, robustness, and interoperability in challenging environments, and typically involve stringent testing and certification processes.

In contrast, public sector technical standards, like those developed by the International Organization for Standardization  or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, are geared towards broader civilian applications. They focus on safety, quality, efficiency, and compatibility for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, and services. These standards aim to facilitate trade, ensure consumer safety, and promote innovation and best practices. While public sector standards also emphasize reliability and performance, they are generally less rigid than military standards, reflecting a broader range of use cases and operational conditions.

United States Defense Logistics Agency

 

Alexis de Tocqueville on the Foundations of American Democracy

November 11, 2026
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Alexis de Tocqueville was born in Paris and came from a prominent lineage, with his father serving as a royalist prefect under the Bourbon restoration.

In 1831, at the age of twenty-five, Alexis de Tocqueville made his fateful journey to America, where he observed the thrilling reality of a functioning democracy. From that moment onward, the French aristocrat would dedicate his life as a writer and politician to ending despotism in his country and bringing it into a new age.



Quotes from Alexis de Tocqueville’s “Democracy in America”:

  1. “The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.”
  2. “Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom.”
  3. “In democratic ages, human beings rarely sacrifice themselves for one another voluntarily; they almost always do so because they are impelled to by some power outside themselves.”
  4. “Despotism often presents itself as the repairer of all ills suffered, the support of just rights, defender of the oppressed and founder of order.”
  5. “The best laws cannot make a constitution work in spite of morals; morals can turn the worst laws to advantage.”
  6. “I do not know if the people of the United States would vote for superior men if they ran for office, but there can be no doubt that such men do not run.”
  7. “The most dangerous moment for a bad government is when it begins to reform.”
  8. “The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other.”
  9. “The will of man is not shattered, but softened, bent, and guided; men are seldom forced by it to act, but they are constantly restrained from acting. Such power does not destroy, but it prevents existence; it does not tyrannize, but it compresses, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd.”
  10. “Americans combine the notions of Christian morality and of liberty so intimately in their minds that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other.”
  11. “In the United States, the most enlightened are the most religious; and the most religious are the most enlightened.”
  12. Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all dispositions constantly form associations… Wherever at the head of some new undertaking you see the government in France, or a man of rank in England, in the United States you will be sure to find an association.”

 

Meals-Ready-to-Eat

November 10, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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HAMILTON COUNTY WEATHER

“An Army marches on its stomach”
— Napoleon Bonaparte

Morning Waters

Compact, flameless heater allows for pre-packaged hot dinners

“Whether it’s chili with beans, barbecued beef or meatballs in marinara sauce, members of the United States military are served up a rotating menu of entrees through meals, ready to eat rations.  Packed in individual pouches, these self-contained meals can be eaten during combat operations, humanitarian missions or field trainings, providing nourishment on the go.  Yet while MREs were first piloted for U.S. military members during the Vietnam War, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it’s been possible for these meals to be served hot…

…We can thank a University of Cincinatti Professor of Mechanical Engineering for that.” (And transforming the civilian emergency food industry, to boot)

Related:

Defense Acquisition University: Specifications and Standards

Napoleonic Code

Food and Water in an Emergency

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Food Safety: A Recipe for National Preparedness

Dahlgren Hall & “Seasoned” Coffee Mug Stories

High Voltage Electric Service

November 10, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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Restore NESC Cross-Reference to the Front End of the NEC

Federal Power Act of 1920  Ω  Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935.

IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee Ω Current Issues and Recent Research

Representative Sample of Merchant Utility Interconnection Requirements for Customers

2023 National Electrical Code Article 490 Bibliography

Ahead of the April close date for comments on the Second Draft of the 2026 revision of the NEC we examine thought trends on the following:

  1. How does “high voltage” differ among electrotechnology professionals?  Signaling and control systems workers have a much lower criteria than a merchant utility lineman than a campus bulk distribution engineer.  In other words, “high voltage” is generally understood in practice and essential for worker safety.  Labeling counts.
  2. What is the origin of the apparent “confusion’ about high voltage in the IEEE, IEC, NFPA and TIA electrical safety catalogs?  Is the distinction functionally acceptable — i.e. a term of art understood well enough in practice?
  3. How can the 2026 NEC be improved for engineers, electricians and inspectors?  There has been some considerable re-organization of low, medium and high voltage concepts in the 2023.  It usually takes at least two NEC revision cycles for workable code to stabilize.  Since education communities purchase and distribute higher voltage power on large campuses; how can power purchasing and customer distribution system best practice be improved?

This is plenty to talk about.   Join us today at 15:00/16:00 UTC with the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

AC Power Distribution Systems & Standards | Credit: Power Quality Blog

2028 National Electrical Safety Code


IAEI Magazine: The Evolution of Electrical Services in the National Electrical Code®

2026 National Electrical Code Workspace

Time Synchronization of Medium Voltage Substations

NESC & NEC Cross-Code Correlation


National Electrical Definitions

Product Commons: Lightning Protection

November 10, 2026
mike@standardsmichigan.com
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The UL standards catalog is a useful starting point for electrical standards research because product safety requirements underpin much of the National Fire Protection Association catalog. Its extensive coverage of electrical equipment, components and systems reveals connections among product design, testing, certification and installation. It also provides a practical pathway to understanding the broader ANSI standards ecosystem.

Organization Standard Title / Subject
NFPA NFPA 780 Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems
NFPA NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
UL UL 96 Lightning Protection Components
UL UL 96A Installation Requirements for Lightning Protection Systems
UL UL 1449 Surge Protective Devices
IEEE IEEE 81 Measuring Earth Resistivity, Ground Impedance and Earth Surface Potentials of a Grounding System
IEEE IEEE 142 Grounding of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems (historical Green Book)
IEEE IEEE 1100 Powering and Grounding Electronic Equipment (Emerald Book)
IEC IEC 62305 Protection Against Lightning — Series
IEC IEC 61643-32 Surge Protective Devices Connected to the DC Side of Photovoltaic Installations — Selection and Application Principles
IEC IEC 62793 Protection Against Lightning — Thunderstorm Warning Systems
NETA ANSI/NETA ATS Standard for Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
NETA ANSI/NETA MTS Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
NETA ANSI/NETA ECS Standard for Electrical Commissioning Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems
FM Global Data Sheet 5-11 Lightning and Surge Protection for Electrical Systems
DoD UFGS 26 41 00 Lightning Protection System — Federal Construction Specification

Representative Design Guidelines:

Florida State University

University of Michigan

Representative Construction Specifications:

Florida Institute of Technology

Ivy Tech Community College

Commissioning, acceptance and certification

University of Houston

United State Department of Defense

Relevant Research:

Enhanced prediction of electric field distribution in lightning protection systems with heterogeneous ground

Transient Lightning Response of a New Substation Grounding Method Using General FEM Software

Relata:

NFPA 780 Public Access

NFPA 780 Rolling Sphere Model

 

University of Michigan | Washtenaw County

Organization Technical Reference Subject / Application
NEMA Standards and Publications Electrical equipment, surge protection and manufacturer guidance
CSA Group Standards Catalog Canadian electrical safety, grounding and lightning protection
FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets Property protection, lightning losses and engineering risk management
ATIS Lightning Protection Systems: Past, Present, and Future Bryan Holland, NEMA — March 2026 technical presentation
DOE Natural Phenomena Hazards Program Federal facility hazard assessment and lightning risk
nVent ERICO Lightning Protection Solutions — PDF Air terminals, conductors, bonding, grounding and product selection
IAEI IAEI Magazine Electrical inspection, NEC interpretation and grounding practices
CISA Infrastructure Security Resources Critical infrastructure resilience and risk management
EPRI EPRI Research Lightning performance, transients, grounding and utility reliability
NIST Engineering Laboratory Measurement science, electrical systems and resilience
Intertek ETL Listed Mark Independent product testing, certification and NRTL services
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