Union membership is at an all time low. Despite wide-scale public support for recent labor disputes such as the Hollywood writers’ strike and the United Auto Workers, members on the ground are running thin. It is a peculiar state of affairs. Recent statistics show approval ratings for unions is running at a near high. Figures collated by Gallup show that 61% of respondents believe that unions have a positive effect on the U.S. economy. While 43% would like to see unions have more influence in the country. These are clearly not superficial leanings. Rather, they demonstrate a growing acceptance of the positive impacts that collective bargaining can offer a workforce. Interestingly, these figures also mark the continuation of a five-year rising trend.

On the other hand, union membership figures are at a record low. Hovering around 10%, they have been in steady decline for over two decades. So, what can we infer from these falling membership figures, in particular in the context of growing support for the union movement? Does this demonstrate an apathy within the American public to get involved? Maybe cost-of-living challenges are prohibiting some from union fees? The answer is not quite clear. However, these statistics must be read under the umbrella of an ongoing battle around Right-to-Work laws.

Right-to-Work laws are deeply complex, and politically divisive pieces of legislation. Adopted as far back as 1947 in some places, the laws are upheld in 26 states. They govern the right for an employee to choose or forego union membership in a unionized company. While that, in essence, may sound rational and fair, the laws also allow for non-members to avail of union benefits such as pay increases and representation during arbitration proceedings. According to the Economic Policy Institute, this has a detrimental effect on unions and their workers. “So-called right-to-work legislation entitles employees to the benefits of a union contract—including the right to have the union take up their grievance if their employer abuses them—without paying any of the cost. This means that if an employer mistreats a worker who does not pay a union representation fee, the union must prosecute that worker’s grievance just as it would a dues-paying member, even if it costs tens of thousands of dollars. Non-dues-paying workers would also receive the higher wages and benefits their dues-paying coworkers enjoy.”

“We are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job, and grow Michigan’s middle class.”

The EPI conducted research into the widescale effects on workers’ pay and conditions of RTW. Factors including cost of living considerations and up to date population surveys were used. The findings suggested that, rather than benefit individual workers in freedom of choice, RTW laws resulted in lower wages throughout RTW states. EPI concluded that this was, in part, caused by unions decreased ability to advocate on behalf of all workers. “Wages in RTW states are 3.1 percent lower than those in non-RTW states, after controlling for a full complement of individual demographic and socioeconomic factors as well as state macroeconomic indicators. This translates into RTW being associated with $1,558 lower annual wages for a typical full-time, full-year worker.” Meanwhile, advocates of Right to Work laws argue that forcing workers to pay dues amounts to “compulsory unionism.” They argue that the practice is immoral and damages a state’s ability to attract new business.

It is near impossible to pull the threads of these arguments apart. They are steeped in historical and modern political biases and the laws —or rejection of them— are political badges of honor.

In a first on the American labor landscape, however, Michigan recently became the first state to repeal these laws. The state, one with a rich history of labor minded beliefs, rescinded the law that had been enacted in 2014 by Republicans. Michigan’s Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer believes that the repeal of this law is a positive thing for everyone in the state. “We are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job, and grow Michigan’s middle class,” she said.

Michigan State AFL-CIO is the state federation of labor. It currently represents over one million active and retired members of over forty unions across the state. Following on from Gov. Whitmer signing the repeal, President of Michigan AFL-CIO Ron Bieber said that the repeal affords a protective element to Michigan workers. “After decades of anti-worker attacks, Michigan has restored the balance of power for working people by passing laws to protect their freedom to bargain for the good wages, good benefits and safe workplaces they deserve.”

Alongside the repeal of RTW, the vote gave workers additional rights in a number of key areas. Michigan also restored prevailing-wage protections for construction workers, expanded collective bargaining rights for public school employees, and restored organizing rights for graduate student research assistants at the state’s public colleges and universities. Analysts believe that union numbers will gradually increase now that the bill has finally been signed into law.

But what does this all mean in the wider context. Statistics seem to indicate that workers in RTW states enjoy salaries that are around 3% lower than unionized workers. Various metrics are used to calculate these figures however, and the metrics used can vary based on partisan leanings. On one hand, some claim that district lines are being drawn up with the specific goal of favoring a political allegiance which gives a skewed view on the view of people nationally. While pro-union voices in Michigan argue that a balanced outcome will always be in favor of workers and their rights. “That’s the difference between having a legislative majority that has your back and wants to expand workers’ rights, as opposed to being in the minority and having a legislature that was to suppress workers’ rights,” said Bieber.

One thing is for certain, this issue is not one that is going away. Michigan, with its pro-labor stance and history of collective bargaining, is not the most surprising state to overturn this divisive law. However, some states, particularly in the south and west of the country, have RTW laws that are deeply entrenched, with some being enshrined in the constitution. It seems that, despite recent events in Michigan, is a long road ahead for both sides of the political divide.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are around 4.19 million miles of roads in the United States. With an ever-growing population, these roads are being put to the test like never before. Increased number, driving longer, in bigger vehicles; it is no wonder much of the infrastructure network is in need of repair. That may be an unfair criticism, however. Modern road networks will always require maintenance cycles to repair damage caused by rain, vehicles, heat, and light. The fact remains, however, that maintaining the road network is expensive business and it is one which requires many man hours, documentation, safety considerations and testing. So, is there a way to harness modern technologies to reduce the financial and human burden on overstretched governments and councils? For example, the U.S. Infrastructure Bill is a positive thing. There is no doubt about it. However, if we delve into the figures, we find that an incredible amount of money is needed just to repair and maintain the infrastructure we currently enjoy. In the context of an aging network badly in need of complete overhaul, we find ourselves asking if there is an alternative that could redirect all-important funds to the most needed projects. Every new lane-mile of road costs around $24,000 to maintain in good repair. Nationally, this equates to $231.3 billion per year.

A UK start-up company has developed technology which could significantly reduce the costs of road and highway maintenance. Robotiz3d is on a mission “to build safer, more sustainable road infrastructure with radically transformative technologies.” It is located at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory and has been testing and using AI to identify and autonomously repair potholes and cracks in a safer, faster, and cheaper way. While it may sound too good to be true, the results are demonstrating an effective and radical way to maintain infrastructure networks.

Robotiz3d came as the result of four years of research and development. The technology can record road conditions in real time, mapping and detailing cracks and other potential hazards before they become potholes. This pre-emptive repair strategy would be enormously cost-saving and would drastically reduce the man-hours needed to repair roads. Dr Paolo Paoletti, CTO at Robotiz3d, believes that this technology will genuinely revolutionize infrastructure maintenance. He explained how, incredibly, the equipment can document, report and repair. Paoletti said, “The Robotiz3d solution will autonomously identify and localize potholes, characterize their geometry, and collect measurements on the go. The ability to automatically deposit sealing material, fixing smaller cracks before they evolve into potholes, is also a first.” Not only that, but Paoletti explained how the data-driven company is able to utilize historical road maintenance figures to predict ‘black-spot’ areas that are higher risk of damage. “These features, coupled with a prediction algorithm to help prioritize work schedules, are anticipated to improve the safety and lifespan of road networks, make maintenance tasks COVID-resilient, and contribute to reductions in road repair costs, fuel consumption, GHG emission, and tyre wear.”

“The ability to automatically deposit sealing material, fixing smaller cracks before they evolve into potholes, is also a first.”

The technology is incredibly exciting, and innovative. It patrols roads autonomously and can also be controlled by remote control. It gathers and documents the condition of roads and can operate at a speed of up to 60km per hour. Working round the clock, the vehicle scans one lane at a time, providing AI generated images of roads including the depth information and volumetrics of cracks and potholes. Once identified, the technology automates repair processes from site preparation, filling and compacting, to finish, with minimum or no human interaction needed. Data collected from the vehicle can be accessed remotely in real time. Lisa Layzell, CEO and co-founder at Robotiz3d, added that the benefits of this technology are enormous both in terms of financial savings and the quality of life for residents. “This is the first autonomous technology of this kind developed specifically to tackle the pothole crisis which plagues many parts of the country, and which is estimated to have cost more than £1bn to repair over the last decade.”

Robotiz3d is currently a UK based company, but it has no desire to remain operating on a national level. The plan is to raise funding to roll out the network of highway repair robots in the UK initially with a view to growing its network into the global economy. Amin Amiri, CEO of a2e Industries, explained, “This is a true innovation that can help the UK save public money and save hassle for the citizen. We’re confident in Robotiz3d and its highly capable engineering and management team to bring this much-needed technology to market. The technology could eventually solve one of the most endemic worldwide problems of the logistics and transport industry, with transformative impact.”

The concept is wildly innovative and revolutionary. However, questions will remain as to the quality of autonomous robots. Doubts always linger among us humans as to the standard of work that a robot can offer in comparison to our own discerning eye. For evidence of this, we can look to other sectors, where autonomous robots have been performing human tasks for some time. Robotic automation has been industry standard for many years in some production and factory workspaces, but one significant step up took place in recent years that may ease any lingering doubts. US Researchers reported on a completely autonomous robot that performed keyhole surgery on a pig. The Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot (STAR) carried out laparoscopic surgery to connect two ends of the pig’s intestine. According to the published paper, the robot performed the highly technical procedure to a standard “significantly better” than that of a human surgeon. “Our findings show that we can automate one of the most intricate and delicate tasks in surgery.”

It would be facetious to draw comparisons between intestinal surgery and road maintenance, but the evidence is there, nonetheless. If autonomous robots can perform one of the most intricate and delicate surgical procedure to standards higher than that of a human, our road network can certainly benefit from this technology.

With many new technologies, we must wait to see how the industry reacts. Current indications are that Robotiz3d have developed something with huge potential benefits and there is a growing interest in seeing the project roll out on a wider scale. As vast sums of federal money are currently being funneled towards maintenance, it is interesting to think that someday in the very near future, we may be witnessing the start of preventative, autonomous repair on our roads.

Prior to the 21^st Century, one material was used across North America as the primary foundation for both building and residential structures. Given its natural abundance, it is no surprise that wood has been used in construction projects for centuries. In fact, recent studies suggest that the material has been used for the purpose of building for close to ten thousand years. While its characteristics differ from some more modern materials and techniques, it clearly has a place within today’s industry.

Evidently, materials such as steel, cement, glass, and plastic have risen to the forefront of the construction industry, and not without good reason. Demands change, and the requirements of structures are significantly greater in the modern age than at any other point in history. Super structures, heavy infrastructure, developments of massive proportions; the industry has adapted and used materials best suited for the job in hand.

However, in addition to the needs of communities, there are also the needs of the wider population to consider. The global community is one that needs to be listened to and, as ecological disaster comes ever closer, the construction industry is now committed to developing and harnessing more sustainable and renewable materials. This is evident in the hunt for lower carbon concrete, repurposed buildings, and wind energy.

Within this context, we need to ask the question, is there space for wood to make a resurgence? It seems as though the answer, as tends to be the case, is not clear-cut. However, the material which has been used in the process of construction for millennia is certainly emerging as a viable alternative to the hegemony of concrete and steel. In fact, wooden structures are experiencing somewhat of a comeback. High-rise wooden buildings have sprung up in recent years and technological advances are enabling building contractors to make higher quality wooden structures that are safer from fire, earthquakes and strong enough to meet modern requirements.

“The material which has been used in the process of construction for millennia is certainly emerging as a viable alternative to the hegemony of concrete and steel.”

Across Europe, wooden buildings reaching up to thirty-five floors have been seen for a number of years, and this trend is moving into North America. New Land Enterprises, for example, is less than a year away from completing a 25-story mass timber apartment tower in downtown Milwaukee in partnership with Wiechmann Enterprises. The Ascent building, which will be a hybrid building made from a mix of concrete and timber, will surely raise more than a few eyebrows. However, the industry has no plans to stop there and ventures such as the Ascent building will no doubt be bolstered by the recent study undertaken by architect Jeff Sanner and a team of engineers, designers and researchers who looked into the possibility of using wood to produce the world’s first skyscraper. The study was conducted with one specific project in mind: a residential eighty-story structure on the south branch of the Chicago River. The concept project, titled River Beech Tower. “While the reasons for considering mass timber will vary by project, client, and region, the building industry is experiencing an increase in the use of mass timber products for tall buildings. In 2008 there was one mass timber building over eight stories tall; by 2014, a survey of tall wood buildings identified nearly 30 buildings over eight stories that were either complete, under construction, or in late-phase design. This research began with acknowledging how wood behaves as a material. Its properties were compared to steel and concrete in terms of structural behavior, fire resistance, construction methods, environmental impact, and architectural expression. This fundamental understanding was then applied to the challenge of designing a building with real world design constraints.”

The concept, while still at a research stage, seems promising. According to the study, while challenges still remain and further research is required, the potential is there. “The increased value of timber that is expected to result from its use as an engineered construction product is likely to confer increased value on well-managed forestry. This is less critical in Europe and North America, where there is a long tradition of responsible forest management—but in many parts of the developing world, this may be a key driver towards better long-term forestry practice. By continuing to provide provocative, thoughtful solutions,” it states, “our industry will advance the potential that these materials have to offer.”

However, the wood revolution goes further than design and research. Grown in a sustainable forest less than 300 miles away, Portland International Airport is the first major airport in the United States to have a mass timer roof. The project has been designed by ZGF Architects and is being unveiled this year. The company has worked in collaboration with Portland Airport for over six decades and this is just the latest in a long list of innovative and exciting projects it has in the works. “In 2024, ZGF will bring PDX into the future, with the main terminal expansion that doubles the airport’s footprint. The new wood structure features an undulating mass timber roof and biophilic elements throughout—sustainable and resilient, the new terminal more than lives up to PDX’s reputation as ‘America’s Best Airport’.” This reputation is surely even more apt following the project. Not only was every piece of wood sourced from within 300 miles of the airport, about half of it came from 13 small and tribal landowners in Washington and Oregon. The process was managed with such a fine eye, the architects knew every board that frames the skylights above the 26 Y-columns came from the Yakama Nation, and all the double beams in the six massive oval skylights came from the Coquille Indian Tribe. It is incredible to think that such detail and care went into the project, given that is resulted in such a powerful and positive outcome.

So, what does the future hold with regard to the use of wood in construction. Again, the answer is yet to be discovered. However, the signs are there. Timber frames, once a ubiquitous site on the skylines of North America, is experiencing a sort of come-back. With projects popping up around the world, and plans afoot for ever larger-scale structures, the traditionalist material may yet live to be the one that contributes to the industry long into the future.

www.zgf.com/work/5593-port-of-portland-portland-international-airport

When it comes to all things energy, both consumption and its generation, it seems as though it is a question of balance. How do we mitigate against the fuels needed to produce electricity, for instance? Light, heat, power, everything is part of a system and if anything is removed from the ecosystem, everything grinds to a halt. This is not scaremongering, creating problems where they need not be. The production of energy itself requires energy in order for it to be generated. Renewables are the ideal choice, but they are not always viable. So, how else can the maximum economic and environmental benefits be harnessed from the production of energy. Well, researchers that have been trying to answer that very question believe that they may have finally found an answer.

The concept of adapting existing materials is an alluring one. Design and execution are vital components of the building process, but if they could be utilized to go beyond their primary benefits, the industry could be on the cusp of something of a gamechanger. Until now, the pathway for more sustainable practices within the construction sector has been aimed at either reducing or eliminating emissions altogether. This is achieved through a combination of sustainable practices, environmentally minded materials, and the use of renewable energy sources. While most accept that this is the most sure-fire way to achieving net zero emissions, alternative ideas are always welcome. More recently, in fact, science has been stepping into the conversation, producing innovative techniques such as embodied and captured carbon. It seems that the sector has no plans to stop there either.

As more and more buildings turn to efficiency ratings, SMART compatibility or Passive features, the goal, it seems, is to make the building do some of the work itself. Imagine so, a building that could retain and deliver electricity through the process of conduction. The concept would produce, astonishingly, battery buildings.

Scientists at Lancaster University have been working with formulas to create a cement mixture that is capable of conducting electricity. Incredibly, this mixture, which uses an alkaline solution and the waste material fly ash is even cheaper to produce than Portland cement. According to project leader Professor Mohamed Saafi, from Lancaster University’s Engineering Department, the mixture conducts electricity via potassium ions that hop through the crystalline structure. “To make cement you have to mix the fly ash with an alkaline solution, in this case we use potassium hydroxide and potassium silicate. When you mix them together, they form a cement material, containing potassium ions that act as the electrolyte.”

“We have shown for the first time that KGP cement mixtures can be used to store and deliver electrical energy without the need for expensive or hazardous additives.”

This breakthrough is an exciting one for a number of reasons. Smart concretes themselves are not exactly new; however, with researchers from Japan first developing the idea back in the 1980’s. However, according to engineer Danna Wang, most of these are challenging to implement, using prohibitively expensive materials such as graphene and carbon nano-tubes. “High-performance cement-based composites require not only high compressive, flexural, and tensile strength, but also favorable workability and good durability.” As well as cost, these materials are designed for small scale projects only and their use in large structures is not possible.

The development from Lancaster University has identified a significantly cheaper alternative that is ideal for scaling up to the enormous super-structures that are already some of the most power intensive across the sector. It is a quick and cheap composite that is easy to produce. Additionally, because the electro-conductivity is achieved through potassium ions hopping through the crystalline structure, it does not require any expensive additional chemicals or additives. Incredibly, these hopping ions have the ability to store electrical energy. In addition to this, it has the capability to sense and respond to mechanical stresses. All this means that, when used correctly, these composites could store and discharge up to 500 watts per square meter. This could lead to, for example, houses storing daytime energy through solar panels, distributing the energy throughout the evening when needed. According to Prof. Saafi, the benefits of this technology could be wide reaching, suggesting that this composite could be an ideal solution for powering streetlights, which uses around 700 watts every night. “We have shown for the first time that KGP cement mixtures can be used to store and deliver electrical energy without the need for expensive or hazardous additives. These cost-effective mixtures could be used as integral parts of buildings and other infrastructure as a cheap way to store and deliver renewable energy, powering street lighting, traffic lights and electric vehicle charging points. In addition, the concrete’s smart properties make it useful to be used as sensors to monitor the structural health of buildings, bridges and roads.”

Incredibly, this is not the only research into electrified cement currently taking place. A second study being conducted in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University in the U.S. is exploring the potential uses of carbon block, a charcoal-like material that is created from incomplete combustion processes. According to Admir Masic, Scientist at MIT, the materials used are highly effective, and highly interesting. “”The material is fascinating, because you have the most-used human made material in the world, cement, that is combined with carbon black, that is a well-known historical material – the Dead Sea Scrolls were written with it. You have these at least two-millennia-old materials that when you combine them in a specific manner you come up with a conductive nanocomposite, and that’s when things get really interesting.”

How it works is that, through the reaction process of cement, water as absorbed, leaving tendril-like shapes in the cement which the carbon black fills. These essentially become wires and cabling, transmitting energy throughout the entire system, aiding conductivity, and essentially turning the cement into a large-scale battery for storing and transmitting energy. According to the researchers at MIT, there are many ways in which this technology can be harnessed. “These properties point to the opportunity for employing these structural concrete-like supercapacitors for bulk energy storage in both residential and industrial applications ranging from energy autarkic shelters and self-charging roads for electric vehicles, to intermittent energy storage for wind turbines.”

It seems that scientific research may be key to unlocking the challenges facing the energy network. With large-scale energy storage being an omnipresent difficulty, utilizing the very blocks beneath our feet, turning them into enormous batteries, is a potential boost of epic proportions to the infrastructure and energy networks.

https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/news/new-smart-cement-mixtures-could-turn-buildings-into-batteries

The construction industry is one of perpetual change. Companies across the spectrum of sectors are continuously growing, innovating, and developing. Meeting the needs of clients is a challenge that never sleeps and companies find themselves upskilling and rising to the many challenges on a near-constant basis. In this context, it is important to occasionally take stock, recognize your contribution to the market, and react accordingly. For twenty years, M CON Pipe & Products Inc. has delivered precast concrete drainage infrastructure across a variety of sectors in a peerless fashion. However, as the industry has developed, so too have the skills, products, and services that the company offers. With the company now bringing an all-encompassing service to its clients, Cristina Mion, General Manager, explains how a continuous process of rigorous self-evaluation led to an exciting decision. “Internal evaluation is an ongoing practice for us. Over the last 20 years, we’ve really grown — through our own operations and in the partnerships that we’ve established. A big part of our future plan is to continue offering unique customizable solutions addressing any construction challenges that are present for our customers on a variety of development sites.”

The result is OMNI PRECAST. A forward-facing company that is built on the foundation of 20 years’ experience and service to the precast industry across its many facets. The rebrand is the cornerstone of the company’s 20th anniversary celebrations, reflecting as Cristina says, “the company that we’ve grown into, and the future we’re committed to.” As she explains, OMNI —meaning ‘all’— is a brand that best covers the comprehensive body of work the company brings to its clients. “We are a precast solutions provider. We address evolving infrastructure challenges with sustainable precast products developed in collaboration with our network. With our incredibly skilled team of engineers and production personnel we’re able to provide completely custom offerings to any and all construction challenges.”

As part of this change, OMNI PRECAST makes clear that it is business as usual. The only difference is that clients can now enjoy a clear understanding of the pillars that drive the company. Quality, Innovation, Reliability, and Community are the foundation of OMNI PRECAST. These are not, however, aspirational targets. Rather, they are qualities that have carried this company for two decades to the summit of the precast industry. Cristina believes that these four pillars of the company operate in partnership with each other. However, quality is something that permeates every aspect of OMNI PRECAST, from relationship building to the finished product. “We are providing infrastructure for the developing communities all around us. People rely on our products to be safe, and to be sustainable, to stand the test of time. We take that responsibility very seriously.” One way that OMNI PRECAST ensures the highest levels of quality is by managing its production environment to an exacting standard. As Cristina explains, “It is an absolute priority for us in our manufacturing practices. We have really invested to make sure that every aspect of our operation caters to that quality. From our manufacturing facility, to our experienced team, , and the quality assurance practices that are in place, everything has to align with the fact that our customers expect a premium quality product.”

From Quality and Innovation to Reliability and Community, these pillars work in tandem. As Cristina points out, in order to succeed they must all be in place. This is no more evident than in the way OMNI PRECAST relates to its community. After 20 years in business, it is no surprise that the company has developed and nurtured strong partnerships in the industry. It prides itself on a comprehensive family of clients who return to OMNI PRECAST for its skill and professionalism but, as Cristina shares, community is not just about customers. From professional partnerships and associations, to the company’s own internal community, it is something that extends to all of OMNI PRECAST’s stakeholders. When we speak about community, I think that extends to several facets of the company. Obviously, one is our client relationships. We have an amazing group of customers that we work in collaboration with to make sure that they’re successful in their projects. We have also developed strong product partnerships with Stone Strong, Storm Trap, Devine & Associates, and Echelon Environmental, as well as industry partnerships, such as the CCPPA and other groups across the Ontario construction market. Beyond that, our internal community – the OMNI PRECAST team – is at the heart of what we do and the successes we’ve achieved. We are all working towards the same goal —creating sustainable, value-added infrastructure solutions. We want to be a contributing member of that and help build communities.”

While the name may be new, it is clear that the attributes that have sustained the company up to this point are still very much present. With a track record of providing continuously innovative solutions, OMNI PRECAST is a leader in the sector. For Cristina, “Innovation has always been a big part of who we are at our core, and it is present in all aspects of our operation, from the office through to the manufacturing facility. For instance, we were the first in North America to install the PRIMA and Smart Cast robot system from AFFINITAS, which really kind of changed the way that maintenance hole structures were produced. By doing that, we were able to address a number of challenges in the traditional manufacturing process.”

“OMNI Precast has experience and expertise across all facets of the precast sector.”

As a company that prides itself on developing and growing with the times, it is no surprise to learn that OMNI PRECAST is fully embracing digital technology to bring top-tier service to clients. “More recently, we have moved towards becoming a fully integrated, fully online manufacturing facility. We worked with a number of partners to have full visibility of our operation from the time that we get an estimate in, through to design, and order execution. This includes real-time transparency of our processes and every aspect of a product’s life cycle..” Innovation is not limited to the technology the company uses, however. As Cristina shares, every client has individual needs and an innovative approach to both product development and problem solving are a core tenet of the company. “On the product side, we are always looking at new, innovative products that address changing needs, and allow us to provide truly unique solutions for our customers.”

OMNI Precast has experience and expertise across all facets of the precast sector. Having built a reputation for quality and innovation, it is now looking to the future with a new brand that best represents the qualities that have brought two decades of success. For Cristina, it all comes down to one simple thing. What this company does really matters. While precast concrete can be hidden in the background of a project, it is the foundation upon which all other successes can be built. “We are the groundwork for growing communities. We understand the importance of the products that we supply and that they will stand the test of time. We look at the communities around us, and we understand that we were a foundational part of that. That really helps drive us forward.”

In 2023, the construction industry emerged from a challenging period with the resilience and determination that has long been its hallmark. Coming off the back of the pandemic, a situation which brought enormous difficulties to supply chains, site work and labor shortages, the industry found itself adapting in ways that have opened new possibilities for the future. The balancing effect that increased federal investment has brought may offer a positive spin, but the truth is that the industry has needed to dig into its deep wells of innovation and perseverance to maintain forward momentum. Despite this, the outlook is very much a mixed one and 2024 promises to be one laden with both challenges and potential. Construction in North America finds itself at the crossroads of innovation, sustainability, and resilience. With an ever-evolving landscape marked by technological advancements, changing regulations, and global uncertainties, the construction sector is gearing up for a transformative journey. But what are the key factors that will dictate the outcome over the next 12 months?

Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation

The construction industry, traditionally known for its conservative approach, is now embracing technology at an unprecedented pace. From Building Information Modeling (BIM) to AI and robot learning, construction companies are incorporating digital tools to both enhance project efficiency and reduce costs. According to a report by Dodge Data & Analytics, spending on information technology in the construction industry is projected to grow by 14% in 2024. “One of the key construction storylines is the return of enthusiasm and optimism in prospects for nonresidential growth,” stated Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network. “Increased demand for some building types like data centers, labs, and healthcare buildings will provide a solid floor for the construction sector.” Meanwhile, this increased demand will be met with an increased level of precision thanks to the development of higher performing techniques and strategies. The report goes on to explain the benefits: “The integration of technologies like BIM not only streamlines project management but also enhances collaboration among stakeholders. This not only reduces the risk of errors but also significantly improves overall project outcomes.”

Sustainability and Green Construction

As the world grapples with climate change, the construction industry is under increased pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. From energy-efficient buildings to sustainable and renewable materials, the focus is has shifted towards reducing the environmental impact of construction projects. While construction is not alone in this, it is certainly going to have an increasing impact on the industry in terms of costs, project management and maintaining strict budgets. According to the US Green Building Council, estimates show that by the end of 2024, green construction will account for more than 50% of all new commercial and institutional construction. Environmental scientist Dr. Sarah Thompson believes that the time for optional improvements has ended and an increased demand on sustainable practices is now the norm. “Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity in construction. Companies that prioritize green practices not only contribute to environmental conservation but also benefit from cost savings and improved public perception.”

Labor Shortages and Skilled Workforce Challenges

One of the perennial challenges faced by the construction industry has been the shortage of skilled labor. This difficulty, exasperated by the COVID pandemic and a mindset shift amongst people to pursue university-led careers, has meant that construction companies around the world are having difficulties in completing the many funded projects across multiple sectors. While labor issues have always presented a problem, the retirement of experienced workers coupled with a decline in the number of new entrants to the construction workforce have created a significant gap. Worryingly, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is projected to face a shortage of over 1.5 million skilled workers by 2025. While much is being done to address the issue, it is a complex challenge and, according to labor market analyst Michael Rodriguez, the solution needs to come through a combined approach. “Addressing the labor shortage requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in training programs, promoting diversity in the workforce, and leveraging technology to augment labor-intensive tasks are key strategies for overcoming this challenge.”

Regulatory Changes and Compliance

The construction industry is no stranger to regulatory changes, and staying compliant with evolving standards is crucial for success. From safety regulations to environmental policies, companies must navigate a complex web of rules and codes. As demands on companies develop and expand, so too do the rules that govern these practices. A survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) reveals that 68% of construction firms expect an increase in regulatory challenges in 2024. With an ever-changing regulatory landscape, the onus is now on construction companies to invest time and money into ensuring they remain compliant. Proactive measures, such as regular training and robust documentation can help mitigate risks associated with regulatory changes.

Resilience Planning and Risk Management

Global events, such as the COVID pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties, have underscored the importance of resilience in the construction industry. While the industry has indeed demonstrated the required skills of adaptation and innovation, it has not come out unscathed from a tough few years. McKinsey & Company, in a recent report, indicated that almost 82% of construction executives plan to increase their focus on resilience planning. Understandably, it seems as though companies are reevaluating their risk management strategies and incorporating resilience planning to ensure continuity in the face of unforeseen challenges. With an increased focus on scenario planning, supply chain management and by embracing digital technologies, resilience planning for the coming year will likely go beyond traditional risk assessments.

“The key to this success lies in its ability to adapt, collaborate, and embrace opportunities.”

So, what does all this mean for the North American construction sector? As ever, analysists are divided in their opinions. Depending on your viewpoint, the industry is either on the cusp of greatness or a precarious precipice. What seems certain is that the construction industry is in a place of change. A transformative year, navigating a landscape shaped by technological innovations, sustainability imperatives, workforce challenges, regulatory changes, and resilience planning is ahead of us. If the industry embraces these changes to some degree, the sector could be poised for growth and evolution. However, the key to this success lies in its ability to adapt, collaborate, and embrace the opportunities that the dynamic construction landscape presents. With the hindsight of its skillful navigation in recent times, the future is cautiously positive.

The developments across modern society have resulted in a civilization that is unrecognizable in many ways. Notwithstanding the technological advances, transport infrastructure and housing options, there are few things that have revolutionized the planet as much as electricity. The development and generation of this power supply has supported and driven every other forward step that society has taken. Without it, our lives would be unspeakably different in every single way. It is also, however, one of those developments that have become so ubiquitous that we tend to take it for granted. For instance, without the ability to light our paths, roads, and highways, our outdoor living hours would likely be severely reduced with pathways being unsafe to travel by at night. While certain elements of our infrastructure network such as these are seen as untouchable, we are living in a time when every source of energy is coming under increased scrutiny. As commonplace as they may be, that doesn’t mean that we cannot scour our infrastructure lighting for improvements, savings and a more sustainable outlook.

Countries and regions are attempting to strike a balance between infrastructure and energy consumption. It is a delicate game that involves cost, environmental concerns and the ever-present consideration of getting elected. Difficult choices need to be made. Sustainable energy sources are not always readily available and the cost of running and maintaining road, rail and cycle networks can be greater than renewables can cover. Recent research found that one streetlight alone can cost up to $4,000 dollars to install and they have a running cost of around $200 per year. With over fifty million street lights in the U.S. alone, the cost of this network is astronomical. So, when we consider all the facts, we are left with the need to think outside the box and generate ideas that go beyond the status quo. For a number of years, that is precisely what engineers and scientists have been doing. One interesting question being brought up is self-sustaining energy. Basically, what benefit could be harnessed by an infrastructure network that generated its own light, thus negating the need to spend even more valuable energy resources?

In an effort to find innovative solutions, there have been many false steps. Solar and reflective roads have so far proved difficult to implement due to cost and viability. However, one novel technique may hold the key to a more sustainable future. Light-emitting cement is a green construction material that may revolutionize paths, highways and other road networks. Without the need for electricity, this material can light up roads and paths in a novel and staggering way. The cement absorbs solar energy throughout the daytime and, incredibly, radiates light at night. It was created by Dr. Jose Carlos Rubio at Michoacan University of Saint Nicholas of Hidalgo in Mexico and is a combination of sand, alkali, silica, industrial waste, and water. During the manufacturing process, certain additives are added to convert the material to a phosphorescent material which can give off light for up to 12 hours.

As Dr. Rubio explains, while the initial idea came about due to a gap in the market, it was not an easy path to success. “Nine years ago, when I started the project, I realized there was nothing similar worldwide, and so I started to work on it. The main issue was that cement is an opaque body that doesn’t allow the pass of light to its interior.” It was the solving of this particular conundrum that led to the transformative material being created. Typically, cement goes through a process when mixed with water that creates a gel like substance. However, an unwanted by-product of this are crystal flakes. For Dr. Rubio, the elimination of these flakes led to breakthrough. “It starts to become a gel, similar to the one used for hair styling, but much stronger and resistant; at the same time, crystal flakes are formed which make it opaque—these are unwanted sub-products in hardened cement.” By modifying the micro-structure of the material, the crystals were removed which enabled the now completely gel substance to absorb solar energy and re-transmit it as light. After a day in the sun, this cement can emit light for up to 12 hours.

One stumbling block that continuously resurfaces when it comes to new technologies is cost. Often, innovative techniques may simply not tick enough boxes to become viable solutions. Light-emitting cement is created using either sand, dust or clay which improves its sustainability credentials. In fact, the only waste created in the process is water steam. Furthermore, from a cost perspective, the process may be more expensive than traditional cement to produce but it has an estimated lifespan of around 100 years. As a result, it will require far less maintenance and repair than its counterpart. “The raw materials used for this material are silica, river sand, industrial waste, alkali and water. This process can be done at room temperature which includes the polycondensation of raw materials that doesn’t require much energy consumption. The chemical reaction between cement dust and water produces a strong and resistant mixture that looks like a gel along with some unwanted crystal flakes.”

It seems that demand for such a product is high. Viability research is taking place in numerous countries around the world such as Chile, Spain, Argentina and Brazil. The hope is that the evidence will continue to point towards a material that can offset the energy needed to produce it by illuminating roads, pathways, swimming pools, tiled areas and many others. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, the hugely ambitious Smart Highway has been unveiled. The project is a series of light-emitting technologies that support the lamination and transformation of roads and pathways. “Smart Highway are interactive and sustainable roads designed by Daan Roosegaarde and Heijmans Infrastructure. The goal was to make smart roads by using light, energy and information that interact with the traffic situation. It consists of the projects Electric Priority Lane, Dynamic Paint, Glowing Lines, Interactive Light, Road Printer, and Wind Light. Van Gogh Path shares the same vision, made of thousands of twinkling stones inspired by ‘Starry Night’. The path combines innovation with cultural heritage in the town of Nuenen in the Netherlands, Van Gogh’s place of residence in 1883.”

As we develop new technologies, it is vital that any widescale adoption is research based and viable from both a cost and ecological perspective. Dr. Rubio’s breakthrough in design and production is now building a reputation with effective and aesthetically positive projects around the world. Next time you are in a cycle lane, you might stop to wonder how things could look with the path itself lighting your way. Thankfully, it seems as though we won’t have to wait much longer.

The race for net-zero is one that brings up many questions for stakeholders. In the near future, every sector will be grappling with considerations and challenges on how it can lower, or eliminate, its carbon emissions. That is, of course, if it isn’t already. The built environment is one section of society that is well accustomed to these kinds of concerns. From fuel and energy to materials and transportation, construction and the built environment have been working on innovative and sustainable techniques for a number of years. However, it is a two-sided coin. As new buildings are being designed with more sustainable materials and considerably lower energy needs, the lens is now being trained on the building processes themselves. While these new structures may offer state-of-the-art sustainability credentials, the very fact that they are being built at all means that solutions need to be found. We are being left with a choice, new builds which take enormous amounts of energy to produce, or historical structures which are woefully equipped to handle modern requirements.

The situation is made even more complex due to the flexibility of the modern economy. With its many facets and elements, it is now very much a global mechanism. Digital nomads, home offices and international agreements mean that anything we need, or want, can be delivered to our door at the touch of a button. The same can also be said for the places where these items are manufactured and produced. A global economy and its technological advances mean that industries are now capable of offshoring, international reach, and unique production methods. While this can be seen as a net positive, it has produced huge numbers of empty building spaces, manufacturing plants and warehouses. As we encounter the challenge of sustainable buildings, this adds another level of concern for the industry. Additionally, a recent study has shown that the effects of these disused buildings on a local economy can cause further damage than ecological. “Overall, abandoned buildings are generally regarded as failed, stalled projects, degenerative processes, or the decay of the built environment, and are considered “pathological”, which has sparked discussions and reflections on how to treat and utilize these resources. In 2000, abandoned buildings became a major focus of the global academic community and a key issue to be addressed in the development of shrinking cities.”

“A global economy and its technological advances mean that industries are now capable of offshoring, international reach, and unique production methods.”

There is, however, cause for optimism. In some ways, it has arisen as a by-product of the cultural reset that took place in tandem with the COVID pandemic. With necessity being the mother of invention, like many things, the collective struggle in recent years has led to bright, innovative thinking. For some, these structures do not have to remain as sculptures of bygone eras. Remodeled, reused and adaptive thinking is leading to interesting things in the field with many of these structures now being adapted as low-carbon alternatives to new builds. Pritzker Prize winning architectural firm, Lacaton & Vassal, utilizes these spaces to create visionary and innovative solutions. The architects have a rich history of reimagining disused spaces and consider the process of demolition to be an “act of violence.” Anne Lacaton described the studio’s creative process in an interview as “starting from the richness [of existing buildings],” emphasizing that “we are never in the situation of making a tabula rasa.” Lacaton & Vassal use these views to prioritize renovation over demolition and have a long list of social housing projects in France. The judging team at the Pritzker Prize, the duo have revolutionized the way buildings can be viewed. “Not only have they defined an architectural approach that renews the legacy of modernism, but they have also proposed an adjusted definition of the very profession of architecture.”

This move towards adaptive reuse of buildings is not confined to European markets though. The concept has received considerable support in North America. According to a recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report, building-related construction and demolition debris account for 26% of all non-industrial waste generated in the United States. In addition to that, the report found that 90% of this debris is produced through the demolition of existing buildings.

Furthermore, Gensler, one of the largest architecture and design companies in the world, has identified Adaptive Reuse as a key driver of positive change in reaching net zero goals. “By renovating existing buildings and repurposing spaces and materials, developers can decrease the amount of carbon associated with new materials, and they can reduce the amount of debris and waste going into landfills. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, deconstruction rather than demolition of a building can save 90% of a building’s materials.” In addition to the environmental benefit of adopting this approach, the firm also cites another rather persuasive reason why project managers may start to target existing buildings. “Adaptive reuse strategies are also more cost-effective. Not only is adaptive reuse much cheaper than demolition and new construction, but property owners can also enjoy municipal incentives for converting their properties, some of which may have historic value. Additionally, reuse might speed local approval processes and minimize impacts on neighbors.”

While it may seem as though the benefits to adaptive reuse are too niche to be considered a viable alternative to new builds, it is worth noting that research conducted recently by Deloitte concluded that within the next ten years, ninety percent of real estate development will involve adaptive reuse of existing buildings instead of constructing new structures. The firm’s research shows that the method can produce benefits across a multitude of strands. “In an adaptive reuse, you take an existing building and repurpose it for a different use, while maintaining the original structure, but doing the necessary retrofits. There are multiple benefits that can accrue to the entire real estate ecosystem, be it to the Commercial Real Estate owners, developers, investors, or society as a whole. In terms of economic benefits, studies suggest that compared with a new construction, adaptive reuse and restoration can be 16 percent cheaper in terms of construction costs and take 18 percent less execution time. Also, if repurposing is done with smart and sustainable features in mind, it can help improve building performance and valuation. Socially, reuse of vacant structures could also give a new lease on life to the neighborhood while supporting the local economy and enable people to stay close to their workplaces—all the while helping preserve the social and cultural heritage of a region.”

Urban sprawl, historical considerations, cost, carbon emissions; it seems as though the choice to consider adaptive reuse is one that will only gain more traction as the industry continues its fight towards achieving net-zero.

The concept of a zero energy home is a fast developing one, gaining interest and traction around the world. So, what makes these homes an attractive proposition? Well, in truth, there is no great secret to it. As world leaders converge once more to identify and plan new ways to tackle imminent and far-reaching climate disruption, living in a structure that is self-sufficient in terms of energy usage is incredibly appealing. When it comes to building homes however, there is no easy fix with regards to carbon emissions. Construction is an energy-heavy environment, and the effects of this energy usage needs to be addressed. Many avenues are being explored, each with varied rates of success and potential. Embodied carbon, sustainable materials, solar panels, each have their place in the construction ecosystem. However, in order to reach net-zero, the solutions need to go beyond potential and exploration.

Zero energy homes have been around, in one form or another, for much longer than you might think. In 1973, while in the midst of an oil crisis that quadrupled the price of energy, Denmark invested in significant energy conservation in building research. The resulting experiment, the Lyngby house, contained vertical solar collectors and previously unheard-of levels of insulation to store the sun’s energy year-round. While not entirely successful, the program provided enough information and had enough potential for the idea to be carried forward. According to Dr Marc O Riain, President Emeritus of the Institute of Designers in Ireland, the program, while not perfect, served as the inspiration for many future initiatives. “The team used super-insulation, recognized thermal bridging, achieved good airtightness, and used heat recovery ventilation. The complicated active systems like solar water and seasonal storage tank were prone to damage and efficiency issues and were extremely expensive. However, they pointed the way for the rest of us and we stand on the shoulders of such pioneers whose legacy we are only seeing in mainstream construction today.”

So, what is a zero energy home? Interestingly, these structures are not simply houses with solar panels and sustainable materials. The concept goes significantly further than that. Zero energy homes combine advanced design and superior building systems with energy efficiency, solar power, and the most environmentally sound techniques. The result is a home that is so well insulated, air-tight and energy efficient that it can produce as much renewable energy as it consumes over the course of a year. “Zero energy homes are better, more durable, homes from the ground floor up to the roof. Thicker more air-tight walls, fresh filtered air, and advanced window technologies, among many other features, ensure that our zero energy home is better protected and more durable than the average home.”

While some may fear the prospect, and potential unreliability, of off-grid living, zero energy homes are grid-tied, meaning that energy is readily available just like any other home. However, due to a range of design, material and technological considerations, the end-user will be left with a net-zero energy bill and a carbon free home. According to those at Zero Energy Project, the benefits are innumerable. “Zero energy home is not just a “green home” or a home with solar panels. A zero energy home combines advanced design and superior building systems with energy efficiency and on-site solar panels to produce a better home. Zero energy homes are ultra-comfortable, healthy, quiet, sustainable homes that are affordable to live in.”

“A zero energy home combines advanced design and superior building systems with energy efficiency and on-site solar panels to produce a better home.”

Similar to any other home, the price of these structures will vary, based on location. However, the Zero Energy Project is quick to allay fears that these homes will stand out negatively, in comparison to other houses in a community. With the technology being so embedded in the process, these houses can be built to any specification. “A zero energy home can fit your life and your style. Individuals, couples, and families, of all ages and incomes live in zero energy homes, from the warm, humid climate of Florida to the very cold regions of Alaska. These homes can range from mansions to development homes, to small cottages and tiny homes. Zero energy homes can look like any other home or have their own unique style. Across the U.S. and Canada, you will find many styles of zero-energy homes – from colonial, to modern, to craftsman, or ranch and everything in between.”

For the Zero Energy Project, the goal is not to profit from these homes, however. The Project itself is not in the building trade. Its mission is to educate and inform, advocating for a sustainable alternative to traditional building practices. “The Zero Energy Project’s goal is to help home buyers, builders, designers, and real estate professionals take meaningful steps towards radically reducing carbon emissions and energy bills by building zero net energy homes and near zero energy homes. We envision the day when positive energy homes, which produce more energy than they consume, will power electric vehicles as well as homes, so that everyone can live well with less expense and without fear of energy price spikes, while greatly reducing our carbon emissions.”

The need for these changes is patently clear. At the World Climate Action Summit, COP28, the Global Decarbonization Accelerator (GDA) was unveiled. This is a series of landmark initiatives designed to speed up energy transition. The GDA is working towards this by focusing on three key pillars —rapidly scaling the energy system of tomorrow; decarbonizing the energy system of today; and targeting methane and other non-CO2 greenhouse gases (GHGs). This whole-scale plan for change is looking at both supply and demand simultaneously and is being led by key stakeholders, including the international organizations, governments and policy makers, NGOs, and CEOs from every industrial sector. Dr. Al Jaber, President of COP28 made clear the rationale for this initiative. “The world does not work without energy. Yet the world will break down if we do not fix energies we use today, mitigate their emissions at a gigaton scale, and rapidly transition to zero carbon alternatives. That is why the COP28 Presidency has launched the Global Decarbonization Accelerator.”

With global changes afoot, and an ever-increasing need to transition from emissions heavy energy sources, zero energy homes are a hugely important development. What began in Denmark in 1973 has grown and developed with the times. It is now a viable option for homeowners and, according to the Zero Energy Project, it is one of the wisest investments you could make. “A home is an important purchase in your life. Since today’s zero energy homes are built to tomorrow’s standards and cost less to own from day one, your investment will pay off, from the very first day to the last.”

zeroenergyproject.com/buy/zero-energy-homes

Countless opinion pieces and articles have discussed the state of U.S. infrastructure. From rail and road networks to energy grids, bridges, and telecom systems, the country is facing significant challenges. In many instances, these individual systems and networks that guide and assist modern living would be considered standalone industries. However, as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, they fall under a common umbrella. This Act, a monumental, bipartisan success across the industry, has promised much. Hailed as a beacon of hope for infrastructure development, job creation, and technological innovation, this legislation and its subsequent funding was anticipated to reshape the construction landscape. We are now two years on however, and as we approach an election year, it is time to take stock. As the effects of the funding ripple across the industry, it’s essential to assess whether these promises have materialized or encountered unseen challenges. The Infrastructure Bill surged through with promises of revitalizing the nation’s backbone. The Act was a five-year $1.2 Trillion plan which included $550 Billion of new funding and this legislation vowed to transform the construction sector. But what does the industry say, and what do the numbers reveal about its impact?

The Act’s unprecedented level of funding into infrastructure projects initially sparked great optimism, given that the aging and deteriorating roads, bridges and public transportation systems across the country were coming under widespread criticism. Early indications suggested a surge in project initiatives, from the refurbishment of aging infrastructure to the ambitious construction of sustainable, future-proof structures. As the White House released figures recently, detailing where the money has gone, Senior Advisor to the President, Mitch Landrieu gave an honest assessment of the act’s efficacy. “The better idea for the country was we were going to spend time trying to get the money out the door, down on the ground and actually have something coming out of the ground. In two short years, we have more than 40,000 projects that are funded in the country in 4,500 communities in all 50 states, the territories and Washington, D.C. That’s incredible.” Indeed, Landrieu is correct, States across the nation embarked on large-scale projects, breathing life into communities and assisting the industry. However, challenges arose, primarily in the pace of implementation. Bureaucratic hurdles, environmental assessments, and procurement processes often slowed down the commencement of projects. It seems as though, while much has indeed been spent, the desire and need for these new projects is still far greater.

“It seems as though, while much has indeed been spent, the desire and need for these new projects is still far greater.”

Another element of this funding that should be explored is the type of projects that are being greenlit. According to the White House, the project list covers a multitude of sectors including airports, bridges, roads, constructing more recharging stations for electric vehicles and providing high-speed internet to every home. “This funding has led to improvements on 135,800 miles of roads and [has] launched over 7,800 bridge repair projects, increasing safety and reconnecting communities across the country.” Additionally, in relation to public transport, the federal government believes that much has been done. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $66 billion for rail, the largest investment in passenger rail since the inception of Amtrak and an unprecedented investment in rail safety. Since President Biden took office, Amtrak has upgraded 29 stations to full Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and 30 more stations will be made accessible in the next year, to ensure that all passengers can access Amtrak service.”

While technically, this is true, the figures themselves tell a slightly different story. Airports make up only 14% of projects with roads and bridges far exceeding any other sector at 42%. Public transport and Electric Vehicles, Busses, and Ferries for example, comprise just 7% and 6% respectively. When we look geographically, we also see funding heavily skewed towards the Midwest which has received a third of all funding across any sector. While no clear indication is given as to why that may be, it seems that spending is not being spread evenly.

One of the bill’s primary goals was to create additional jobs across various sectors, especially within construction. The initial phase witnessed a surge in employment opportunities, providing a much-needed boost to the industry. Skilled and unskilled laborers alike found openings in the expanding project portfolios, addressing unemployment concerns and bolstering local economies. According to the White House, the figures are positive in this regard. “The construction sector is highly cyclical, with employment growing during economic expansions and declining during recessions. Consistent with this trend, the economy has added 670,000 jobs in construction since President Biden took office in January 2021—an average of 20,000 jobs per month.”

However, these figures do not look at specific sectors. Unsurprisingly, much of these gains have occurred in the highway, street and bridge construction industry. Since January 2021, this sector has accounted for almost half of the new jobs created. Interestingly, the other leading sector was in the construction of utilities, a sector that has not had as much funding in a like-for-like comparison. Ultimately, however, these jobs much be compared to overall national rates and the sustained creation of jobs has proved to be more challenging. The industry has, for quite some time, been facing a shortage of skilled labor. This shortage has led to project delays and increased costs for companies. Skill development initiatives and collaborations with educational institutions have been crucial in addressing this gap, but the long-term solution remains a work in progress.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has undeniably high targets and goals. It is a far-reaching piece of legislation and is, in many ways, a tangled mess of red tape and challenges. However, it is undoubtedly a net positive for the industry and may yet be the impetus for monumental changes within the construction industry. Despite encountering anticipated hurdles, its impact on infrastructure development and job creation and is clear, though not necessarily as successful as the federal government would like. According to Landrieu, the bill’s success lies not just in funding but in navigating challenges, fostering collaborations, and adapting to an evolving landscape. “We have gotten out of the habit of having the federal, state and local governments working in coordination with each other well, and as a consequence, we’ve stopped learning how, in partnership with the private sector and labor, to build big things. We’re starting to do that again. We’ve been intentional about breaking down the stovepipes between and amongst all the [Cabinet departments], so that coming up here is like a one-stop shop. Putting aside the roads, the bridges, the airports, the ports, which I call “the what,” this is what I call “the way”: communication, collaboration, coordination — every day, all day, rinse, repeat, do it over again, get better at it, get faster at it, get more thoughtful, learn how to make decisions better. All of a sudden, you can build a lot of big stuff.”

Countless industries are working towards viable solutions for the ongoing energy crisis. Infrastructure networks are at a tipping point of sorts. Historic systems are no longer able to keep up with the enormous demands being placed on them and as adverse weather conditions add to this strain, governments are tasked with making difficult choices. Do they pump addition funding into these failing systems with a view to restoring them to former glories, or should this money be invested in newer, more sustainable sources of energy. While G7 leaders may resoundingly agree that funding should be directed towards newer, cleaner sources of energy, problems persist. Clean energy grids are thin on the ground. Without these, net-zero is virtually impossible. According to Lisa Fischer, head of the energy systems program at climate think-tank E3G, storage and capacity issues fundamentally challenge the world’s ability to meet emissions targets. “There’s very little detail, so it’s quite hard to turn these targets into a grid agenda. Grids are anticipatory investments,” she says. “You have to ‘guess’ where the capacity and the demand is going to be and then invest massively. And so, the more certainty policymakers can give about the direction the better, and the easier it is for transmission system operators and developers of those grids to take that risk.”

For many, the direction has long been centered around solar energy. So, how can this viable energy source, abundant and free, be accessed across existing geographical features as time runs out? The answer may already be at our feet. Roads, paths, highways, and parking lots. The interconnecting infrastructure network is an essential part of human life. The benefits it brings are innumerable. However, the cost involved with development, maintenance and repair is enormous and their design and materials haven’t changed in decades. For some, the proposition of replacing these networks with solar panels offered an opportunity to build sustainable energy grids with minimal disruption to existing networks. Using technology that has been available for a number of years, a start-up in Idaho did try to make that a reality. Solar Roadways devised a “multi-featured, modern, modular intelligent infrastructure product which also produces clean energy in places.” The path was laid in hexagonal tiles creating a network of energy production. At the time, the company claimed that it was capable of withstanding the same weight and pressure as concrete or asphalt, and many believed that this innovative product could be the energy generating roads of the future. However, Installing photovoltaic roads is a time- and resource-heavy project. While Solar Roadways argued that the electricity gains in the long run would offset those initial costs, the company claimed its panels had a 23 percent power efficiency rate, and the project has yet to see the light of day. It was announced with huge fanfare, and initial suggestions were that the company could eventually cover all of the country’s roads in photovoltaic panels, an energy source that could generate 23.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. Sadly, the project was a failure with cost and reliability being the greatest challenges. Ultimately, the technology was not at the right level and alternative solar networks offered a cheaper and easier method of accessing energy.

That does not mean, however, that combining infrastructure and solar energy is a defunct concept. Since 2014, the city of Sejong in South Korea has been operating what is referred to as a Solar Bike Lane. This five-and-a-half-mile stretch of path sits in the middle of an eight-lane highway and is furnished with solar panels that illuminate the streets below. The path’s ‘Solar Roof’ covers three of the 5.5 miles and includes an incredible 7,502 solar panels. It produces an average of 2,200 MWh of clean electricity that powers many of the streetlights and electrical signage in the city. This is the equivalent of powering 600 households. So, as Solar Roadways walls by the wayside, are Solar Bike Lanes the new direction for energy sources? Kim Geun-ho, a researcher from the Green Energy Institute based in South Korea, believes so. “Solar panels in public facilities are part of a trend in clean energy. At the beginning stage, solar power generation was mostly constructed in vast farmland and mountainous areas. It moved on to public facility rooftops, and finally have evolved to play the role of a shelter and power generator at the same time, in this case, a roof on top of a bike road.”

“One of the main causes of solar roadways’ failure was its inability to withstand the weight of road traffic.”

This example shows that there is certainly an appetite for combining transport and energy, but in effect, these panels are no different of fixed panels in any location. In the Netherlands, however, a town has taken things even further. The Dutch province of North Brabant has announced that construction has begun on a 500 meter long, ground-mounted solar cycle path that runs along a provincial road. One of the main causes of Solar Roadways’ failure was its inability to withstand the weight of road traffic. With this consideration now removed from the equation, can the project be reimagined? According to the local government, the project is more of a fact-finding mission than a viable energy source, for now. “This project is mainly intended to gain more experience with the deployment of solar cells on bicycle paths.”

The Netherlands does also have past experience with the concept of solar cycling lanes. The province of Utrecht has installed solar cycle tracks as part of a national drive to test the viability of solar power production on road infrastructure. “If the outcome is positive, solar panels on cycle paths can make an important contribution to reducing the use of fossil fuels and making the provincial infrastructure more sustainable,” the province of Utrecht said. “No agricultural or natural land needs to be used and the landscape is not affected.”

While many of these projects are still at an early stage and the road has had to endure numerous setbacks, the relationship between solar energy and transportation networks is strengthening. According to Dr. Karolina Baltins at Fraunhofer Institute, who heads up its PV power plants team, the positive effects of PV Cycle Lanes can cover many elements. “We not only use the solar power of the cycle path canopy, but we are using the knowledge gathered from the pilot project and incorporating it into our research in order to answer the diverse questions for PV in urban areas.”

It is through the use of pre-existing networks that governments can build forward, develop more resilient power grids and establish viable alternatives to fossil fuels. The journey ahead may yet prove to have a number of twists and turns, and the road is undoubtedly going to be a bumpy one, but by the looks of things, it is also likely to be one that collects and stores solar energy. With time running out to achieve net-zero, using what we already have may give countries a fighting chance.

California is currently on track to become the fourth-largest economy in the world. Its scale, quality, and standard of living is the envy of most. However, with any place of this magnitude, significant problems exist. While the state is home to Hollywood, surf, and the Golden Gate Bridge, it is also home to more than 170,000 homeless people, a figure that is almost half of the unsheltered homeless population in the entire United States. When we look at these figures in more detail, it seems that a significant portion of these residents are to be found in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Bay Area is, on any given night, the location for nearly 40,000 homeless individuals. So, in a state as populous, scenic, and wealthy as California, what can be done to combat the rising, and now chronic homelessness situation? Additionally, can we turn to some of the residents, individual and companies alike, to assist with these efforts?

It must be acknowledged; the state of California has not been reluctant to offer financial assistance to the crisis. In the four years from 2018 to 2022, a stunning $17.5 billion has been spent trying to address the situation. However, disappointingly, homelessness figures have worsened over this time rather than improved. According to Jason Elliott, senior adviser on homelessness to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the state is nowhere near where it would like to be. “The problem would be so much worse, absent these interventions,” he said. “And that’s not what people want to hear. I get it, we get it.” While he accepts that much needs to be done, he states that it is a problem that goes back decades. “We need 2.5 million more units in California. This is a problem that is decades and decades in the making because of policy choices that we’ve made. We are not blameless. And when I say we, I mean Republicans and Democrats alike.”

So, what about modular housing? The concept is not a new one. It has been used in some form for decades and is a proven way of incorporating speed and efficiency to a project, albeit at the cost of quality or longevity. Until now, the use of modular building for long-term family housing has not been explored in great detail. So, as the industry battles to keep up with an ever-growing demand for homes, what use could ‘flat-packed’ homes be to a market that is experiencing a crisis? Given that there a shortfall of seven million homes in the U.S., with the San Francisco Bay Area —the home of Big Tech— one of the worst affected, can the power of these companies be harnessed to fill the gap?

Tipping Point Community is a leading philanthropic organization that finds, funds, and strengthens the most promising poverty-fighting solutions in the Bay Area. Led by current CEO Sam Cobbs, the organization works “by pairing effective direct service grantmaking with policy work to disrupt the conditions that hold poverty in place.” It was set up in 2005 by Daniel Lurie who had previous experience in the sector having worked for the Robin Hood Foundation, an organization dedicated to fighting poverty in New York City. Lurie believes that worthwhile connections need to happen for real success. “So many organizations in the philanthropic sector have their hearts in the right place, but when it comes to fighting poverty, good intentions aren’t enough. Low-income families deserve access to the most effective services that can help them break the cycle of poverty for good, and donors deserve a return on their philanthropic investments.” One of these connections has been with Google and Facebook, two headline employers in the Bay region.

Factory_OS is a Google and Facebook backed company that is working towards modernizing, innovating, and revolutionizing the modular housing landscape. According to the company, cost, speed and quality can all be improved upon. “This process brings relentless efficiency to a profoundly inefficient industry. In Building 680, Factory_OS can build homes year-round, rain or shine, leveraging the proven principles of lean manufacturing and cutting-edge software technologies. Quality control is better. Workers are safer. Precision cutting and indoor material storage reduce construction waste by more than a third, and reduced transportation requirements lower carbon emissions, making this the greenest building method available today. On-site assembly is faster, cleaner and far less disruptive to our neighbors.”

“It is an ambitious effort to ease the housing challenge by scaling the off-site production of multifamily housing.”

Factory_OS was founded and is currently run by Rick Holliday, owner of Holliday Development, a leading provider of sustainable communities through its skill in leveraging private development to create vibrant, sustainable housing in the Bay Area. He believes that the work being done at Factory_OS will ultimately benefit those most in need. “It is an ambitious effort to ease the housing challenge by scaling the off-site production of multifamily housing. Factory_OS is a new approach to housing construction, integrating the design and build processes, powered by local union labor and pioneering in-house research and innovation,” he said.

The company operates out of an expansive 258,000-square-foot factory in Vallejo, on the outskirts of the Bay Area. According to Holliday’s co-founder, Larry Pace, the speed at which housing can be produced is staggering. “They build one floor approximately every two and a half hours,” he says, referring to the workers in Factory_OS’ HQ. “It’s fast.” Within the factory, workers contribute from various stations, preparing separate sections of a house in anticipation of it all being put together. These stations work on sections such as cabinets, roofing, plumbing and electrical wiring. From there, he says, these stations are shipped onto a building site and assembled in a matter of days, rather than months. “It literally becomes a plug-and-play. We have become very proficient at what we do, and it will revolutionize the construction industry from what we’ve seen in the past. It already has.”

For Holliday, Factory_OS has come out of a necessity to drive down the costs of housing. “My career has been 40-plus years in housing as a developer with an innovative and affordable focus,” he said. “Eight or nine years ago I started seeing a rapid increase in costs, and knew we had to look at a more cost-effective way.” By partnering with socially focused organizations and securing the necessary funding to expand this cost-effective, fast, and reliable method of producing sustainable housing, we could be at the preface of a sort of revolution. On the Tipping Point project, a remarkable 145 units were created, all at a saving of 30% compared to market rates. However, as Lurie states, things are only just getting started. “At the end of the day we need to prove it’s possible to build in a much more efficient and cost-effective manner. Public-private partnerships like ours are at their best when they enable the fast moving, flexible approaches we desperately need to accelerate the delivery of homes to those who need them most.”

Across North America, local authorities have grappled with homelessness for decades. Despite numerous interventions, pilot programs, housing initiatives, figures do not seem to decrease dramatically. Since data collection began in 2007, modest decreases had been identified. However, these gains amounted to a reduction of only 17 percent between 2007 and 2016. Furthermore, in the years following on from this, the trends have slipped in the opposite direction. This situation was compounded by the COVID 19 pandemic, but not by as much as feared. According to figures collected by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, governmental measures to support citizens during COVID was likely to be an important positive factor. “Tracking COVID-related population changes proved difficult. The pandemic disrupted data collection in 2021. By 2022, the full PIT Count resumed, and data showed that the homeless population had once again increased—but by only 0.3 percent.” Despite this, data is showing that homelessness is on the rise, and it seems that alternative solutions need to be identified. Given that communities are in the midst of a housing shortfall, lead times, labor shortages, materials shortages are all contributing to a perfect storm scenario where those most in need will be hit hardest.

The latest figures collected in the US make for stark reading. Homelessness has been on the rise since 2017 and last year, 421,392 people were homeless on a given night —127,000 of these being chronically homeless. This amounts to roughly 18 out of every 10,000 people. While these numbers are concerning, it seems that data can be misleading. When analyzed by location, it seems that the US has a number of homelessness hotspots with five states accounting for much of the crisis. “Homelessness is largely concentrated in certain areas of the country. Solving challenges in a few jurisdictions would significantly advance the goal of ending homelessness. Just five states (California, New York, Florida, Washington, and Texas) account for 55 percent of people experiencing homelessness. And a mere 25 Continuums of Care (CoCs) account for 47 percent of all homelessness.” Within this context we must ask the question, can more be done to support this vulnerable cohort of society?

Los Angeles is estimated to have around 75,000 people currently experiencing homelessness. As these figures were released recently, Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kellum, Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority was clear in her message, this is an epidemic. “The homeless count results tell us what we already know — that we have a crisis on our streets, and it’s getting worse.” However, hope also comes in a coordinated plan to decrease these numbers through innovative strategies.

NAC Architecture, in collaboration with Bernards, a Californian construction company, has unveiled The Hilda L Solis Care First Village, an innovative housing project that uses modular building and shipping containers. The village covers 64,000 square feet (5,946 square meters) and was completed in six months. It offers 232 housing units, along with a common building that holds a commercial kitchen, dining area, laundry facilities and administrative spaces. The site also has landscaped courtyards, a dog park, and parking spots for staff and residents.

“It is an extremely viable solution that brings numerous potential benefits.”

It is not the first time that homelessness projects have identified modular building as the appropriate choice. It makes sense. Quick, cheaper than traditional alternatives, and with a lower need for large scale labor, it is an extremely viable solution that brings numerous potential benefits. Chandler Tiny Home Village, designed by Los Angeles firm Lehrer Architects, opened in February 2021. Chandler Street, which is operated by Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, is a shelter designed for stays of three to six months. As an interim measure, the site can assist clients to stabilize as they seek other housing. On-site caseworkers assist with basics such as securing paperwork to recover lost IDs, connecting people to basic services, and providing a steady address as they apply for jobs or benefits. “It’s a spot to stabilize,” says Laurie Craft, Hope of the Valley’s chief program officer. “So that when people move into permanent supportive housing, the result is good.”

Elsewhere, People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) is a non-profit group on a mission to end homelessness. “Across the state, we help people find permanent housing and provide case management, medical and mental healthcare, benefits advocacy, employment training, and other services to help them maintain their homes stably. Since 2013, we have connected more than 9,000 people to permanent homes.” The group is currently working in San Diego’s El Carrito neighborhood, finalizing a modular community of affordable housing for homeless, or at-risk individuals. In this case, shipping containers were again used to facilitate the speedy completion of the project. “Most of the folks moving in are what’s considered low-income so they’re likely not going to pay more than $300 — if that,” said PATH CEO Jennifer Hark Dietz. “It really is based on their income level.”

The cities of Toronto and Vancouver have both incorporated modular housing as a way of housing their homeless residents in a cost-effective, and dignified, manner. Michael Geller, the Vancouver-based planning and development consultant believes that this method is effective due to its size, portability and method of production. “Modular housing can be relocated; I thought of it as an idea that might well work, and it did. Normally in construction, you have consultants’ fees, but in this case, there are no architects’ fees for every unit, and you don’t have the costs of going through the approvals process. The standard module is produced in a factory. All of the Vancouver projects are virtually identical, and you avoid property taxes during construction, the insurance costs are less, the legal costs are less, the soft costs on a project are often in the order of 20% of hard costs, and one cost you don’t have is the land cost.”

As figures continue to rise, it is imperative that cities and local authorities around North America work towards viable solutions to decrease the number of homeless individuals. With modular building, one thing is certain; residents can feel safe, secure and respected in a manner that can work in tandem with a housing crisis. Abigail Bond, Executive Director of the Housing Secretariat for the City of Toronto explains is in very real, and very clear terms. “For the first sites we have opened, there have been a couple of people who were interviewed after they moved in, and it’s really positive, really life-changing. They have a front door they can lock. There’s real security and a place where they can leave their buildings knowing their things will be there when they get back. It really makes a huge difference for people.”

The construction industry takes many forms. From infrastructure and residential, commercial to environmental, there is tremendous scope across the industry for all comers. One sector of the industry that can occasionally be overlooked is that of theme and attraction building. While to some it may seem rather niche, the simple reality is that success in the sector is built on the exact same set of skills and principles as any other — hard work, innovation and professionalism. COST Inc. is a construction company based in Wisconsin, and with offices in a number of locations across the U.S. and Canada. It offers full range construction services including preconstruction, modeling and fabrication. What makes this company slightly different, however, is that it focusses primarily on Theme and Specialty Construction Services. With almost seventy years of experience in the field, it is safe to say that COST Inc. knows what it is doing.

COST Inc. started out back in 1957. John Stanwyck’s construction company was tasked to revolutionize the habitats at the Milwaukee County Zoo. With steel and iron cages no longer a welcome sight in the industry, Stanwyck started work on remodeling the zoo in a manner that was both functional are aesthetically pleasing. Since that successful initiation to the sector, the company has developed and grown immensely. Operating out of its 144,000 sq ft plant, the company has completed work in locations as diverse as theme parks, casinos, resorts, botanical gardens, residential communities, golf course, family entertainment centers, retail stores and restaurants. However, it is this integration of technology in design through construction that has led it to the highest points of the industry with no sign of slowing down. According to Tim Zimmerman, Project Manager at COST Inc., this means that the company uses a hybrid approach, incorporating cutting edge machinery with traditional methods to share its vision with a potential client. “We rely heavily on clay handmade models, which is very old school. One of the biggest components of a job in terms of moving it forward is getting approval of the model. Once the client sees the model, the job really comes to life. We use a lot of new technology such as software, but we also use an old school component in the clay model. I think it’s a huge part of our business, clarifying everybody’s expectations.

This marriage between traditional methods and new techniques is echoed by Sergio Castro, Project Manager. Castro explains that the practical benefits of collaboration using innovative tools are considerable. “A lot of these types of projects now are run through centralized models, Previously, maybe 20 years ago, everyone had a set of blueprints. Now, however, people are working on different sides of the country, or on different sides of a jobsite. They are collaborating in real time through integration models, through coordination. Everyone’s work is now integrating.”

It is impossible to maintain a successful presence in the construction industry for over six decades without an ability to move with the times. Alongside this, however, is the need to forge and maintain strong working relationships. At COST Inc., building partnerships is a vital component. As Zimmerman explains, not only have these relationships ensured that the company goes from strength to strength, but they also stand as evidence of the true value of having a quality staff. “Our business is built on the relationships that we have throughout the country. Our job is to execute the vision and the wants of the owner. We make sure that we have the best artists and personnel behind the scenes to make those things happen. We execute what our clients want. It’s timeless in a sense, so we do things the right way, we are transparent in how we operate, and the work that we have done on large-scale high-profile projects is world class. This is a product of our personnel.”

These world class projects give an insight into the level of detail and quality that goes into a job for COST Inc. Take the Galapagos Islands at Houston Zoo, for example. With the sharpest eye for detail, COST Inc. worked tirelessly to produce incredible craftsmanship and detail on the project. As Zimmerman shares, the work produced for this job was simply incredible. “That project had a lot of focus on the finer details and on what makes the Galapagos Islands so unique. So, everything that we did there was very accurate in the real world. It all had a sense of realism to it. The rocks had to look like the Galapagos rock formations. We put a lot of emphasis on it having to look like the real thing. Every aspect, down to the algae and barnacles. A highlight for us would be the workmanship. It is exceptional, a world class exhibit.” Alongside this, Kingdoms of Asia at Fresno Zoo and Lost Island Theme Park in Iowa are also brought up in terms of high-quality projects that succeeded, in part, due to the consistently positive relationships the company has with both clients. “All of those projects are long term relationships. The relationship built over a decade or two decades, creates a tremendous amount of trust. I think people can hear each other better when you have that trust. They want a higher level of detail, and they know we can do that. They trust us to do it. In all three of those examples that actually happened. The architects and the designers have a look, tell us where to get information and references. From there, we turn it into models using computers, 3d printing, and clay models and then we turn it into real life.”

With nearly seventy years of experience at the forefront of Theme and Specialty Construction, COST Inc. has established a reputation as one of the foremost producers in the sector. With that in mind, the question must be asked, where do you go from here? While they remain tight-lipped about specific details, the future is certainly bright for the company with several more high-profile jobs beginning in the near future. As Jared Stanwyck shares, the future will always be one of balance and steady innovation. In an ever-changing industry where new demands are being placed on those at the coal face, it would be remiss of COST Inc. to rest on its laurels. “Right now, we’re focused on North America, but future challenges we anticipate relate to things like, what are we doing to stay ahead of the curve on technological developments? These are rapidly evolving in terms of programs, model integrations, 3D scanning, and even augmented reality. The bar has been raised with higher expectations on precision and fabrication. Given the scope and nature of our projects it’s something we face quite often, but it’s also something we have always embraced. We are always learning and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Creative thinking and problem solving is what got us here today.

In recent years, much has been done in the construction industry to promote more inclusive practices. Workshops, education, and recruitment drives all feed into a developing picture of an industry that is welcoming to all. If we were to be honest, it couldn’t have come quickly enough. The construction industry is one of the most homogenous on the planet. The most up to date figures show that there is one group of workers in particular who are still marginalized, and seem to remain excluded from the education drives that center around gender and race. Making up 5% of the construction workforce, disabled workers are largely being left behind in the race for diversity. This figure is significantly lower than any other group when it comes to inclusion statistics. When this is coupled with the complementary statistics that only 20% of all disabled workers are in trades, and that when this is broken down further by gender, we see that a miniscule number of disabled females are in the industry, it seems as though construction has a blind spot.

A study back in 2015 gave an illuminating view into the prospective career opportunities for disabled workers in the construction field. The study aimed to identify companies that had disabled workers on their teams, and furthermore, investigate the types of jobs that these workers were carrying out. The results were not positive. “The results of the research allowed to identify that the majority of workers with disabilities were male, had physical disabilities, not using prostheses or orthoses. Most deficiencies were caused by diseases, while more than half of individuals with disabilities did not complete high school. The most prevalent job was the laborer, while about half of the cases, companies made adjustments in the workplace, of which all were of organizational type, and no financial investment for labor inclusion was necessary.” Most concerning is that, according to the research, the already-tiny representation figures is skewed even further by findings that suggest more disabled workers are in administrative positions. “According to the results, workers with disabilities typically work in offices rather than construction sites, in most construction companies. Furthermore, the types of impairment that they have are not known, the relationship between environment and impairment and the impacts of that environment, such as the type of work are not known either.”

Thankfully, there is a potential roadmap for the industry. It is a conversation that has been happening in England for quite some time, with much research and investment going into the area. Built By Us is an advocacy group for the construction industry. Its work involves mentoring, sponsorship, business and employment supports such as matching individuals to appropriate companies. “We speak up for those who are othered by creating accessible mentoring programs, changing team cultures and growing diverse leadership. We look for the best in emerging talent and invest in the future of our industry. We give voice to the struggles of being the Other in our chosen industry.” According to Danna Walker, CEO of Built By Us, the first step towards creating a genuinely inclusive workplace is to reframe the conversation and move away from a model of disability, and by adopting a strength and skills-based approach. “For decades, disability advocates have been challenging what is known as the medical model of disability – a model that focuses solely on impairment, i.e. what an individual may or may not be able to do – rather than the social model. The Social Model of disability highlights the ways in which society through thought, action and design create barriers to opportunities.”

“The Social Model of disability highlights the ways in which society through thought, action and design create barriers to opportunities.”

While this is all good news, things are not necessarily straight-forward. Government statistics have shown that business owners in the U.K. have deeply flawed views in relation to disability with over half of company owners believing that it is easier to recruit a non-disabled person. However, the conversation is an ongoing one and is getting louder by the day. A study conducted by industry professionals gathered the lived experiences of disabled construction workers. It showed that the potential benefit to companies means that these workers should be included on merit as opposed to filling any quotas. “They should seriously try to put themselves in my position, and to understand how a disability can be overcome. Also, that I always have to multi-task with things they would never think about and that a person who has worked hard to get good qualifications and has talent, needs to be valued.”

Back in North America, the construction industry is lagging in this regard. Hope had emerged that with the Americans with Disabilities act, things may change. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. While companies have benefitted financially from other industries retrofitting their premises to be disability accessible, this critical eye has not been turned on itself. In fact, some employers have attempted to bypass the act by forcing potential employees to participate in pre-contract medicals, thus eliminating the need to make reasonable accommodations. It is this element, accommodations or adaptations that seems to be the main stumbling block for employers. In reality however, these should not put undue burden on the business and are merely a way of enabling a worker to do their job. “An employer need not create a new job to accommodate a disabled individual, but it may be required to modify non-core aspects of the job. For instance, if workers generally get a thirty-minute break every four hours, it may be a reasonable accommodation to give a worker with diabetes a ten-minute break every hour. Small expense or mere inconvenience to the employer is not enough ‘undue hardship’ on the company to bring the employee outside the law’s protection.”

The industry is highly skilled at constructing accessible structures and mechanisms that ensure disabled people are not left out. However, in order to be a truly inclusive industry, construction needs to build with disabled people, as opposed to building for them. For those at Built By Us, the benefits of a workforce that includes disabled workers cannot be understated. “Increasing diversity, building inclusion, and embedding inclusive leadership are core tenets of an innovative, outwards looking workforce.” While the North American industry is not yet there, it may perhaps learn from other markets that the value of diversity is significantly more than the cost of a salary.

The construction world is an ever-changing entity. It finds itself in the unenviable position of being both a driver and responder to change. Any number of considerations may require the industry to undergo a complete overhaul, safety demands, available materials, innovative machinery. Conversely, those within the industry work tirelessly to explore exciting new techniques and procedures which may inspire change in a more positive manner. “A number of drivers have been identified that are expected to prompt changes for the construction sector which could have far-reaching impacts, in relation to skills and training, productivity, innovation, and the overall structure of the industry.” These words came from a British report on construction as a driver for change way back in 2010. What is interesting is that, despite the tumultuous decade that followed the report, the statement is every bit as true today as it was then.

Clearly, there is one global issue that will be the main driver of change within the construction industry going forward, and that is carbon emissions. With governments around the world committing to achieving net-zero emissions, construction is likely to be at the vanguard of whatever changes take place, both in the next few years and in the longer term. Given that construction accounts for around 40% of global emissions —this figure represents both new building work and embodied carbon from existing structures— it is clear that net-zero is going to be the most significant driver for change within the construction industry. This view is echoed by the World Economic Forum. It believes that it is embodied carbon which will prove the most difficult for construction to reckon with. “While construction industry leaders have made great strides on the operational front in recent years, this is but a first step. All too often, embodied carbon has been left out of the equation. With the problem of embodied carbon now taking center stage, this is the moment to make bold commitments and take immediate action.”

So, what does this action look like? Well, when it comes to lowering emissions in new buildings, two considerations become vitally important: what we use and how quickly we use it. Ironic then, given that when we consider the greatest challenges currently facing the industry, we would be hard pushed to find ones greater than shortages in both materials and labor. These two facets of the industry are foundational, and the magnitude of struggle being faced in their absence is considerable. While everything is being done to address these shortages, things do not move quickly. However, the deadline to achieve net-zero is not a fluid one. Change needs to happen fast in this regard. So, imagine the benefit that could be found by working with a product that could allow a $21 million, 96-unit housing complex to be built by just 11 workers without the use of cranes, lifts, saws or metal cutting equipment of any kind.

RENCO is a global force across the engineering, GC, and project development sectors. The company prides itself on providing innovative solutions that are ethically minded. “Since its foundation, RENCO has been providing efficient and economical solutions through the evolution of highly professional know-how and innovative approaches for satisfying client needs.” In recent years, RENCO has brought a product to the market which may be hugely beneficial to the industry on a huge number of levels. RENCO USA has devised intuitively-made building blocks that work like real-life LEGO. The idea, like most excellent ones, is relatively simple. The blocks interconnect seamlessly and are made using a composite of minerals and glass fiber. The injection molding process allows the blocks to be made in any shape needed and they can be used in floors, walls, and roofs.

“Since its foundation, Renco has been providing efficient and economical solutions through the evolution of highly professional know-how and innovative approaches for satisfying client needs.”

According to RENCO co-founder Tom Murphy, Jr. the material is the product of many years research and revision. “We worked on this for more than 10 years. We had to keep changing it to make it better and easier to work with. As we did that, making a building with it got faster and easier, and… the building got stronger each time.” However, despite these challenges, the company came through to produce an incredibly durable material that has everything a contractor would need, and then some. “RENCO MCFR is a state-of-the-art structural building system of interlocking composite building units of various types and sizes of blocks, columns, beams, joists, headers, decking, connectors, etc. These products are all adhesively joined (chemically bonded) to form monolithic structures.”

As the industry struggles to get a handle on its emissions, particularly in the context of dwindling resources and man-power, it can seem alluring —jumping into the next new thing, without giving it proper investigation. Thankfully for the industry, the blocks meet all standards. In fact, according to those at the company, the materials were put through a stringent set of evaluations before being brought onto the market. “The RENCO Structural Building System has been evaluated in ANSI certified laboratories to ASTM standards for structural performance, physical characteristics, and fire resistance. After thorough evaluation, IAPMO-UES approved and issued its Evaluation Report to permit the use of RENCO Structural Building System under the International Building Code.”

The big question now is, do they work? For some, building a house with Lego may seem a little too far-fetched, even for an industry as innovative as construction so having an evidence base will do a lot to convince a skeptical market. With this in mind, and having completed numerous projects internationally, the company has now undertaken its first U.S. project in Palm Beach County, Florida. The $21-million, four-building multifamily project is now nearing completion in Palm Springs, Fla., near West Palm Beach. Construction of the 96-unit development is being managed by Coastal Construction. Incredibly, the units require only 11 staff to install. Furthermore, they are hurricane proof up to Category 5, —a major benefit for housing projects in Florida. RENCO’s system is also earthquake resistant, and the company is now providing the Turkish government with a long-term housing solution to rebuild cities and areas recently affected by catastrophic M7.8 & M7.5 earthquakes and multiple aftershocks. According to company owner, Tom Murphy jr., the system is incredibly easy to use and will have benefits for jobsite managers for many years. “Because workers don’t require any specialized training—the MCFR system uses color-coded plans and 3D models of the interlocking system that new workers can easily follow—the system is an economical choice for the contractor from a labor perspective as well as in terms of tools and materials.

So, where does that leave things? Surely there must be a stumbling block. Medium-rise residential homes built in a few hours with no staff or no tools; it sounds too good to be true. In fact, as we dig deeper into the potential uses and benefits of the product, it seems that it is quite the opposite. “The RENCO Structural Building System currently can include up to five (5) story structures. Through continued research and development, expanded approvals are in process, with full approval to build up to eight (8) stories expected by the end of 2023. As 95% of all Americans live in 8 stories or less, we believe this next level of approval will open an incredible amount of opportunity for use of this revolutionary product.” As plans are now being put in place to achieve the further accreditation needed to ramp up production and education, we are soon going to be faced with the very real possibility of Lego houses. As always, with the construction industry standing out as a driver of change, everything is awesome.

As discussions and debates continue around the benefits and efficacy of Electric Vehicles, much is placed in the public domain. As with any information, however, critical thinking is needed. Inaccurate statements around range, safety and emissions continue to be fed to a public that is in a state of confusion when it comes to the purchase of their next automobile. Earlier this year, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), moved to dispel many of the myths surrounding EVs in an effort to combat these. For example, many advocates of the combustible engine believe that the emissions generated from both the production of EVs, and the electricity needed to charge them outweighs any benefits in terms of net emissions. However, this could not be further from the truth. While manufacturing and power do require an element of carbon pollution, it is nowhere on the scale of traditional vehicles. “Electric vehicles (EVs) have no tailpipe emissions. Generating the electricity used to charge EVs, however, may create carbon pollution. The amount varies widely based on how local power is generated, e.g., using coal or natural gas, which emit carbon pollution, versus renewable resources like wind or solar, which do not. Even accounting for these electricity emissions, research shows that an EV is typically responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) than an average new gasoline car. To the extent that more renewable energy sources like wind and solar are used to generate electricity, the total GHGs associated with EVs could be even lower.”

Regardless of the PR battle that is raging, one thing is clear; the electric vehicle movement is growing. Sales figures are rising every year and the infrastructure network is developing. However, one element of the sector that is proving to be a stumbling block is the speed at which these developments are taking place. Unfortunately, for those who are tasked with decreasing emissions around the globe, the full-scale transition to electric isn’t happening quickly enough. There are a number of barriers to the mass adoption of EVs, such as the aforementioned smear campaign, but two of the greatest are range anxiety and a viable charging network. While the reality may be slightly skewed in the direction of the skeptic, these are understandable concerns and until they are clearly rectified in a public way, the combustible engine will reign supreme. While it is still in its infancy, assistance with these challenges may be on its way.

When we think of SMART cities, we imagine connected living spaces that are intuitive and helpful, providing solutions to traffic, waste management, safety and energy usage. However, the potential for connected living goes significantly further than that. Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan, has been exploring the possibility of building sustainable links between the structures of a city, and the transport that moves around it. The result of this research is SolarEV Cities. A recent study at the University looked at the possibilities of marrying EV batteries with solar rooftop panels or photovoltaics (PVs). The theory is that by linking the two, vehicles would be running on a much cleaner energy source while also supporting the local community by feeding unused energy back to the grid. For Takuro Kobashi, a study team member at the university, it is a vital step towards sustainable EVs. “We need to prioritize the use of the rooftop PV + EV system to minimize the impacts of renewable energy development on nature.”

Enabling a safe and sustainable relationship between PV and EV is something that has long been mooted as an essential step in making electric vehicles a viable long-term solution. However, according to those at Tohoku University, it can also assist in decreasing the energy needs of a city by significant amounts. With carbon emissions from urban areas accounting for around three quarters of all global emissions, decarbonizing cities is a key factor that simply cannot be ignored. Experts in the field believe that the barriers to widespread adoption of EVs are precisely those that limit the success of PVs also. One industry figure said, “Challenges to its deployment such as lack of distribution, grid availability, low consumer engagement and challenges to the deployment of the infrastructure during renovation show very close similarities with those posed by the deployment of distributed photovoltaic solar power plants (PVs). Therefore, any successful solutions should benefit both EV and PV deployment.”

The SolarEV City Concept is a relatively new idea that places and utilizes solar panels on rooftops in conjunction with electric vehicles. By doing this, electric vehicles not only reduce carbon emissions from gasoline and diesel, but their batteries have the ability to store additional power generated from the solar panels. This allows the user to powering their home when the sun is not shining. However, the efficacy of this concept concept varies widely from city-to-city. Depending on location and climate, results can vary. Despite this, the figures look positive indeed. The first study which took place in Kyoto, found that if 70% of the city’s rooftops were covered with solar panels and all cars became electric, Kyoto could reduce the emissions generated by combustible engines by 60-74% and save 22-37% on energy costs by 2030. However, for more densely urban areas in Japan, like Kawasaki and Tokyo, the reductions were less.

Further studies in Jakarta and other temperate locations also yielded success. The question remained, however, if this concept could become widespread around the globe. In an attempt to answer this question, Associate Professor Takuro Kobashi and the team have conducted the first study on the possibility of PV/EV success in a high-latitude city – Paris. The results were mixed but showed promise. When speaking about the project, Kobashi explains how a one-size fits all approach is not the right way to go. “As Paris is a highly urbanized area, we found the city could only supply approximately 30% of its electricity needs through rooftop PVs. And also, since most PV generation is consumed inside the city, the impact of EVs as storage batteries is limited. However, in the surrounding Paris region, which comprises many low-rise buildings, we discovered that covering 71% of the rooftops could meet 78% of the annual electricity demand for that year. When incorporating EVs as storage batteries into the fold, even when accounting for the supply demand of the EVs themselves, it was possible to supply approximately 60% of the electricity. Ultimately, this could lead to a 23% reduction in energy costs by 2030.” Kobashi goes on to explain that regional systems, with lower density, may offer a solution that mitigates against the challenges. “Our study not only highlights the carbon reduction potential of implementing a SolarEV City in Paris and the Ile-de-France, but it shows the need to consider regional variations.”

For some, Electric Vehicles are a passing fad designed to remove market share from the status quo. The reality is though, EVs are an absolute necessity, and fast. If communities and city planners to convene to work through local variables, pairing PVs with EVs could have a transformative effect on the energy requirements in high density areas.

www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/press/solarev_cities.html

Cities around the world are continuing to work on novel and innovative ways of cooling their streets down. Unfortunately, this is something that has now become an immediate and severe challenge. Studies initially claimed that heat contributed to around 1,500 deaths each year, with this figure largely being made up by homeless people and those working in low-paid, outdoor jobs. However, experts believe that heat-related fatalities are largely unreported and that the figure is exponentially higher. The largest scale study using more modern, accurate, measures, shows that between 1997 and 2006 there were around 12,000 heat-related deaths per annum. The big picture is that heat is a hugely damaging and dangerous aspect of modern living. According to a Bloomberg report, around one eighth of humanity lives in extreme heat for six months of every year while scientific discoveries are showing that humans are much more susceptible to heat than first thought. The resulting impact of this silent and invisible killer is also a considerable one from a financial perspective. The cost on human life can run into billions of dollars in economic damage.

The simple fact is that, when hotter climates and rising temperatures are paired with towns and cities with colossal amounts of concrete and asphalt, poor outcomes are almost guaranteed. While governments and city planners are trying to mitigate against these threats, not enough is being done. Phoenix, Arizona is America’s hottest city with temperatures getting close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit by April each year. West of downtown Phoenix, there is an area named by the 1,000 unsheltered people who live there, as “the Zone.” This stretch of shadeless streets is one of the largest homeless encampments in the United States. In this space, residents find no respite from the heat, with little support and medical attention for their heat exhaustion, peeling skin and blisters. According to one resident, the community comes together to ensure that everyone is kept safe. “If you’re going outside, let somebody know where you’re going so you can be tracked so you don’t pass out, out there,” he said. “If you fall out in the heat, you don’t want a third-degree burn from the ground.” 

While Phoenix is an extreme example of how heat can have catastrophic effects on a city, it is not the only such place. Heatwaves are now a common occurrence across North American cities each year, bringing significant challenges to the homeless populations that reside there. Mitigating programs and tools, it seems, may have reached an impasse. Green infrastructure such as tree-lined streets, and reflective paint that works against asphalt’s natural heat-retaining properties, can only go so far. In fact, heat related issues are not the only challenges caused by the increasing number of paved areas across the country. According to recent evidence, impervious materials such as the ones used in pavement can result in flash flooding and other weather-related catastrophes. A study conducted by Annalise Blum and a team of co-authors showed that every time a city expands its road network by one percentage point, the annual flood magnitude in nearby waterways increases by 3.3 percent. The team used data spanning 39 years and according to Blum, this has ensured the rigor of the report. “By using data in both time and space dimensions, we were able to soak up all of that noise and isolate the causal effect.” Given that paved roads and parking lots make up around 30 percent of urban areas —and this figure rises to over 60 percent in cities such as New York, there is a very real problem.

It is interesting, therefore, to learn about Depave, a re-wilding company based out of Portland, Oregon. Urban re-greening is the facilitation and development of green spaces, structures, and focal points in cities. Structures such as green walls, green roofs and even tree planting all contribute to re-greening. This strategy, called ecosystem-based adaptation by the UN Environment Program, is fast becoming a vital element of city life, both newly built and retrofitted. “Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is a strategy for adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change by harnessing nature and the services it can provide. This strategy is crucial for cities and peri-urban areas, threatened by a multitude of climate hazards and home to more than half the human population.”

“Depave is on a mission to maximize the potential for re-wilding through education, empowerment and technical assistance to support disenfranchised communities.”

Depave is on a mission to maximize the potential for re-wilding through education, empowerment and technical assistance to support disenfranchised communities. “Our goal is to overcome social and environmental injustices and adapt to climate change through urban re-greening. Depave transforms over-paved places, creates resilient community greenspaces, promotes workforce development and education, and advocates for policy change to undo manifestations of systemic racism.” The company does this through its highly skilled and knowledgeable team of scientists, biologists, architects and environmentalists and covers technical elements of the process such as site investigation, stormwater treatment, funding, permitting, equipment, excavation and recycling.

According to Ted Labbe, Co-Director at Depave, the company has grown from one single project that, while initially not conceived as such, proved the efficacy of its approach. “Our first project was a one-off,” said Labbe, “But it was so successful that the next year we got solicited to do three projects, and then five the year after that. It just kept escalating.” According to Brendan Shane, climate director at Trust for Public Land, the need for depaving is a clear and simple one. “We’ve had a love affair with paving things for several generations. We have too many unnatural paved surfaces and not enough natural surfaces, and that’s creating these urban heat islands [and] rapidly flooding neighborhoods.”

No sooner have communities managed to make some headway with the environmental considerations and challenges we currently face, even more come into view. Heat and flooding as a result of paved surfaces are issues that many may not have considered before. However, both of these are resulting in grave consequences for those citizens that live with a greater risk of damage from the elements. It is encouraging, therefore, that Depave is working towards a more sustainable and equitable future. With seven hubs set up across the United States and Canada, it is a growing and developing movement. For the company, however, things are only just getting started. “Depave’s work has always been at the intersection of the environment and community-building, and we prioritize collaborating with historically disenfranchised communities that lack access to greenspace. In 2021, we strengthened and deepened Depave’s commitment to equity and anti-racism. With financial support from the Meyer Memorial Trust, we held a virtual board retreat focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice that resulted in updating Depave’s mission to empower disenfranchised communities.”

There is no greater challenge facing the global community than reaching and maintaining Net-Zero. This task is one that has been heralded and promised for many years, yet it seems as though it is proving more difficult than ever. The road to a mass reduction in global emissions is one that has fewer exits than ever before. It is clear that monumental changes need to be made and this will involve input and effort from every sector. Unfortunately, construction is an industry that is coming under increasing scrutiny in this regard. While it may seem unfair to those within the sector, it is not without cause. On a global scale, the built environment generates around 40% of emissions. Furthermore, of those total emissions, building operations are responsible for 27% annually, while building and infrastructure materials make up a further 13%. No matter what way the figures are viewed, construction has some work to do.

This outlook is cast into even harsher light when we consider that we are living through the largest wave of building and infrastructure growth in human existence. According to Architecture2030, there is expected to be an astronomical level of growth between now and 2060. “The world is expected to add about 2.6 trillion ft2 (241 billion m2) of new floor area to the global building stock, the equivalent of adding an entire New York City to the world, every month, for 40 years. Additionally, three-quarters of the infrastructure that will exist in 2050 has yet to be built.”

Within this context, it is no surprise to learn that the construction industry is doing its utmost to develop innovative strategies and techniques to mitigate its environmental effects. Huge amounts of money and research are going into sustainable practices and companies around the world are keenly aware of the need for better environmental outcomes on the projects they work on. However, the solution to a global problem cannot come from within an industry. Self-regulation can only work to a point and the reality is that governmental policy and decisions are required if we have any chance in shifting the dial.

Buy Clean is a Federal program that puts the onus on public funding to be spent on low carbon, American-made construction materials. Initiated by the Biden Administration in 2021, the Buy Clean Task Force was set up to harness the incredible spending power of the Federal Government by ensuring that materials were sustainable and local. Given that the annual spend by the Federal Government is around $630 billion, this is no small initiative. “Through Buy Clean, the Federal Government is for the first time prioritizing the use of American-made, lower-carbon construction materials in Federal procurement and Federally-funded projects. This is advancing America’s industrial capacity to supply the goods and materials of the future while growing good jobs for American workers.” In addition to directing this spending, Buy Clean also researches and supports the development of green materials. It has prioritized the materials with the highest embodied carbon concerns such as cement, concrete and steel, demanding that alternatives are found for these materials in particular.

“Concrete is the most commonly used construction material in the world, and one of the most carbon emissions-intensive to produce.”

While this is clearly a positive shift in governmental policy, it is not yet mandated, and many states are too busy battling with their own internal politics to turn it into law. What passes for a forward-thinking idea can suddenly turn into a political hot potato. However, New York has stepped up as the first state to adopt a “Buy Clean Concrete” mandate. This is a significant step forward in the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and this new guidance was developed in consultation with local government, industry, environmental groups and academic stakeholders. The mandate itself is far-reaching, including mandatory emissions limits on state funded concrete and “reaffirms the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in government operations.”

Speaking as the rules were announced, Governor Kathy Hochul explained how state funded projects will be required to collect New York-specific data from common construction materials, including concrete, which will be used to set lower limits on greenhouse gas emissions from concrete, starting in 2027. “Adopting Buy Clean Concrete guidelines marks a monumental step in our journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “By setting mandatory emissions limits on concrete used in state-funded projects, we’re not just leading by example but creating a tangible roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the board.”

It is, of course, fitting that New York is one of the early adopters of the plan. The state has some of the most demanding climate action initiatives and it aiming to reach net-zero at a much earlier stage than the rest of the world. According to the Governor’s office, New York is aiming to achieve a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70% renewable energy generation by 2030 and economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.

According to Ian Wells, Lead at the Natural Resources Defense Council Industrial Decarbonization Team, this mandate marks a significant step on the path to decarbonization. He believes it is a show of strength, and one that will undoubtedly encourage others to follow. “Concrete is the most commonly used construction material in the world, and one of the most carbon emissions-intensive to produce. This guidance is an early and critical step to cutting down on the pollution and climate harm that go into our buildings, homes, and infrastructure. We look forward to working with New York leaders in the years to come to continue elevating these standards and turning concrete from a climate burden to a climate asset.”

It seems, however, that there may not even be a need for encouragement. Many countries around the world have adopted “Buy Clean” initiatives themselves. And why wouldn’t they? It now has a growing popularity that is well-deserved. As governmental procurement figures currently stand at around 15%, it makes sense that significant drops will continue to be seen as this initiative gathers momentum and this could lead to a cut in annual emissions by hundreds of millions of tons. In Canada, many have already adopted the concept too with around three quarters of Canadians supporting low carbon purchasing requirements for public infrastructure projects, even if this leads to slightly higher costs.

The outcome of these initiative is currently unknown. We are simply too early into this crisis to see the wood from the trees. What is clear however, is that by adopting simple changes such as Buy Clean, there are saving to be made. With New York leading the way, there is no doubt that the industry will be taking note. According to Jordan Palmeri, a Senior Researcher at Carbon Leadership Forum, New York has done its homework in order to have the very best chance of success. “New York State is a leader in targeting lower carbon concrete mixes for State projects. They conducted meaningful stakeholder consults that resulted in achievable initial carbon limits with phased reductions over time.”

Advances across internet services has been the single biggest global development in the past century, perhaps ever. The changes that this technology has brought to how we live our lives is unquantifiable. Shopping, travel, education, business, right down to the smart devices we carry with us everywhere and that monitor our home heating and energy. It is no exaggeration whatsoever to suggest that there is no facet of our lives that remains untouched by the internet. The merits, or otherwise, of this situation is something that divides many. Generally speaking, we have never been safer, we have never had better health outcomes, and we have never taken shelter in such high-quality living environments. However, the negative effects of a perma-online world are all too easily identified. Potential risks such as fraud, abuse and hacking offer a window into the darker aspects of the internet. It seems that as the benefits grow, so too do the challenges.

While the ICT industry is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking sectors around the globe, clearly, it is not without its problems. In addition to the aforementioned challenges, the internet —and its subsidiary industries such as cloud-based products and services— are now facing one of their greatest tests: energy. The internet and the storage required to maintain it require incredible amounts of energy and the carbon effects of this usage is enormous. Though the industry is utilizing its technology to identify, test and support the decarbonization of industry and business, its own energy consumption and emissions are areas that require further scrutiny. If we consider that approximately 66% of the global population –5.3 billion people—are using the internet on a daily basis, it is no surprise to learn that corrective action by the ICT industry could result in a decrease of around 15% of all global emissions.

We can look at this in a number of ways. The energy required to manage and run the internet is increasing every minute. As more people and industries become internet or cloud based, the need for better, faster, stronger networks grow in tandem. So, does this mean that as the world migrates to 5G networks we are, in essence, creating even more challenges for ourselves? Logic would assume so but the answer is not always clear.

When we look at the speed of operation and the knock-on effect this has on efficiency and usage, 3G networks can be as much as 70% less efficient than 4G networks alone. This means that, while there may be an increase in traffic as we scale up to larger and faster networks, there are also significantly increased benefits. When we examine the 5G network, we see even greater increases. The network can offer 10,000 times the data traffic while its specifications call for a 90% drop in energy use per unit of data transmitted. By using millimeter-wave ranges, it allows for directed beams of communication which save large amounts of energy. However, there is a catch. According to the European Parliamentary Research Service, the benefits of a more efficient network are more than offset by the higher data transfer and traffic. “As 5G networks require much less energy to transmit the same data as 4G, they are more efficient in the ratio of power consumption to traffic. However, 5G’s higher speed and bandwidth might also increase the number of devices using the network extensively – this could become a problem.”

It is within this context that things currently stand. 5G will certainly bring huge benefits, yet these will come with a new range of issues. It is surprising, therefore, to hear many people at the heart of the rollout claiming that they will contribute to achieving net-zero by 2050. Given what we know about energy consumption with 5G, it seems a fanciful claim, at best. So, how could this be achieved? Those within the industry point to the reduction in emissions that will come through the use of 5G, rather than the network itself. Through the use of smart grids, sustainable transport, precision agriculture and smart factories, the use of 5G will have a huge impact on the overall levels of energy consumption globally. However, in some quarters, things are going even further than that already. Red Sea Global is a developer, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. The projects in its portfolio combine sustainability with luxury and, according to the company, it is using the latest technology to produce the most efficient results. “We are spearheading a new model of development, putting people and planet first and leveraging the most innovative concepts and technologies to deliver projects that actively enhance the well-being of customers, communities and environments.”

The most recent of these projects is the world’s first net-zero 5G network. In collaboration with Zain KSA, the network promises high 5G connectivity speed powered by 100% renewable energy from over 760,000 solar panels to power the entire 10,810-square-mile (28,000-kilometer) destination. John Pagano, CEO at Red Sea Global believes that it is a game changing development. “We aspire to be global pioneers of regenerative tourism development, adopting 100% renewable energy at our flagship destination, The Red Sea, and working towards the achievement of a 30% net conservation benefit by 2040.”

The 5G towers were designed and built using 3D printing technology. This allowed the company to achieve its aim of being solely run using renewable energy and mitigating visual distortion. This comes in the form of design. The towers were built to blend in with the natural surroundings and, according to a company spokesperson, the result is highly impressive. “The towers have been built to blend harmoniously with The Red Sea’s unique and vibrant landscape. Inspired by the surrounding rock formations, the exterior aesthetic of the towers seamlessly interweaves into the resort’s natural habitat, ensuring minimal visual impact and safeguarding the project’s environmental integrity.”

Notwithstanding the concerns many people have with the viability of 5G from an energy perspective, the outlook is far from clear. Yes, challenges remain in terms of data transmission and energy consumption, but the ability to revolutionize and greatly reduce global emissions on a wider scale must surely be seen as a positive factor. When it comes to solutions, there is nothing that will tick every box. The world is too interconnected and our lives demand too much energy. Mitigation and reduction are key and, according to the World Economic Forum, the positive environmental potential from the ICT sector is something that everyone should be invested in. “Digital technologies, if scaled across industries, could deliver up to 20% of the 2050 reduction needed to hit the International Energy Agency net-zero trajectories in the energy, materials, and mobility industries. These industries can already reduce emissions by 4-10% by quickly adopting digital technologies.”

The pathway of design has had many turns. While it can be seen as a fickle element of building, subjects to the transient flow of fashion and trends, it is much more complex and necessary than that. However, given its obvious links to all things contemporary, it is a facet of construction that is always subject to change. Processes and design features have always straddled the difficult areas that sits between aesthetics and function and modern considerations are no different. In fact, it is safe to say that the design field has never experienced greater challenges than the ones it faces in the modern landscape. As we attempt to migrate our built environment to a position that better reflects the multifaceted challenges facing society, design is now playing a key role. When we consider how design impacts the ability of buildings to assess, manage, and regulate itself, we can see the true picture. With technological advances becoming ever more embedded in design features, heat, light and power needs can be incorporated into the design process, thereby leading to Smart buildings of the future.

As design becomes an increasingly prevalent voice at the table, the industry is required to explore a multitude of avenues. Retrofitting, deconstruction, and sustainable materials are all now invaluable tools in the battle to rebalance our energy consumption against the earth’s natural resources. Design plays an enormous role in how this battle plays out, and more importantly, what chance we stand of winning. According to design expert Don Norman, design is one of the single most important factors in managing the environmental impact of the built environment. “We have to stop creating products that create great harm to the planet. We have to create products that can last for a long time and that can be repaired and upgraded when they become outdated or stop working. Alternatively, we can design as nature does. We can design in a way where the waste itself is a valuable substance that can be reused by nature. Think of an orange. It’s protected by the peel (not a plastic wrap). Once we peel the orange the peel will naturally decompose and function as fertilizer for the planet.”

While these values and skills are certainly helpful, the role of design touches many other elements of the industry. One in particular that can be often overlooked is the need for equity in terms of design, usage and context. With many sustainable practices now becoming ubiquitous, an element of rigid thinking can unconsciously encourage barriers to social equity. What people see as being non-negotiable can negatively impact those that need it most. It is only when flexibility is incorporated into the design process that equity is encouraged to emerge and thrive.

Observing what people do and how they interact with their environment gives you clues about what they think and feel. It also helps you learn about what they need.

Empathic Design is a concept that has been around for many years but is now gathering pace. It is a set of techniques based on observation and integrative consultation with the end user of a building. By placing the person at the center of the process, building designs can be identified and tweaked. According to a team leading Empathetic Design processes as Stanford University, the process is grounded in gaining insights. “Observing what people do and how they interact with their environment gives you clues about what they think and feel. It also helps you learn about what they need. By watching people, you can capture physical manifestations of their experiences – what they do and say. This will allow you to infer the intangible meaning of those experiences in order to uncover insights. These insights give you direction to create innovative solutions. The best solutions come out of the best insights into human behavior.”

For the team at Stanford, these insights and clues ultimately come from a place of empathy and equality. “Empathic design translates equity principles to equity in design. Currently, racial and gender bias in AI and other algorithm-mediated technologies is receiving due attention. This provides a relatable point of reference for students to envision how equity relates to computer engineering.” So, with that in mind, how can empathic design create true, equitable buildings?

Karen Vazquez is a Learning Experience Designer at Western Governors University, UT. For her, empathy in design is a positive approach, but it can obscure the true needs of the most vulnerable users. “In the traditional design process designers are taught to use empathy as an approach to gain a deep understanding of the problems and realities of their users,” says Vazquez. “While this is a great first step, it doesn’t always consider equity. Instead, it focuses on the most prominent themes arising from the data, inadvertently emphasizing the needs of the majority, while unintentionally leaving out the perspectives and needs of people of different races, ethnic backgrounds, and income levels.” For Vazquez and the team at WGU, equity is about approaching any design process with an increased awareness of unconscious bias, fostering humility and being willing to change. “We talk with many people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Sometimes we would hear from people with opposite viewpoints than our own. Instead of labeling someone as wrong or right, putting our own judgements and opinions aside allowed us to understand the thinking and experiences behind why someone may have their views.”

For those at Stanford, the need to increase equity in design has led to a series of studies and a re-shaping of the way it teaches design. Students are now tasked with the concept of noticing. By observing and truly noticing across a number of predesigned areas such as identity, power imbalance, context and partnership, genuine equity can emerge. “Noticing helps designers to develop a self and social-emotional awareness before entering any context or practice of empathy. This phase of our training focuses on the designer, in order to build a practice of self-awareness of their own identity, values, emotions, biases, assumptions and situatedness. From there, they can begin to reveal their authentic self, so they can empathize with humility, curiosity and courage. Noticing what one brings to any person and context allows for authentic human centered design, not “you” centered design.”

As design leads the construction industry into a brave new world on many fronts, it is important to remember that not everyone is swept along by the rising tide. Equity in construction such as the need to ensure low-income areas have access to the provisions needed for low emission homes, has never been more necessary. This can only be achieved when empathy and equity are prioritized at the beginning of a project. By identifying where our unconscious biases lie, we can make positive changes. Design may be prone to pivoting on a whim, but it seems that in modern construction it is the backbone of a fairer society.

When we consider the rapid and all-consuming growth that the global population has experienced over the last couple of decades, it is no surprise that we accept many things readily, and without analysis. Such is the pace of growth and the development of new technologies; individuals are in the unfortunate position of being simply unable to rigorously interrogate everything that enters our domain. It does, however, seem peculiar that one of the most world changing developments ever to emerge has been accepted without any analysis and its negative aspects – on both a physical and environmental level.

The global system of interconnected computer networks dates back to the 1960s. While the internet was developed and funded through research by a number of US governmental departments, its prominence since the mid-90s has been nothing short of unimaginable. The web was growing by 100 percent per year in its early commercialized days and by 2007, it was carrying around 97% of all telecommunicated information. In modern society, it is a native consideration that impacts every conceivable facet of human life with no signs of abating. So, the question that people can obviously answer is, what is the internet? Well, according to a large-scale survey that was conducted in 2019, around 86% of Americans knew what the internet was and, more importantly, how it worked. However, further research discovered that only half of the respondents knew this information. What these mistaken respondents failed to realize is that every click, mail, and message is stored on a hard drive somewhere. In enormous warehouses, thousands of computers are running on a near constant basis, storing and holding the data that we send every second. The warehouses, called data centers, are spread around the globe but they all have a number of things in common. They consume incredible amounts of energy, and they give off a serious amount of heat.

In 2023, as online usage and cloud storage grows to become an indelible aspect of human society, we have become more used to the concept of the data center. These vast warehouses that are filled with the servers which contain and transport our online information are big business. In fact, according to a number of studies, the hardware and software needed to run data centers are estimated to use between 196 terawatt hours (TWh) and 400 TWh per year. This equates to around 2% of global electricity demand. While this may seem large as it is, the figure is expected to grow to a staggering 20% by 2025. In an effort to contain the enormous carbon emissions that is produced by this demand, data centers use as much renewable energy as possible. However, clean energy such as wind, solar and geothermal can only go so far and other energy sources are impractical for either geographical or financial reasons. So, given that the energy needed to run these centers is likely to remain considerable, mitigating initiatives need to be put in place to offset this usage.  

Codema is an energy efficiency agency in Dublin, Ireland. Working with a local governmental department, the Tallaght District Heating Scheme, the company has put in place a mechanism to capture the waste heat that is generated from these centers and use it to heat subsidized housing. The scheme is Ireland’s first non-for-profit utility supplier and the project will deliver 100% of its heat demand will be recovered from a nearby Amazon data center. According to John O’Shea, an energy systems analyst at Codema, the potential for unconventional heat sources such as these “could supply as much as 10% of the EU’s total energy demand for heat and water”.

“The goal is to involve and include data centers in the battle towards lowering emissions.”

So, how does it work? Well, the science behind it is not really all that technical. As thousands of servers generate enormous volumes of heat, typically this would have been simply piped outside into the air. However, by channeling it into underground water systems which run below the city, homes, offices, and other buildings are heated through residential piping networks.

Alongside Ireland, Sweden is fully investing in harnessing the power of data center heat. To this end, it has developed Stockholm Data Parks, a joint initiative between the City of Stockholm, district heating and cooling provider Stockholm Exergi, power grid operator Ellevio, and dark fiber provider Stokab. According to those involved, the goal is to involve and include data centers in the battle towards lowering emissions. “Our vision is a data center industry where no heat is wasted. We see data center excess heat as a valuable resource that can be part of fighting climate change. The City’s objective is to be entirely fossil fuel free by 2040, and we invite data centers to play a key role in this transition.”

As part of the bigger picture, this project is part of Stockholm’s plan towards developing a network of sustainable data centers. However, there is recognition that this will not be happening quickly. That is why heat recycling is a vital step in the transition plan. “We believe that green data centers of the future will source sustainable electricity to minimize their environmental impact. In this transition, Stockholm Exergi is making the same commitment, adding renewable capacity to the system for its electricity use in Stockholm Data Parks. With heat recovery, fuel resources used for incineration can be conserved and CO2 emission reduced.” Incredibly, it seems that due to their enormous scale, the potential reach of these data centers is a large one. “With a data center load of 10 MW, around 20 000 modern residential apartments (55 kWh/m2 per year) could be heated.”

As we face into a conflicted future where the benefits of our technological advancements are now being weighed against the environmental impact, we must take responsibility for the energy we consume with every click of a mouse. Somewhere, our words are being housed in a warehouse alongside thousands of other servers. It is a difficult thought to conceptualize yet it is something that needs to become acceptable. The internet is not a concept, or an idea, it is a huge series of computers that consume massive amounts of energy. With the growth of online living only moving in one direction, it seems as though the answer is to mitigate somehow. As those in both Dublin and Stockholm are demonstrating, this can be achieved by simply thinking outside the box. “We believe it’s a win-win concept where the data center industry can reach the next level in cost efficiency and sustainability, and at the same time be part of the City’s transition to a fully sustainable energy system.”

www.codema.ie/services/district-heating

For the past year, forecasters have been predicting a downturn in the construction sector. Throughout this period, the prospect of a recession has loomed over the industry and it seems that a combination of challenging factors such as supply concerns and skilled worker shortages have created ripples of anxiety to spread in some quarters. However, the difficulty with accepting the viewpoints of small industry cohorts is that it is rarely representative of the industry as a whole. These challenges certainly exist, nobody is claiming otherwise. However, the construction industry in North America is not quite on the precipice of meltdown just yet. In fact, it is far from it. While it may seem like an exaggeration to some, the North American construction industry is booming at a level that has never been seen before. According to expert data analysis, the market is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 3.3% between now and 2027. This is, in part, due to an increase in spending from both the private and public sectors in the areas of energy and infrastructure. Furthermore, data suggests that the industry market size is expected to reach an incredible $1,772.5 billion this year. So, with these figures allaying the fears of some within the industry, the question now is; where do we go from here?

Interestingly, the answer is… backwards. As the industry prepares to meet the demands of increased funding and projects, there is a genuine need to increase the workforce. Recent analysis from Associated Builders and Contractors revealed that the industry will need to attract an additional 546,000 workers on top of the typical pace of hiring this year. When this is coupled with the inevitable depletion of a workforce where roughly a quarter of workers are over the age of 55, we can identify potential pitfalls to capitalizing on the success happening within the sector.

Within this context, it is no surprise to see that companies are looking as far back as grade school to educate and encourage young people to consider a future career in construction. The problem with this approach is that many children are guided towards the workforce by parents and caregivers. For many of these adults, the industry can be seen in negative terms and the end result is huge numbers of students being forced into third level education.

One way of challenging these perceptions, however, is by showing young people the reality of a jobsite and construction career for themselves. Riegler Blacktop, a third-generation asphalt contractor in in Florence, KY, has taken the unique approach of providing internships on a part-time basis to school students. This allows the young people to gain experience, earn money, and secure a job before they graduate. Mike Riegler, President at the company, believes that this route to discovering new entrants to the sector is mutually beneficial in that it gives students the opportunity to learn and develop skills across a variety of disciplines. “It gives you a sense of pride when you’re able to build something and turn around and see what you’ve done,” he added.

This initiative, while working for Riegler, is not doing enough for the industry as a whole, however. When statistics are broken down and analyzed, we can see that it is a generational problem. Build California is a workforce development initiative that is tasked with supplying the booming Californian construction market with the workforce that it requires. “We want to inspire, engage, and activate the next generation of California’s construction workforce. We do this by shaping positive perceptions of the construction industry, informing young people and their influencers about the real career opportunities in construction and connecting them to local training programs.”

“Gen Z is one of the most diverse generations to ever enter the workforce.”

The rationale for this initiative is simple. The research is demonstrating very clearly that certain demographics are simply unaware of the benefits to working in construction. “Only 9 percent of Generation Z is interested in a future in construction. So, where’s the disconnect? The construction industry has a perception problem and it’s up to us, the associations, professionals, and organizations that actually build our state, to change hearts and minds. We must redefine our industry. We must invest in our own legacy so that future generations aspire to be construction professionals.” The initiative showcases the diverse career and training pathways the construction industry has to offer by taking students through salaries, training avenues and prospective jobs.

This generational gap is echoed by John Trimble, CEO of C&S Companies in Syracuse. He believes that the reality is a stark one, and the time to educate young people is already here. “We have a generation gap and it’s going to be important to get some of the younger generations involved because it’s great to have it on paper but someone needs to build them,” he says. To assist with this, C&S works consistently with Syracuse Builders Exchange to demonstrate careers to local students on an annual basis. Most years, the career fairs are attended by over 600 students. Earl Hall, Executive Director of Syracuse Builders Exchange, adds, “This career is special in that you can be trained right away out of high school and get a career if you work hard. There is a significant labor shortage in the trades. Not only regionally but nationally. So, these students are coming into an industry at a time where there’s going to be unbelievable opportunities for them.”

For those across the industry, it is important to inform and educate. The benefits of this can be seen quickly and effectively. This is, however, a two-way street. It is vital that companies recognize the benefits that having a Gen Z (workers under the age of 24) workforce will bring. A recent study by AGC showed that having an inclusive and diverse workforce brings both financial and safety benefits. Diverse teams, it says, bring higher profits and safer jobsites. It is no surprise that construction companies are trying to attract new workers from this demographic. Matt Rosentreter, Talent Generation Manager at employee-owned construction leader Burns & McDonnell, believes that workers from this pool will bring huge rewards to the industry. “Gen Z is one of the most diverse generations to ever enter the workforce. Their unique perspectives and diverse skill sets will be critical to addressing the upcoming challenges facing the construction industry.”

In an effort to tap into this demographic, construction companies have been increasing their outreach to potential workers across career-finding platforms. Reports show that this increase is somewhere in the region of 46%. Incredibly, figures show that this has resulted in a considerable bounce-back effect. According to one online recruiter, there has been a 40% increase in applications to architecture, drafting, and construction management roles over the same time period. Further evidence of this positive development is that the education and training initiatives also seem to be having an impact. According to the most recent data coming from the industry, young professionals are starting to pivot from the tech sector in search of more stable careers. As tech giants Google and Amazon continue to lay off workers, graduates and professionals with top-tier technological skills are being attracted to careers in construction. Applications to tech roles in construction companies has increased by 84% in the past 12 months which is far in excess of the figures across all industries. Alongside the huge increase in infrastructure funding, the adaptation of jobsites to new technology is proving a big draw. These workers are finding that their skills can be put to good use in areas such as integrated project management software, 3D printing, and AI.

When we look across all metrics, the construction industry isn’t in a bad place. Most major markers of success are in place and massive projects are continuing to be greenlit on a daily basis. If the industry is to capitalize on this growth however, a shift to attracting young, skilled, workers is vital. By growing its use of technology, the construction industry can become an attractive proposition for Gen Z workers. For those already within the sector, it is important to recognize the benefits that these workers will bring. These workers, having technology as a native language, are the future of a growing and thriving industry.

Across the construction industry, viable solutions to concrete and steel –the most carbon heavy materials—are at various stages of development. Solutions that can potentially reduce the emissions generated by building and construction are either being trialed, tested or implemented on a small scale. While there are a number of promising developments, many are prohibitive due to their cost or the intricate processes needed to produce them. One material is different, however. Wood has been an integral part of the construction landscape for millennia. It is an aesthetically pleasing, sustainable low-carbon alternative to concrete and steel. Furthermore, the benefits of the material are well-known which means that is already enjoys the trust of industry professionals. As we search for solutions, many are turning to mass-produced timber as a viable and accessible option.

For many years, people have looked to Scandinavian countries for examples of innovative thinking and creative ideas. From automotive industries to the education sector, new models of design and practice have come from this part of Northern Europe. As Sweden, like every other country, experiences huge challenges in relation to meeting its emissions targets, it seems that it will need to come up with a solution that ensures a combination of growth and sustainability for its residents. Its plan, scheduled to begin in 2025, aims to redefine urban living through “sustainability, innovation and aesthetic excellence.” The way this will be achieved? By creating a wooden city.

Urban development company Atrium Ljungberg aims to produce the largest wooden city in Stockholm, Sweden with the first of these buildings due to be installed by 2027. The “world’s largest wood city” will be built in the Stockholm neighborhood of Sickla. The area, spanning over 250,000 sq m, will comprise of 7,000 office spaces and 2,000 homes, all created using timber. Annica Ånäs, CEO of Atrium Ljungberg, believes that the project is one that sets Sweden out as a global leader in the race to produce more sustainable living. “We are proud to introduce Stockholm Wood City. This is not only an important step for us as a company, but a historic milestone for Swedish innovation capability. Stockholm Wood City manifests our future. From tenants, there is a strong demand for innovative, sustainable solutions – a demand that we meet with this initiative.”

For those at Atrium Ljungberg, the project is one that will be firmly rooted in the environment in which the materials were created. According to the developer, nature-informed aspects will be heavily featured with the overall feel of the area being similar to that of a forest. “We sought to create an urban environment infused with the serenity of a forest, resulting in a dense, open space that bears the distinctively minimalistic and functional aesthetic of Scandinavian design. The architects innovatively incorporated natural elements into the structures – for instance, green roofs for better insulation and large windows to let in natural light, embodying our vision of a city that thrives in harmony with nature.” This consideration is an important one. As the developer explains, a side-benefit of building with this material is the positive impact it has on the wellbeing of residents. “Research has also proven other strong benefits, such as improved well-being for people and a faster, quieter construction process.”

With any alternative building material, however, concerns will be raised. It is not surprising. For an industry that prides itself on dependency and strong foundations, safety and security are vital considerations. No doubt, questions will be asked on the structural and wider safety aspects of using timber for small to medium sized structures. As Atrium Ljungberg explains, the material is made from fire-proofed timber and has massive structural benefits. “Engineered wood forms a protective char layer on the surface that retains much of its structural strength, contributing to a safer structure.”

“Mass timber is a new category of wood product that can revolutionize how America builds.”

This view is echoed by Think Wood, a provider of commercial, multi-family and single-family home design and build resources to architects, developers, and contractors. Think Wood is run by the Softwood Lumber Board and was established to promote the benefits and uses of softwood lumber products in outdoor, residential and non-residential construction. Programs and initiatives supported by the SLB focus on increasing the demand for softwood lumber products in the United States. According to the group, timber is both a reliable and sustainable choice. “Mass timber is a new category of wood product that can revolutionize how America builds. It is comprised of multiple solid wood panels nailed or glued together, which provide exceptional strength and stability. It’s a strong, low-carbon alternative to concrete and steel. Mass timber building designs are pioneering better places for us to live and work, and new code changes were passed for the 2021 code cycle that allow mass timber buildings up to 18 stories tall.”

As a relatively new material in terms of mass production and taller structures, it might come as a surprise to learn that mass timber has been used in a large number of projects across North America. One of the most recent is George Brown College’s The Arbour. While the project was delayed due to the pandemic, when completed, the 10-story building will provide an exciting alternative within the Toronto skyline. For those at Think Wood, the project will change the way we approach construction. “The $134-million project at the college’s Waterfront Campus will use an estimated 3,000 cubic meters (1050 tons) of wood and will include a mass timber research hub, helping to further advance the very technology driving the building’s construction and design. Its environmentally friendly stand-out design, created by Moriyama and Teshima Architects and Acton Ostry Architects, targets net zero emissions.” For the college itself, the COVID delay has not dimmed its belief in the project, or its long-term benefits. Building strong and sustainable infrastructure will be an important part of our community’s recovery. That’s why we’re continuing to move forward with The Arbour, Ontario’s first mass-timber, low-carbon institutional building – the future home of our School of Computer Technology, School of Architectural Studies, a childcare center, and a research hub focused on mass-timber construction. This project will create job opportunities for a wide range of skilled workers, while helping establish more environmentally sustainable building practices.”

Wood structures have been in existence for over 10,000 years and there is little we do not already know about the material. However, in recent years, we have indeed made exciting discoveries about it. Not only is it a viable material for structures far beyond small, residential homes, it has the environmental profile necessary to make it a potential gamechanger for the construction industry. Its steady growth in the sector is no cause for concern. In fact, according to those at White Arkitekter, a forward-thinking architectural design firm with offices around the world, it is something to be welcomed. “Wood combines solidity with light weight and is a material that creates unique opportunities. Not only is wood renewable, but it also uses less energy to produce and transport than other building materials. In comparison, wood also saves energy when used in buildings. When you add up all the benefits of wood, it emerges as by far the most sustainable building material – provided the wood we use comes from sustainable forestry.”

Over the last decade, our focus has undoubtedly shifted. While growth, success, and meeting the needs of clients and the wider population remains at the forefront, it is now coupled with a determination to achieve all this while using more sustainable methods. Historically, the construction industry has a bad reputation in this regard. Some of this may be fair criticism –both production methods and building materials can be emissions heavy. However, the picture is not a simple one and many positive steps are taking place behind the scenes. In fact, industry professionals are working tirelessly to produce viable alternatives to the main offenders in this regard. With anything though, we can become overly concerned with the macro and it is important to take a step back and view the situation on a wider scale. When we do this, we see that building materials is one facet of a much larger challenge. Building may be a large contributor, but when we recognize the negative impact of construction-adjacent sectors, we see that an interlinked response is required. For instance, in haulage, transportation and infrastructure, there is much work to be done.

According to the most recent data in 2022, U.S. transportation sector emissions from energy consumption were 1.84 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide. In a global context, the U.S. has the unfortunate award of being the single largest contributor to global transport emissions. This is compounded further by the alarming fact that its contributions account for almost a quarter of the global total. Looking at these figures on a purely national level, transportation does not fare any better either. The sector is the largest contributor to U.S. CO2 emissions and accounts for over 30 percent. EVs may be helping to stem the tide and there is hope that the sector can get a handle on things. Unfortunately though, cost and access to infrastructure remain barriers to widescale adoption. Until there is a breakthrough that ticks every box, it seems doomed to fail. There is, however, another alternative.

The prospect of super-highways where hydrogen powered vehicles travel at speeds similar to those of airplanes may seem like the stuff of science fiction. Even more futuristic is the technology that would be involved in the highways themselves. Maglev (derived from magnetic levitation) is a process that has been around for over a century but is rarely used. Maglev trains hover about a track while the pull of electromagnets guides them. With no road or track friction to slow the trains, the vehicles can reach huge speeds. Laurence Blow, founder of the MaglevTransport consulting group uses the Shanghai, where a maglev train runs from Pudong International airport to the outskirts of the city to explain the potential benefits of such a system. “There is no train in the world that can match the kind of kind of performance that you see in that 19-mile connection. It can be done in seven and a half minutes and you hit a top speed of 267 miles an hour.” Blow believes that the technology makes it a viable solution for both long and shorter distances. “Maglev is a competitor to automobiles, trains, and airplanes, as well as buses and metro-systems. Unlike high-speed, there are a lot of market opportunities here. With low-to-medium speed maglevs in city centers, you really get the benefit of low noise and low vibration.”

So how do we expand on this technology and include the wider transportation networks? As scientists have now created a new technology which is based on concept of maglev, the answer may already be here. SClev, the name given to this transportation system is a method proposed by Zhifeng Ren –a physicist at the University of Houston, that incorporates the speed and ability of MagLev while also allowing for widespread use. The goal of this research, Ren explains, is that the practical barriers to other renewable energy sources make them simply unworkable. “The goal is to move society towards fossil fuel independence. We want to get rid of fossil fuels and move to clean energy, like solar and wind. With these, however, there are problems. Both solar and wind are intermittent, and storage is a big issue. How do we store the electrical power from solar and wind? A battery is not going to solve this problem. A regular car weighs about 3500 pounds. An EV, without an internal combustion engine, exhaust, or cooling system, still weighs more than the regular one. Why? The battery. On the other hand, we have hydrogen. It is going to be the future. It has a very high density, and at the same time, there are no byproducts such as carbon dioxide. The only byproduct is a pure water.”

The technology itself is incredible. Cars buses and trucks containing superconductive materials are suspended over a magnetic guideway and can achieve speeds up to 800 km/h. However, the challenge until now has been the side effects of these systems. While these superconductors can conduct electricity efficiently, they only work at incredibly low temperatures which is why hydrogen is used to cool the system. For Ren and his team, it was important to consider solutions to all aspects if the SClev is to be successfully developed. “To overcome the unrealistically high cost of any system that only serves limited functions, we envision a “super” system that combines multiple functions. It includes a lossless electrical power transmission and storage; transport and storage of liquefied nitrogen; and high-speed levitated transport of people and goods over long distances. In this super system, vehicles with permanent magnets (or electromagnets) will be levitated above a superconductor guideway (“SClev”) that is also transmitting and storing electrical power.”

Ren believes that with research funding, this could be a breakthrough of enormous proportions. However, he acknowledges that political will is key to unlocking the potential of Hydrogen on a widescale basis. “I do not see any big questions on the technology unanswered, but more on the financial support,” he says. “I hope to see either government or private investment. This will provide the opportunity to start large-scale projects which can demonstrate the benefits of the concept.”

As industries grapple with challenges of cost, materials, and sustainability. It seems like it is only a matter of time before Hydrogen is used on a widespread basis. The science and the technology are both already in place, it seems as though the only remaining challenge centers around cost. For Ren, industry and governmental investment is crucial. When the benefits are so evident, it is a frustrating scenario for scientists and climate advocates. However, change takes time and if the SClev project is anything to go by, the evidence for Hydrogen Highways is beginning to stack up.

https://www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2023/05/imagine-highways-that-efficiently-transport-electricity-hydrogen-fueland-vehicles-at-staggering-speeds/

Since humans have walked the earth, they have designed and built structures. Driven by a need for security and shelter, these structures symbolize one of the most important facets of live, protection. While modern homes and buildings are clearly designed and built with tools and techniques unimaginable to our early ancestors, their importance has remained consistent. When we consider the changes and adaptations that have taken place in the built environment, it stands to reason that the homes and buildings we create are a representation of the society. As humans adapt, so too do our building techniques and materials. With this in mind, there are important questions that need to be asked. If our buildings embody the current thinking and capabilities of the communities that inhabit them, why are these same buildings being produced with materials that cause enormous harm to the environment?

The nature of the construction industry is one of perpetual change and while historically this may have come in waves with periods of relative stability and consolidation in between, the modern world does not allow for pause. Simply put, modern life changes fast. While the impact of this change may be straightforward to understand, it is far from easily solved. If the way we design, build, and use our structures needs to be reevaluated, how do we adapt to ensure that the next generation of homes meet our needs?

Of course, it is not necessarily fair to draw parallels between the two in a modern sense. Scientific learning and advancements now take place at a significantly faster rate than at any other point in history. While we are still learning about the damage our structures can cause, alternative methods and materials are now necessarily able to keep up. Notwithstanding this fact, the clock is ticking and the industry is coming under increasing pressure to adapt to environmental needs. The view of governments around the world is a simple one, building work is no longer fit for purpose and solutions needs to be found. Speaking in the British Parliament, chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, Philip Dunne spoke about the ongoing change that means a complete overhaul of how we think about construction. “Much more needs to be done, and baseline standards for action need to be established. Mandatory whole-life carbon assessments, and targets to crack down on embodied carbon, provide part of the answer. Constructors and developers can then determine which low-carbon materials, such as timber and recycled steel, they can use.”

“Much more needs to be done, and baseline standards for action need to be established.”

With embodied carbon no longer being a niche technique, it has now reached the mainstream and is becoming a common feature of new projects. This ability to adapt current materials is proving to be a positive development in lowering industry emissions, however, experts believe that even more needs to be done. The construction industry is facing up to the likelihood that it needs to source alternative materials altogether. Many of these are likely to come from scientific breakthroughs or, in some cases, as accidental discoveries. Sometimes however, ‘necessity is the mother of invention,’ as the saying goes. Though this is a challenge, it is certainly not an insurmountable one. As the evolution of building work has shown countless times, innovation and new technologies are a part of who we are. The industry is constantly adapting.

Led by Associate Professor Wil Srubar, the Living Materials Laboratory is a team of researchers and scientists based in University of Colorado, Boulder. Their aim is simple, to ‘Build with Biology.’ Having received over $16M in research funding, the team has set about identifying, testing, and discovering alternative ‘living’ materials that can be used in the construction industry. With projects such as load-bearing and self-repairing sand, it seems the team are leading necessary change. “By maximizing resource productivity, longevity, and recovery, sustainable materials exhibit a transformative potential to enhance the global sustainability of our built and natural environments.”

The thought of bio or living materials in construction may seem concerning to those within the industry. Questions will surely arise about the strength and durability of anything proposed as alternatives to concrete. The truth is though, construction has used biomaterials for hundreds of thousands of years. Timber and bamboo have been relied upon to support structures with no such concerns. With these materials, the biological organisms used to produce them will eventually die off meaning they will erode and decompose. Where living materials differs, however, is that unlike wood, living organisms such as fungi and bacteria can now be used in construction materials. For Srubar and his colleagues at the Living Materials Laboratory, this ‘living’ aspect is where things get truly exciting. “We already use biological materials in our buildings, like wood, but those materials are no longer alive. We’re asking: Why can’t we keep them alive and have that biology do something beneficial, too?”

One benefit the team has identified is the use of a bacteria that can be kept alive in situ. By successfully keeping these organisms alive for long periods of time, the researchers have proved that the possibility of living buildings that self-heal cracks and suck toxins from the surrounding atmosphere is not too far away. What’s more is that the potential for these buildings to interact with their environment is boundless. Chelsea Heveran, a former postdoctoral research assistant at CU Boulder, now at Montana State University, explains how buildings made with these materials will ultimately have a sense or awareness of the world around it. “Though this technology is at its beginning, looking forward, living building materials could be used to improve the efficiency and sustainability of building material production and could allow materials to sense and interact with their environment.”

These future buildings, capable of responding to an environment in real time, may be some way off but it is the efficiency and sustainability aspects that Srubar and his team have been working towards. They recently achieved success in an area that could be transformational for the industry. By experimenting with cyanobacteria belonging to the genus Synechococcus, they discovered that it has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide gas which helps it grow and create the main ingredient in both limestone and cement. What sets this discovery apart from the bacteria typically used to create self-healing concrete is that, crucially, it has a resilience that sees the bacteria survive. Self-healing materials typically have a survival rate of around 1%. With this new type, 14% of the bacterial colonies were still alive after 30 days, creating three generations in the process.

Alongside this breakthrough, the team of researchers also discovered that resilience meant that the material could reproduce. Quite literally, if the blocks were chopped in half, they are capable of growing into a new brick. This, Srubar says, is key to creating materials that thrive and live long-term. “We know that bacteria grow at an exponential rate,” Srubar said. “That’s different than how we, say, 3D-print a block or cast a brick. If we can grow our materials biologically, then we can manufacture at an exponential scale.”

With science playing an ever-increasing role in the production of sustainable building materials, the team at University of Colorado are making significant headway to finding groundbreaking alternatives. Their blocks have the same strength as mortar and provide an incredible array of benefits. While challenges still lie ahead in terms of ensuring the correct environmental factors, Srubar believes that the answers are out there. For him and his team, they just need to know where to look. “Nature has figured out how to do a lot of things in a clever and efficient way. We just need to pay more attention.”

In the construction industry, ten years is a long time. Ever-changing dynamics such as the delicate balance between material shortages and emerging techniques, coupled with constantly challenging workforce conditions, mean that a company must be at the top of its game to survive its first decade. Even those with the skills and work ethic needed to achieve success must rely on something a little less quantifiable, that is the ability to see beyond the here and now. Foresight is a skill that few in this business possess, and the subtle act of predicting trends can be a crucial one. Furthermore, the ability to not only gauge the marketplace but act in a proactive way that enhances a business just cannot be understated. While some companies can learn this harsh lesson too late, others consider it an intrinsic aspect of how it operates. United Steel, operating out of Mississauga, ON, is one of the foremost steel fabrication and erection companies in Canada and this year celebrates ten years in the business thanks to an astute ability to work with an ever-changing landscape.

For David Umut Yilmaz, Founder and President of United Steel, the company started out on a small scale before finding success. As tends to be the case, the idea for the company came through Yilmaz’s realization that he could do things to a higher level than anything else he was seeing on the market. “United Steel was established in 2013. Having worked for a small company for 7 years, I decided to start my own organization.” As Yilmaz goes on to explain, the company’s resources were slim at the time. “When things started, I had one truck and one welding machine, so I hired two guys and put a crew together.”

This initial crew set out with a single-minded aim, to providing the highest-quality products and services. For Yilmaz, the goal was to build a successful company based on its developing reputation as a respected name in the industry. However, these early years brought with them considerable challenges. Navigating a sector as changeable as fabrication is difficult at the best of times. As a start-up, even more so. “There were definitely a number of challenges in the early days. Finding work, managing cash flow, hiring new guys, and getting more jobs were all a challenge in those early days.” It was the circular economy that stems from doing a quality job that gave United Steel the momentum to grow and thrive. “Our first clients helped us to overcome these issues. Their response to the job we have completed was so positive and they were so pleased with how we performed that they recommended us to other people in the industry. We started getting more contracts because of the quality of our work, and it eliminated the need to advertise. When it came to hiring staff, again, the way we operate was key to overcoming this. We have always treated our employees well and we value them highly. Once they experienced that, they brought new members to our team with them.”

“It is no surprise that United Steel has an ever-growing portfolio of successful projects under its belt.”

As the company overcame these early challenges and started to achieve a greater level of success, the range of products and services it provided to its customers also broadened. As Yilmaz and his two-man crew expanded into a team of over sixty, the company began offering full-service treatment to its customers. Today, United Steel provides solutions to clients across multiple industries in Complex Structural Steel, O.W.S.J and trusses Design and Build, Custom Staircase & Railing Design and Miscellaneous Metal Work. With a wealth of resources at its disposal from overhead cranes to welding machines, it is not hard to see why the company has achieved so much in such a relatively short period.

For Yilmaz, the ability to maintain and control its production capabilities is a core aspect of what sets United Steel apart in the industry. Through a carefully coordinated growth plan that maximized the company’s ability both in terms of skilled staff and equipment, United Steel is now in a position of being able to plan, promise and deliver, regardless of the complexity of a customer’s needs. “We basically weld 85% of our products in-house instead of outsourcing these jobs. This allows us to better control the schedule for our clients while also maintaining a consistent level of quality at all times. We achieve this through our team of quality craftsmen who can provide solutions to the most complex of projects.” In addition to that, the company’s wealth of experience and industry knowledge means that no challenge is insurmountable. This is exemplified by its ability to adapt and respond to change when necessary. “We have a really strong supplier network, and we work very closely with them. This gives us the security to know that if the materials are available, we will have them when we need them, and it ensures that there are no surprises in the middle of a project.” In a post-COVID environment where lead times and availability can be problematic, it is not enough to rely on supply chains. As Yilmaz explains, United Steel goes one step further by providing a proactive and flexible approach. “If any steel is not available in the market, or if a material is going to take too long to source, our engineers can either replace it with an alternative, or build it in our own facility from scratch.”

With this in mind, it is no surprise that United Steel has an ever-growing portfolio of successful projects under its belt. The company worked on a large-scale project for Altea Active, for example. The job itself featured 91-wide curved stairs without stringers which, as Yilmaz shares, was particularly challenging. “This was a challenging stair due to its size and curve preference. It was also very costly to get the HSS stringers, so we had our design team and engineers work together to come up with solutions to achieve the curve with built-up risers. These innovative solutions helped our clients save money while still staying on schedule.” Another project of note was the Heritage Building Retention System. Unlike new builds, working on a heritage building can be very complicated due to limited options and the need to retain the spirit and character of the existing building. For United Steel, this was a challenging yet ultimately rewarding project. “On this heritage building retention system, there were a lot of discrepancies between drawings and actual site conditions. Our engineering team and foremen resolved these issues in the most practical ways, making sure they were according to structural steel codes. Also on the fabrication site, our team did an amazing job fabricating a 12’ x 12’ x 30’ tower in only 8 weeks. The client was highly impressed.”

Ten years growing and with no sign of slowing down, United Steel has established a reputation for providing high-quality products and services, based on attention to detail and a dedication to customer service. For Yilmaz, the future is one that will undoubtedly have greater challenges. However, he believes that at every point, United Steel has risen to the task and evolved as a result. While some might see problems, Yilmaz and his crew see opportunities to kickstart the next ten years. “One of the main challenges for any company is staying up to date with the evolving demands of our market. As technologies and customer preferences change, it is crucial for United Steel to continue adapting and be able to offer our clients innovative solutions to meet these demands. We conduct market research to understand evolving customer needs. Additionally, it helps us to stay ahead of industry trends. These factors, combined with hard work, dedication, and a focus on delivering value to customers have been key contributors to United Steel’s success and longevity over the past ten years.”

“We all know the numbers. And we know that four primary hazards account for about 60 percent of construction fatalities every year. We need to continue to focus these well-known hazards to drive down the number of construction workers who are injured or killed on the job. The fact is that we all can and need to do more.” These were the words of Doug Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. He was speaking at a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) in June of last year. The committee is a statutory body that is charged with providing advice and assistance to the Assistant Secretary in relation to construction standards and policy matters. What that means in real terms is that ACCSH holds meetings and public workgroups that engage in research, hold open discussions, produce materials, and deliberate on industry matters with a view to making recommendations.

The four primary hazards that Parker is speaking about are more commonly known as ‘Focus Four.’ They are the four most common causes of workplace fatalities in the construction industry and they include, falls, struck-by, caught between, and electrocutions. According to the most recent statistics (2021), these four causes of fatal injuries accounted for 634 construction workers losing their lives. This figure represents a shocking 62.5% of fatalities across the industry. When we look at longer-term trends, we see that Focus Four make up almost two thirds of all workplace fatalities over an 11-year period. With this in mind, it is no surprise to see why OSHA and ACCSH have targeted them as key aspects of ensuring safer jobsites.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was established in 1970. Since then, it has worked to decrease workplace injuries and fatalities across all industries. Its mission is to “ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.” In relation to the construction industry, OSHA has produced a number of training courses designed to assist site managers and company owners in training their employees. The administration has also developed Focus Four specific training which consists of lesson plans, checklists, and safety exercises. While this all seems to be positive engagement from political bodies, it is important to consider the full picture when looking at safety on the jobsite.

Despite ever increasing opportunities for training and safety related funding, trending data is deeply concerning. Data from the recently published report, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011-2021 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, shows that the industry is now more dangerous than it was over a decade ago. In blunt terms, more construction workers are losing their lives while at work than they were back in 2011. When we dig into the statistics further, there is even greater cause for alarm. While more construction workers had fatal accidents in 2021 than in 2011, this most recent figure is not an outlier or anomaly. The overall figures have been getting steadily worse year on year.

While OSHA has indeed provided educational materials, it seems that engagement with the material itself is not necessarily a guarantee. According to OSHA, trainers are not required to test students on Focus Four learning material. “Trainers may utilize the tests provided to measure each student’s knowledge of the learning objectives. However, testing is not required and must not be counted toward the required student contact hours.” Additionally, there are currently no requirements for trainers to maintain test records for staff. With pressing deadlines and tight budgets, it seems that these loopholes may offer stressed business owners the opportunity to take shortcuts on safety training.

“Education and attracting workers to the industry should be of paramount importance.”

When it comes to understanding the dynamics and trends of safety, we can look to another, more surprising source. The insurance industry, while not directly involved in construction, is tasked with insuring large-scale construction projects and their workers. Those within this sector, therefore, are wise and insightful enough to know the level of risk involved. For Cheri Hanes, Head of Subcontractor Insurance Risk at AXA XL, worker statistics and safety figures go hand in hand. “Anytime you have churn in your workforce or even worse, a shortage of workers like we do right now, the risks increase. When you couple that with historically large backlogs of work that we’re seeing across firms right now, it’s likely that it will drive some frequency of workers comp claims.” In addition to this, Hanes shared concerns are the quality of work being completed, adding that repetitive jobsite tasks can be opportunities for injury or worse. “If a worker without enough experience or training misunderstands what needs to be done, an error can be repeated many, many times before it is caught.”

Even anecdotally, when viewing the link between safety figures and worker numbers, we see worrying possibilities. It is no exaggeration to suggest that fewer staff will inevitably result in longer working hours, shorter breaks, fatigue, and repetitive stress. According to Noel C Borck, ex-Management Co-Chairman of the Laborers Health & Safety, workplace safety is undoubtedly linked to the ongoing skilled worker shortage. In fact, he believes that without the necessary number of workers on-site, construction projects are accidents waiting to happen. “Although a modern construction site may seem like barely controlled chaos to a bystander, it’s actually a series of structured, planned events that are often overlapping or happening simultaneously. Contractors rely on crews of workers to each perform their tasks on time, correctly and safely to keep the entire site running smoothly and the job on schedule. That can be much more difficult to achieve if a task that would normally be completed by five workers has to be done by four or three.”

This view has been echoed by contractors across North America. According to figures published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index report, 80% of contractors responded they were either highly or moderately concerned about the safety risks created by too few skilled workers on their jobsites, most likely because construction jobs require skills that contribute to a safe workplace. When asked to rank current and future top safety concerns, 58% of contractors pointed to a lack of skilled workers.”

The safety picture is a concerning one on many levels. Fatalities are rising rather than falling and safety education and the mechanisms for ensuring these are adhered to seems to have its failings. What needs to be considered though, is the effect that staff shortages are having on jobsites from a safety perspective. More money than ever is flowing through capital projects and the private sector is continuing to recover from the pandemic enforced slowdown. With this in mind, education and attracting workers to the industry should be of paramount importance. As we can see from the figures, more –and better—staff will reduce fatalities. For that reason alone, things need to change quickly.

Buildings, in general terms, are very well designed. Much work, skill and forethought go into every aspect of their design and construction. From materials and orientation to structure, shape, and composition, rarely are any stones left unturned. As an industry, construction has adapted to what is needed at the time. Materials and design features are as much about style and aesthetics as they are about necessity. Structures are standing documents to the era in which they were built, and as the construction industry seeks to evolve once more, that is likely to continue. Alongside the need for sustainable materials and cost-effective building techniques is another consideration, however. The context within which structures are created is of equal, and possibly greater importance. Take for example the raised buildings that stand over rising sea levels, or the reinforced buildings designed to withstand earthquakes. Clearly, in instances such as these the context is of vital importance.

For many years these considerations were important, but niche. The need to factor in environmental events were low on the list when designing houses and large-scale structures. However, recent events have changed that. While weather proofing has always been a necessary component in building, it has usually consisted of angled roofs and insulation. It is only with the increase of unpredictable and frequently devastating natural weather events that the situation can become slightly more dangerous. In the U.S., flooding, hurricanes, and earthquakes are very real considerations that can greatly impact the longevity of a building. Furthermore, with evidence of geological changes happening on a wider scale, communities are now seeing an increase of these weather events in both number and intensity. The need to adapt with the landscape has never been more important. Thankfully, those within the industry are already making headway. The results are climate responsive houses. Structures in which the architectural decisions reflect the particular region-specific weather conditions of a particular area. Design, insulation, reinforced windows and vents are just some of the ways buildings are adapted to meet the environmental needs of its proposed location.

In terms of how these buildings are designed, we can look to a number of sources. The meteorological office in Ireland, for example, has recently completed a series of reports that are based on past weather patterns and climate change models. The resulting information is being used to guide best practice and future building standards in the country. According to Keith Lambkin, head of the office’s climate services division, the study offers a road map for the future of climate guided construction. “One of the issues we cover is overheating. In Ireland we’re used to building to retain heat, but we have to design buildings to let heat escape. That’s particularly important in buildings such as nursing homes and hospitals where people spend most of their time indoors. But it’s also true for built-up urban areas which can become ‘heat islands.’ All those glass buildings need a rethink. Additionally, a different type of brick will work better in your house if where you live is subject to a lot of driving rain. That’s the kind of information that’s needed for climate resilient construction.”

“With a growing acceptance that adverse weather conditions have increased in recent decades, the need to proactively protect homes and structures is clear.”

While we may prefer things to remain as they always have, particularly in cases of negative global change, the statistics are clear. Climate change is resulting in an increase of extreme weather conditions. According to Kai Kornhuber, a lecturer and research scientist at Columbia University, these weather conditions are worsening in a number of key metrics. Heat extremes are getting more frequent, more severe; precipitation extremes are getting more frequent, more severe. Fire weather, which is linked to wildfires, is getting more frequent, more severe, more areas that didn’t see these conditions before.” In this context, we gain an understanding of the potential that science and data can bring to the conversation. With a growing acceptance that adverse weather conditions have increased in recent decades, the need to proactively protect homes and structures is clear. So, what is it that science can offer in supporting —and preparing— the construction industry? It seems that in addition to the careful monitoring of data, technology can also play an incredibly useful role.

A recently published study has collected and used hundreds of years of data to assist engineers and architects in the intricate nature of simulations. By analyzing and collating historical data, these simulations can predict the direction, location, and intensity of future storms which then feeds into the development of improved building codes in hurricane-prone regions. However, the key difference in this study was that, through the use of AI, the scope and magnitude of the study was far in excess of what had previously been possible. Rather than mathematically ‘building’ a storm model, as was the traditional method, the machine was taught to mimic actual hurricanes. Adan Pintar, a NIST mathematical statistician and study co-author said, “Imagine you had a second Earth, or a thousand Earths, where you could observe hurricanes for 100 years and see where they hit on the coast, how intense they are. Those simulated storms, if they behave like real hurricanes, can be used to create the data in the maps almost directly.”

The methods used to generate these simulations was meticulously planned and organized. By splitting data such as wind speed, direction, and the coordinates of the storm’s path into sets, the machine constructed models based on pattens and datasets that would previously have been missed. In real terms, the value of this new information cannot be understated. According to the National Center for Environmental Information, the total cost of rebuilding and repairing damage caused by climate disasters in the United States last year was $171.5 billion. Incredibly, this figure consisted of more than a dozen climate events that cost at least $1 billion each. The question now needs to be, how can we use this data to enhance and protect the structures we build around the world? Industry figures believe that it is vital that these weather prediction models can be incorporated into the newest building codes. Armed with additional knowledge, forecasters can now accurately predict the increasing needs of structures in hurricane zones. For those at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the need for an increasingly coordinated approach between code committees and the scientific community has never been greater. “Each year, communities across the United States are devastated by disasters. As the frequency, severity, and cost of many of these disasters continues to increase, new collaborations and innovative solutions are needed to reduce risk.”

With billions of dollars at stake every year, coupled with the obvious risk to the safety of inhabitants, one thing is clear. New technology can offer positive alternatives to the industry. The knock-on effect of these studies is not limited to building codes, however. In far simpler terms, building materials, safety considerations, and building locations can all benefit at ground level. The research being conducted at NIST can have an impact on a global level, but it is also something that should benefit the industry, the homeowner, and the economy.

Throughout modern history, construction has been constantly advancing. The precision and expertise available to the builders of today is incomparable to the structures of previous generations. While that isn’t to suggest that historical buildings are poorly designed or built – the Pyramids of Giza being a prime example of the skill that humans have always possessed, things have certainly moved forward. These changes and developments are unquestionably linked to the generations they were introduced by. The reasons for their introductions, however, are not as straight forward. Available materials and innovation in building techniques have all contributed towards the advancement of the industry but equally, style and architectural trends have been factors. Gone are the superstructures of previous generations where concrete and metal were the dominant ingredients. They have been replaced by large scale glass structures which are, for many, more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, and not an insignificant detail for those tasked with producing these structures, glass is both cheaper to build and more environmentally conscious. With these trends in mind, it is no surprise that glass is being utilized increasingly in the construction industry. As the focus has turned to environmental concerns —amongst a growing concern about the construction industry’s own contributions to emissions targets— there has been an increasingly loud call for sustainable materials. Emissions heavy materials are being substituted and the built environment has had to adapt once again.

The relationship between glass and the construction industry goes back centuries, at least. Through the process of glass blowing, established in the 1^st Century, the material was used in vases and tiles. It was very quickly sequestered into everyday building with windows of glass being found in Ancient Rome. In 1958 however, things changed massively. Through the sophisticated float glass process, the material could be produced free of distortion and in a variety of thickness. Overnight, glass changed from being a decorative yet brittle material used to cover wall openings, to the wall material itself. Its popularity in building exteriors skyrocketed and it is now synonymous with cityscapes. However, according to recent scientific developments, its full potential in the construction industry may still be ahead.

According to Mithila Achintha, researcher at the University of Manchester, UK, the sustainable benefits of glass are many and its unique qualities make it an ideal choice when it comes to construction. “Many qualities make glass attractive, as it is transparent, chemically inert, environmentally friendly, sustainable, strong, easily available and relatively cheap.” Despite this, it seems as though there is even more that it can offer. Reactive glass, the ability for glass to change according to its environment, is nothing new. People have carried it in the lenses of their glasses for many years. The ability to respond to natural light and darken when it in direct sunlight is a neat, yet reasonably normal trick. However, the science behind these glasses is considerably more interesting, and the potential for truly transformative products may be upon us. The glass itself is in fact coated in a thermochromic material. When in contact with sunlight, its molecules are rearranged to darken the glass and block glare.

“Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have successfully managed to great window applications that tint in the sunlight while also generating electricity.”

While that particular solution is yet to be discovered, other significant developments have already taken place. Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have successfully managed to create window applications that tint in the sunlight while also generating electricity. According to Lance Wheeler, scientist at NREL and co-author of the study, the perception of solar power is a misguided one, at best. “There are preconceived notions of what an energy-efficient building looks like, and it usually is not highly glazed, and it probably isn’t very tall. We found that there are other ways to build high-efficiency buildings.” The need to identify solution to highly-glazer buildings is a simple one. In cities across North America, structures with a higher ratio of window to wall required significantly more energy to cool the rooms inside. Simply put, the larger the windows, the more energy it expended.

The NREL asked the question, how can we turn this problem into a potential solution? The answer was PV Glazing, an innovative technology that harnesses thermochromic materials and transforms windows into electricity generators. By placing a film of a solar-cell called perovskites over the glass, the window reacts in fascinating ways. What’s more is that, when PV glazing was installed the ratio of window to energy usage was directly inverted. Wheeler went on to explain that, while PV windows may not be the answer long-term, the potential for energy generation in high-rise and large scale building work is phenomenal. “I don’t want to sit here and say we should be building highly glazed buildings. We should be building highly efficient buildings. But if we if we choose to keep making these buildings, we’ve got to reconcile their lower performance somehow, and PV windows are one way to do that.” Furthermore, according to Wheeler and his colleagues, the research demonstrates how significant a breakthrough this is in terms of further use of perovskites and energy consumption. “The work demonstrates the extraordinary promise of perovskites to reduce building energy consumption and mitigate climate change without sacrificing the architectural freedom of glazing.” He believes that, be incorporating these technologies in high-rise buildings, skyscrapers can take a significant step towards becoming net-zero. “Picture a skyline in, like, New York City where there are these high-rise buildings that are entirely glass. They’re fully glazed. The Freedom Tower has millions of square feet of glass. It could be a power plant in itself.”

While this is a hugely exciting and transformative breakthrough. The need to counterbalance the energy consumption has its negatives. For a start, it is an reactive, rather than proactive. So, how could these technologies be advanced further to take a forward step in the battle to reduce energy consumption. The potential answer is a Smart Window. Research is currently underway to find materials that block both light, and heat, which would have a considerable impact on the heating and cooling of buildings. Rather than generate power to offset a structures energy consumption, scientists are aiming to produce materials that react to light and heat by adjusting to reflect heat, thereby turning skyscrapers into enormous passive houses. According to a recent study that looked into the viability of such technology, a high-tech design using nano-wires successfully combined electro- and thermochromics for Smart Windows. “These smart windows, which have a wide response range of 30–50 °C, can dynamically adjust their blocking performance. As the ambient temperature increases, the window’s ability to block sunlight becomes stronger. The wide response range allows smart windows to progressively adjust their blocking ability as the temperature changes, dynamically regulating the room temperature in various real-world weather conditions.”

While this particular study is still at an early stage, there is a clear indication that the relationship between glass and energy saving has a long way to run. As history has shown, design can change due to any number of factors. It seems that, as glass becomes the ubiquitous choice in high-rise building, the combination of style and innovation is one that may stay in fashion for a long time to come.

www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-38353-4

www.nrel.gov/news/program/2022/pv-windows-unlock-goal-of-increased-energy-efficiency-of-skyscrapers.html

In the modern world of construction, building materials are no longer a passive element of the process. From beams and cabling to cement and wood, everything on a jobsite is scrutinized. Materials are now analyzed on any number of factors, from cost and availability to their environmental profile. Nothing is ignored. As businesses around the world experience ongoing supply issues post-COVID, experts from across the industry are continuously searching for that elusive material. Versatility, strength, and price, while also being made from a sustainable source? Sounds easy.

With this in mind, it is no surprise that the industry has started looking towards plants and natural resources. By their very nature, the materials sourced from the earth are both strong and abundant. Furthermore, in many cases they cost almost nothing. In something of a perfect storm, materials are sometimes harvested from crops or plants that are otherwise useless. From Mexican seaweed to quick growing grass, the construction industry is now awash with alternative sources of materials. Next in line, however, could be the troublesome Southern weeds – Kudzu.

Kudzu was first brought to America in 1876 for the Philadelphia Centennial Expo. An ornamental plant with sweet smelling flowers, it grew popular as both a forage crop and a solution to soil erosion. However, things didn’t continue so positively. Finding a home in the Southeast region of the U.S., the leafy vines have thrived in the hot and humid environment. In an area where warm summer temperatures regularly hit 80 degrees Fahrenheit, Kudzu has spread wildly. Having subsequently been declared a pest weed in 1953 due to its invasive nature, it is safe to say that the growing didn’t stop in Philly. Rather alarmingly, Kudzu grows around a foot per day and can cover around 150,000 acres annually which, for the people of Tennessee and its surrounding states, is a significant problem. In 2020, results from a survey conducted by Oklahoma State University and Paulina Hannon, showed that the vine could result in a loss of $167.9 million and impact almost 800 jobs in Oklahoma alone. Harron, an environmental scientist at engineering firm AECOM, explained the level of threat it poses. “I think these economic impacts definitely serve as an incentive for governments, at different levels, to look into control strategies.” At last count, the plant covers almost 8 million acres of land in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Mississippi.

So, where does the construction industry fit in and what are these control strategies? Given that it is a hard, fibrous material, advocates of Kudzu believe that it is tough, flexible, and perfect as a building material. When Katie MacDonald and Kyle Schumann began to explore the possibilities of using the plant in construction, they had no idea where it would take them. “It’s hard to avoid it, and you see it blanketing just about everything. It becomes a real presence in the landscape. Kudzu is kind of the poster child of invasive plant species. To us, there seems to be an opportunity space where we might be able to incentivize something that’s good for the environment, like remediation, by making it a useful act of building material.” In 2012, the pair started After Architecture, an architectural studio with the goal of repurposing invasive species as construction materials both as a response to the problematic plants and the pre-existing challenges of sustainable construction. For MacDonald and Schumann, Kudzu is the perfect choice. “We were thinking about the hardiness. It’s really a persistent material — that’s what made it such a challenging invasive species. It’s really hard to cut away, it rolls so fast, it entangles itself with things,” said MacDonald. “We used it as basically fibrous and loose wall assembly, and it was kind of similar to the idea of OSB (oriented strand board) which is a really standard building material.”

As After Architecture continue to explore the possibilities of Kudzu in construction, its founders are busily educating the industry. Models and examples of its efficacy are being produced by the company and many are raising eyebrows. One such example are the walls of an architectural installation called Homegrown. The structures walls were built with Kudzu and Bamboo and formed into panels using a bio-based binding agent. For After Architecture, the result is shared somewhere between traditional and the hyper-modern. “The development of a reusable, inflatable mold was driven by environmental concern and the desire to transition away from traditional subtractive methods for producing irregular molds, which are often cut from large disposable foam blocks. Using a hybrid workflow, wall designs were modeled digitally and then constructed physically using the novel pneumatic mold. Created using novel technology but physically composed of plant fibers, the installation is simultaneously primitive and high-tech.”

“Created using novel technology but physically composed of plant fibers, the installation is simultaneously primitive and high-tech.”

With the body of research growing steadily around the positive uses of this pest weed, it seems as though the tide may be changing. Kudzu is showing potential in areas as diverse as biodegradable food packaging, livestock feed, art, and cuisine. In fact, a short distance from Tennessee is Asheville, where regular meetings take place exploring and educating attendees on cooking and medicinal uses for Kudzu. However, for MacDonald and Schumann, their vine walls are not the end of the road. The pair are determined to harness the unlikely power of invasive species for the benefit of the construction industry. Their experiments and modelling have made the industry sit up and take note. After Architecture have amassed a number of awards and prizes for their research and design work, such as the 2022 Architecture R&D Award and most recently the Architectural League Prize winners for 2023. For After Architecture however, accolades are a happy by-product of the company’s work. For them, the work is demonstratable, rather than commercial. Rather than bring materials to the market, the company is bringing questions. Models and installations are triggering conversation in an environment that has been a closed shop for too long. In 1876, the sole purpose of Kudzu was to appeal to distinguished guests. Having become a thorn in the side of many, its popularity had most certainly peaked. Now however, with the aim of using a wide range of invasive plants as the stimulus for a deeper conversation around sustainability, it looks as though Kudzu is regaining some of that start quality. For After Architecture, it is just the beginning. “This area is still emerging, and there is much work to be done. A key focus is thus to identify the spatial potentials of these new material systems. Much of our work advancing biomaterial construction takes form as material prototypes and pavilions. These small-scale investigations and temporary installations can sometimes feel like demonstrations free from the constraints of permanent construction and habitation: parlor tricks.”

after-architecture.com

Cities are sinking. As catastrophic and alarming as this thought is, it is not necessarily something that is new to scientists and engineers. In fact, when we consider that Venice, the most famous of these sinking cities has navigated this issue through an inventive and lucrative tourist industry, we can take a step back and view it for what it really is. In general terms, Subsidence is the downward vertical movement of the Earth’s surface. Caused by both natural and human activities, it is a common and well-known geological feature that is a natural, and perfectly normal part of house building. Research has long been studying the effects of subsidence on large-scale built-up areas such as cities. It stands to reason that, with skylines expanding continuously, the effects on the surface below may also be changing. 

The results of these studies are complex, however. Various factors play a part in determining the effects that the built environment can have on a piece of land. From underlying soil type and the buildings foundation modes to natural topography and location, many cities could be finding themselves in precarious situations. The US Geological Survey and the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island has recently conducted a study on the effects of building in New York City. In the first piece of research that specifically looks into the contribution of the built environment on subsidence, researchers noted that NYC is sinking at a rate of 1-4 millimeters per year. While this is in line with regional rates, it discovered that some areas fell far outside these acceptable levels. In fact, researchers calculated the mass of all buildings in the city and discovered that, depending on the soil type of a particular area, some buildings have the potential to sink over 600 millimeters. The findings of this paper, titled: The Weight of New York City: Possible Contributions to Subsidence From Anthropogenic Sources, suggest that the risk of large-scale buildings on flood risk is actually quite a significant one. Researchers also stated that, due to the escalation in storm intensity over recent years coupled with the rise of sea levels, coastal cities such as New York City are at risk. “As coastal cities grow globally, the combination of construction densification and sea level rise imply increasing inundation hazard. The point of the paper is to raise awareness that every additional high-rise building constructed at coastal, river, or lakefront settings could contribute to future flood risk, and that mitigation strategies may need to be included.”

These views are echoed by a recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report which found that the rate and focus of “climate sensitive planning” is far slower and effective than it needs to be. “Many cities and settlements have developed adaptation plans, but few have been implemented so that urban adaptation gaps exist in all world regions. Exposure to climate-driven impacts… in combination with rapid urbanization and lack of climate sensitive planning, is affecting marginalized urban populations and key infrastructure.” When we look at the situation globally, the stark nature of these challenges come sharply into focus. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia has the unwanted accolade of being the fastest sinking city in the world. Astonishingly, the city is dropping by around 30 centimeters per year. With much of the city sitting below a rapidly rising sea level, flooding is common, and it is estimated that in much of the city will be uninhabitable by the end of the decade. 

So, what can be done to mitigate against these challenging conditions? Given that the current proposal from the Indonesian government is to relocate the capital to an under-construction city 800 miles north of Jakarta, it seems viable solutions need to be found quickly. According to the IPCC report, the most necessary changes that need to take place revolve around carbon emissions. While these widely accepted yet challenging targets are the best way of solving the crisis, alternatives are necessary. Pervious pavements and underground tunnel systems to absorb stormwater need to be developed in cities while grey infrastructure and retrofitting should be prioritized. The report suggested the widespread introduction of elevated houses which stood on stilts, but it was something else that truly grabbed the headlines. 

Amphibious architecture is the process of designing buildings that work with water, rather than against it. 

Amphibious architecture is the process of designing buildings that work with water, rather than against it. Rather than adopting traditional building methods, amphibious structures are not fixed and, as the tide rises around them, so to do the buildings themselves in a way that is comparable to a boat. For Elizabeth English, Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo and organizer of the International Conference on Amphibious Architecture, Design and Engineering that took place in Ontario recently, it is a case of acceptance. “With amphibious construction, water becomes your friend. The water gets to do what the water wants to do. It’s not a confrontation with Mother Nature—it’s an acceptance of Mother Nature.” While starting her career studying the effects of wind and hurricanes, English pivoted to the effects of water on the built environment having seen the effect of Hurricane Katrina. “Katrina was much more a water event than a wind event. I started looking at the implications of all the flood damage and the social disruption that it caused, and I became very, very angry about the cultural insensitivity of the solutions that were being proposed.” These insensitivities consisted of recommendations to permanently elevate homes which, for English, would have destroyed any remaining element of community to an already devastated region. 

Taking her lead from the Netherlands, a country that has historically had to think creatively about flood mitigation, English discovered amphibious homes. While she felt that it had potential, it was not a suitable solution for the low-income communities that were most likely to be negatively impacted. English founded the Buoyant Foundation Project, a community initiative that designed, tested, and retrofitted amphibious foundations in New Orleans. By using a system that attached a steel frame to the underside of the house along with foam buoyancy blocks, the house would rise and hover above the tide when surrounded by water. For English, the project was an enormous success. The foundation had a system that, while not necessarily perfect, was simple, effective, and cheap. Incredibly, things did not stop there either. To date, the Buoyant Foundation Project have designed amphibious housing for low-income areas such as Nicaragua and Jamaica while designs have recently been used to build a bespoke residential home on the Thames River in London. 

In the context of rising sea levels and increasingly disastrous weather events, the need to protect against flooding has never been more necessary. As cities such as Jakarta and New York City sink underwater, feats of engineering are needed now more than ever. Sadly however, the greatest level of need comes from those communities who can ill afford it. For English and her colleagues at the Buoyant Foundation Project, the goal is not on solving the world’s problems, it is about providing equity. The Buoyant Foundation Project focuses on retrofitting as a less expensive and more sustainable way to increase the resilience of existing communities located in flood-prone regions. Retrofitting existing buildings produces less demolition waste and requires fewer new materials compared to building entirely new buildings.” 

It goes without saying that in the construction industry, waste is not welcome. With rising costs and the drive to create a more circular economy, the concept of materials ending up in landfill is not a palatable one. C&D (construction and demolition) waste includes a vast array of material. Steel, wood products, drywall and plaster, brick and clay tile, asphalt shingles, concrete, and asphalt concrete. These materials are unfortunately end up landfill, deriving from construction projects and sectors such as buildings, roads, and bridges. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, latest figures show that the C&D sector accounts for an astonishing 600 million tons of debris and waste every year. For an industry that is trying to change public perception and be seen as net positive contributors to the growing climate emergency, statistics such as these aren’t helpful.

However shocking these figures may seem, headline statistics may not be the fairest method of passing judgement on a sector. In fact, if we drill down into the industry, changes are taking place in a variety of forms. Calls for the use of sustainable materials are growing by the day and environmentally friendly methods are gathering speed across the industry. The construction world is, despite the narrative that plays out in some quarters, playing its part.

As with anything however, more can always be done. As we find ourselves in an industry that is no longer happy to accept carbon neutral, carbon negative has now become the goal in terms of generating emissions. So, with that in mind, where does material waste fit into the conversation? Within an industry where deadlines and efficiency are a core feature, it is interesting to note that unlike most other aspects of a successful business, the key may be found by simply slowing down.

The United States is in the midst of a housing crisis. With widespread acceptance of this and stakeholders from every industry holding opinions on how it should be tackled, the market is not in a good place. However, the incredible truth is that despite this, hundreds of thousands of homes are demolished every year. The reasons for this are a combination of safety, location, and trends. Unfortunately, some homes are no longer fit for purpose. While this may be a bitter pill that we need to swallow, we can look for the potential positives. With these demolition projects racking up the aforementioned 600 million tons of debris each year, some can be salvaged. Unfortunately, by its nature, the process leaves much of these materials unusable. While concrete can indeed be recycled, a significant amount, some 145 million tons, also ends up in landfill. So, in an uneven landscape, where are the positives?

The Birch Group is a Minneapolis non-profit construction company that specializes in the sustainable reuse sector. Having amassed a huge amount of experience across all facets of construction, the company is currently working on growing the number of clients that avail of its Deconstruction service. This process is not merely a token nod to sustainable practices, either. The company identifies savings for each client, explaining that by prioritizing ‘waste diversion’, residential, commercial, and mixed-use renovation projects can yield significant cost savings. “With 27 years of experience in rehabilitating dilapidated residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, we have an in-depth understanding of the expenses involved in property renovation, remodeling, and redevelopment. Our exceptional expertise in building material reuse makes us unparalleled in waste diversion initiatives.”

“Our purpose is to revive and reinvigorate materials that have reached the end of their useful life, while also fostering a sustainable future for all.”

Deconstruction is a term that can often be mistakenly grouped with Demolition services. While essentially, the result is the same on the ground, the process and benefits are markedly different. In fact, according to the Birch Group, the impact of deconstruction goes much further. “Our purpose is to revive and reinvigorate materials that have reached the end of their useful life, while also fostering a sustainable future for all. Through our work, we aim to revive communities, promote environmental protection, and create job opportunities through workforce development.” By taking a considered and skilled position, each project is approached with care and planning.

Birch Group describes its process in three parts, with deconstruction standing alongside the pre- and post- stages. From site visits and comprehensive inventories to Environmental Impact Reports and grant application documents, everything is covered. It is what happens during the deconstruction process itself that holds the most benefit for clients though. Led by experienced carpenters, the team carefully removes all identified reusable materials. At the helm is deconstruction expert, Petrina Rhines.

Having completed a carpentry apprenticeship three years ago, Rhines decided to pursue a more innovative approach to the reimagining of the city’s decaying buildings. By picking apart each building, removing materials in a manner that leaves them in reusable condition, the projects are disassembled, rather than flattened. In addition to that, the materials are then sold by the Scrapbox Salvage store, a non-profit salvage company that aims to “reclaim and harvest everything from lights, flooring, windows, doors and more for resell to the public.” With a new inventory arriving in store each week and assistance with accessing tax savings and installation grants, the store is proving to be a huge hit. This partnership stems from a shared view of how materials should be treated. Instead of bulldozing, we should slow down a little and look at what we are doing. According to Rhines, the reason for setting up Birch Group is a simple yet vital one. “Essentially, we’re trying to keep as much trash out of the waste stream as possible. We’re doing all of this by hand too, so we’re also reducing a lot of pollutants that would go into the air.”

While deconstruction by hand certainly has its benefits in terms of salvageable materials and environmental practices, it may not be the most effective tool to combat 600 million tons of waste. Thankfully, that is where education comes in. With a staff of 25 and growing, Birch Group is certainly seeing its message spread locally. By sharing information about the process even further, the hope is that it may catch on to become something remarkable. Birch Group has struck up a partnership with Hennepin County and Reuse Minnesota, a professional network to advance the reuse sector, offering workshops and presentations to a number of local high-schools. By reaching the community at a younger age, Rhines is hopeful that things will change over time.

Only one year in, Rhines and Birch Group are changing the narrative. While it may still be early days, it seems that deconstruction and the benefits that come from it could potentially be life-changing in more ways than one. “The training for deconstruction careers is short. You can learn on the job and get started in a career in a short period of time. College isn’t for everyone, and we are just showing students that there are other opportunities out there. More than anything though, we’re trying to catch them while they’re young and instill in them sustainable business practices. Hopefully they will carry that sustainability mindset through their lifetime, and they will become lifelong learners within the sustainability world.”

https://www.thebirchgroup.org

It seems as though the pathway to a more sustainable construction industry is continuously being filled with roadblocks. Notwithstanding the strong lobby groups that advocate on behalf of environmentally destructive materials such as fossil fuels, there is the difficulty of change and viable alternatives. The industry is not one that necessarily welcomes change, given that many materials currently being used have been around for centuries. However, it is unfair, and simply not the case, to assume that the construction world is not adaptable. In fact, in countless ways the industry is nimble, innovative, and highly flexible. With the advancement of AI and 3D printing, we are seeing glimpses of a construction industry that embraces change and moves forward in a more positive and sustainable way. The problem is, however, that many construction materials and the way modern buildings are made mean that the industry finds itself in a difficult spot. Simply put, the level of pollution created by construction is too high.

In a White Paper document published by the World Economic Forum in 2021, the Global Future Council on Net-Zero Transition made stark warnings in relation to the necessary changes that need to take place on a global scale. “Three things need to happen to limit global warming to safe levels in line with the Paris Agreement: greenhouse gas emissions need to be halved by 2030; net-zero emissions must be achieved by 2050; and global emissions will need to become net-negative emissions after 2050.”

While many will be familiar with the term net-zero in relation to carbon emissions, the concept of ‘net-negative’ is somewhat more recent. The International Energy Agency explains it as follows. “Carbon neutrality, or “net zero,” means that any CO2 released into the atmosphere from human activity is balanced by an equivalent amount being removed. Becoming carbon negative requires a company, sector, or country to remove more CO2 from the atmosphere than it emits.” With the construction industry being heavily reliant on concrete, a material that accounts for almost one tenth of the world’s carbon emissions alone, it appears the industry is facing an incredibly difficult task to bring it to fruition.

The drive for net-negative could be given a massive boost with the introduction of an innovative new building technique called Breathe Bricks. Designed by Carmen Trudell, a professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo College of Architecture and Environmental Design, this process is made from a type of porous rock and is based on the basic principle of air filtration. By using an innovative design and including a ‘cyclone’ within the structure, these bricks absorb polluted air and release clear air in return. The research and testing that brought this process to fruition is based on the concept of filters. Indeed, Trudell worked with engineering professor Tracy Thatcher to develop a building component that works as a sort of passive filtration system. The Breathe Brick itself is a porous masonry unit that stacks to produce a filtration and structural façade system.

Breathe Bricks are not the only materials that are assisting in the gradual shift towards a net-negative construction landscape, however. In a huge turnaround for what had been a virtually ignored material, hemp is making something of a comeback in recent times. While industrial hemp has been used as part of the construction process for thousands of years, it has been ignored in more recent times. However, it is now becoming a genuinely exciting proposition for meeting net-negative targets. Due to its incredible properties such as fast growth, dense canopy, and its ability to grow in nutrient-poor soil, it is vastly more efficient at sequestering carbon than trees. While in construction, when combined with a lime-based binder it forms a material called Hempcrete, a carbon-negative building material that can sequester around 100 kgs of CO2 per square meter. The mix creates a long-lasting fibrous insulation wall assembly that is fire-resistant, carbon-sequestering and repels mold and pests. Because hemp sequesters carbon while in the walls of a building, hempcrete is an excellent zero-carbon building material that can offset the construction industry’s carbon footprint. While the lightweight blocks do not have the structural strength for load-bearing situations, they have many uses on a jobsite. From replacing traditional drywall, to its benefits as both insulation and siding, it offers huge energy-saving benefits.

Coexist Build, a PA-licensed architect-led company that is “determined to revolutionize conventional construction practices and bring healthier options to the market,” is one of the loudest voices in developing hempcrete as a genuine option. The company combines an architectural studio with its very own regenerative organic farm to run a research and development lab for hemp-based materials. The main aim of Coexist Build is to produce building materials that give back to the environment they are built from. In essence, it is seeking to produce net-negative. “We develop systems that create an ecosystem where the natural world can coexist with humans in a clean and healthy way because our systems give back. We believe there is a lot to be explored and that is why we operate a research and development facility to innovate and create new materials and systems that work.”

The company was set up by husband-and-wife team Anastasiya Konopatskaya and Drew Oberholtzer with Konopatskaya recently assisting in the writing of a successful application for hempcrete to become officially approved in the model US residential building code for 2024. The hearing was overseen by the International Code Council and is an enormous breakthrough for advocates of the material. Speaking after the successful application, Konopatskaya said that the certification is a huge step forward. “It is a groundbreaking achievement. As an architect, including hemplime into the building code is of paramount importance. It will allow architects like myself, focused on sustainability, to specify this product in any municipality across the US.”

Due to industrial hemp production only recently being legalized in the United States, much of the hemp used in hempcrete production is still imported from Europe. Despite this challenge, production is well under way and blocks are now being brought to the industry. According to Oberholtzer, this shift in production will have hugely positive effects on the scale of carbon savings that can now be achieved. “The biggest variable in the amount of carbon sequestered in manufacturing hempcrete is transportation of raw material to a manufacturer and [then to the] project site. With the development of local supply chains from seed or farm to gate, the amount of carbon sequestered will be optimal.”

Since 2019, Coexist has been developing hempcrete and demonstrating its potential with the goal being a shift in the way the industry thinks and acts. With much work being done since then, it seems as though things might be paying off. Recently, hempcrete has been reaching the mainstream with commercial projects such as the American Airlines Terminal upgrade at LAX, to residential condos in TriBeCa. For Oberholtzer, Konopatskaya and all at Coexist Build, attitudes are changing. With net-negative now becoming a necessity rather than an add-on, it can’t change quickly enough. “Concern over toxics, allergens, synthetics, and plastics is rising. Also, people care more about the Earth than ever before. Attention is being given to carbon embodiment, carbon impact, regenerative materials, recycling, sustainability, waste, and renewability. Coexist Build addresses all of these concerns through the design and construction, using methods and materials that are natural and coexist with the environment.”

Ecological architecture, the process of preserving and complementing the natural elements within an urban setting, seems like a relatively recent concept. Given the prevalence of environmentally minded planners, architects, and builders, the feeling as that practices are gradually shifting towards a place where sustainable buildings are the norm. The truth is, however, that ecological architecture has been around for as long as dwellings have been constructed. Humans have long been aware of the symbiotic relationship its urban developments have had with the earth and its resources. A prime example of this is Angkor Wat, a UNESCO heritage site in Cambodia and the largest religious structure on the planet. This enormous 12^th Century temple uses a complex irrigation system that stores water, heats and cools the structure when necessary, and waters crops. In addition to this, all natural building materials used in its construction were locally sourced meaning that it has a considerably smaller carbon footprint to many structures a fraction of its size. What does this all mean in the context of a growing climate emergency? Despite the clear and obvious need to mitigate the worst effects of construction and the wider impact of human consumption, we are at a crossroads.

While ecological structures may not be as recent as we thought, the fact remains that in order to meet emissions targets, big changes are undoubtedly required. While every industry needs to step up, the construction world is unfortunately one of the main offenders. From transport, materials, processes and embodied carbon, buildings and the work needed to produce them, generate enormous amounts of emissions. Concrete and energy usage, for example, rank highly on the list of sectors and materials that need a rethink. A report recently published by the National Institute of Construction Management and Research in India makes for stark reading. “Climate emergency is a threat to humankind and future development. Construction sector contributes to 39% of worldwide carbon emissions; with 28% coming from energy usage, and 11% from embodied carbon.”

Solutions are being found but they are very much in their infancy. Passive House, captured concrete, SMART buildings and cities; each are providing successes in the ongoing challenge to reduce emissions but, unfortunately, these are on a small scale. Research is demonstrating that despite these innovative techniques, much more needs to be done. “One can suggest to opt for green building concepts, but it is imperative to acknowledge that the recent growth of sustainable ones are insufficient to offset the negative impact of current structures. Pre-existing buildings pose a threat due to the amount of energy they consume. Additionally, about 80% of greenhouse gas emissions are related to energy. Due to the quantum of resources and money required, tearing down existing infrastructures, and establishing new state-of-the-art facilities with cutting-edge products and technology is not an option.” The result of this realization is that, rather than new designs, structures, and techniques being built from scratch, many are looking into the possibility of retrofitting as a means of minimizing disruption. The problem with this however, is that the cost of this work is often prohibitive, and the knowledge required to complete the work to the highest standard can be lacking.

“BlocPower is helping create a world where every home and building can be an opportunity for progress, an engine for change.”

BlocPower, founded in New York City by Donnel Baird in 2014, is a cleantech company that has quite an ambitious goal. The company is working towards reducing emissions and fight climate change through a focus on renewable energy. BlocPower describes itself as “a climate technology company that analyzes, finances, and upgrades homes and buildings.” What is different about this company is that, rather than merely being a retrofitting and green technology provider, it is aims to achieve this while also removing the financial barrier of retrofitting and assisting lower-income areas. “BlocPower is helping create a world where every home and building can be an opportunity for progress, an engine for change. A world where communities are connected and upgrading your property from one that pollutes to one that powers the next generation of the green economy.”

The rationale and drive behind this company has its roots in Brooklyn, NY, where Baird grew up in a one-bedroom apartment. Baird’s experiences of a home being heated during the cold winter months using a gas cooking stove proved formative. For him, BlocPower is a vehicle to tackle climate change while also addressing the inequalities that he and his family lived through. The company offers many technological services and products such as smart, low-cost sensors and thermostats, and updating heating and cooling systems. Not only this, BlocPower hires and trains local vulnerable populations to perform the retrofitting, providing education, skills, and employment to low-income communities. For Baird, this is non-negotiable. ““The challenges of climate change, economic recovery, public health, and racial inequity are all intertwined. Green building technology offers scalable solutions for all of them.”

So, how does it work? BlocPower works with the homeowner to identify their needs, upgrade wish-list and a timeline. From there, the company provides financing options with no upfront costs and takes on the project management to ensure that things run smoothly. “We handle the contractors, permits and incentives needed to get your project done right and at the best price.” By offering this bespoke, one-stop-shop for green home and energy upgrades, the company assists those for whom retrofitting was previously unattainable. “BlocPower uses proprietary technology to analyze, finance and upgrade homes and buildings with the latest in energy-efficient, electric technology and appliances. In this way, we reduce soft costs, shorten project timelines, and make the benefits of these upgrades accessible to all.” Unsurprisingly, there are many people eager to work with the company and contribute to creating an equitable and effective climate solution. Since its founding in 2014, the company has completed 5,000+ energy efficiency projects nationwide. By utilizes its own software program, BlocMaps, it has assisted municipalities, utility companies, and sustainability experts to plan, manage, finance, and implement equitable decarbonization strategies.

The road to carbon neutral, or indeed carbon negative, building structures may be some way off. Education and financial considerations are still very real barriers that preclude the most vulnerable communities to the conversation. BlocPower is changing that. By offering advice, funding supports and training, it is working with communities to ensure that the pivot to sustainable buildings is an equitable one. For too long now, the ability to make energy savings has been reserved for those who need it least. BlocPower is trying to change that, one home at a time. For Baird, it is not about his own company. He believes that it goes much, much further than that. “I went to Glasgow, I went to the climate negotiations for the first time, and it was amazing to get there and see people from all over the world that had devoted their entire career, their lives to climate. They were there to push forward a global deal—but what was needed, then and now, was for the Americans to set the tempo on what’s possible to achieve in this moment. I’m so excited about the opportunity we have as Americans to really lead the world and lead this nation forward on climate change.”

www.blocpower.io

While the debate rages on regarding the viability and sustainable use of concrete, it is undoubtedly a challenging landscape for those within the sector. The industry is demanding improvement from all sides, cost, quality, and sustainability. This particular combination can be difficult to balance and, as tends to be the case, compromise is needed. However, it is within this discussion that precast concrete has emerged as a solution. Its strength, versatility and a more positive environmental profile all contribute to it being a building material that is growing in both use and reputation. Emerging from two separate groups representing the bridge and transportation sector (CABA) and buildings/parking structures (MAPA), the PCI Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) was formed in 1978 to promote the accelerated growth and increased marketability and profitability of businesses in the precast concrete industry throughout the Mid-Atlantic region serving companies in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

While Cast-in-Place concrete may have an advantage from a historical viewpoint, the Precast sector is making huge forward strides and is fast becoming the go-to building material. Undoubtedly, this is an industry that has grown and developed hugely in recent decades. For Dawn Decker, Executive Director of PCI Mid-Atlantic, this momentum has been in tandem with the education work the association does on behalf of its members. “As the precast and prestressed concrete industry has evolved with more market data and research findings, we’ve expanded our education and awareness outreach to include more stakeholders that influence the design, specification and construction of buildings, bridges, and parking structures. Additionally, Jim Voss, president of JVI-Inc., established the PCI Foundation in 2001, a separate non-profit from PCI with its own operating budget. The PCI Foundation focuses on providing curriculum development grants to schools of architecture, engineering, and construction management.”

In addition to this education piece, the association also works to support its members in a variety of other ways. Through a combination of marketing and facilitating connections right through to providing resources, support and expertise, members benefit from the reassurance of having an association with a huge knowledge base in their corner. “Our chapter is focused on supporting precast professionals, generating greater awareness for precast, and improving the communication between our industry, academia, and design community to foster beneficial working relationships for all.”

Marketing a hugely well-known product in an industry that has been working with concrete for generations may seem like an unnecessary venture, however, it is a vital aspect of the work PCI Mid-Atlantic does. By generating marketing content for the chapter, member businesses, academia, and PCI as a national institute, the chapter works tirelessly to promote and increase awareness and use of precast and prestressed concrete for bridges, buildings, and parking structures. As Decker explains, the need to keep Precast concrete on everyone’s mind has many benefits. One of the most important being the need to attract talent to a sector that can struggle to fill working positions. “Our members are constantly recruiting new employees in various roles in their organizations; this is one of their greatest challenges. Last year we established a Career Center with job descriptions linked to our 10 workforce development videos and a zip code plant locator to generate applicants – we’re committed to supplementing company efforts to get more people working in our industry. To that end, we’ve started sharing employee stories highlighting Women in Construction, our Young Professionals Network, and this year, we’re launching a Veterans in Precast blog series. The people that work in our industry are our greatest asset and we need more people to join us. Celebrating our member employees is part of these initiatives.”

“Members benefit from the reassurance of having an association with a huge knowledge base in their corner.”

As the industry pivots to more sustainable practices, PCI Mid-Atlantic’s members benefit from its ability to harness industry leading knowledge and they receive legislative advice on current challenges. At PCI Mid-Atlantic’s annual winter meeting, Emily Lorenz, a PE, industry expert and consultant, gave a talk about legislation that is incorporating sustainability criteria, such as low embodied carbon concrete. As Decker shares, its members are in various stages of improving their manufacturing practices and environmental footprint as well as conducting LCAs (life cycle assessments) to produce EPDs (environmental product declarations). By providing this information to members, businesses in the sector can be best prepared to overcome the challenges of introducing EPDs. As Lorenz explained, the legislation surrounding these requirements make for a very disjointed approach. “Things are moving quickly to prepare for the federally funded infrastructure work. Agencies are looking to EPDs and setting limits in an effort to build toward a more-resilient and zero-carbon future. But some of the guidance or model code language doesn’t conform to the requirements in the ISO standards related to comparisons. Some agencies have established environmental benchmarks that don’t correlate to current construction methods. Others are based on best practices for buildings including energy performance and construction types. This scattered approach […] makes it difficult for designers and product manufacturers to comply.”

With these complex and on-going challenges facing members, it could be easy to forget the innovative and high-quality projects that are being completed every day. Speaking to Decker, she was keen to reinforce the message that using precast prefabricated components produced in factory-controlled environments deliver resilient, durable, low maintenance and beautiful structures. Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh is a prime example. This three-span replacement bridge that sits almost 100 feet above ground consists of 21 Prestressed Concrete Bulb Tee Beams, each one an impressive 155 ft long, weighing over 100 tons. With conventional methods, replacing a bridge this size would’ve taken about three to four years, plus for planning the bridge, choosing its design, obtaining approval, installing an abutment, and cleaning the site. With precast concrete construction? Fern Hollow Bridge in Frick Park was completed in under a year. “This is extremely, extremely fast. On a normal bridge project, we probably would’ve been about year three before we reached this point,” said Cheryl Moon-Sirianni, District Executive at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). As Decker explains, this project was incredibly challenging. As the bridge had collapsed, there was a need to move decisively and navigate a complex landscape. “The collapse of Fern Hollow Bridge begged the need for an emergency acquisition system. The project team was stacked with both public and private players who worked intensely to meet unprecedented construction rates, delivering the bridge beams just six months after the initial collapse. It’s incredible for a bridge project of this magnitude to move so quickly and open in less than a year, and it’s all thanks to close collaboration and a push to meet this community’s urgent need.”

Another example of the quality work being completed by PCI Mid-Atlantic members was the John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts at Villanova University. Villanova University wanted to maintain the Gothic revival architecture found throughout the 175-year-old campus in the design of their new performing arts center. Additionally, they aimed to achieve LEED Silver with notable inclusions such as reflective roofing, a green roof over the main proscenium theater, recyclable materials, low-emitting finishes, and an energy-efficient HVAC system. “The client and design team utilized architectural precast concrete due to construction cost savings and better lead time of the exterior wall related to a traditional stone façade construction. This was based on the rigorous construction schedule reviewing lessons learned from a traditional stone veneer project being constructed at the same time across the street. The John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts at Villanova University was completed as a $50 million, three-story, 85,000-square-foot structure that houses a full-size theater and various arts-related classrooms.”

With a rich history and an ever-growing awareness of its benefits, Precast Concrete is becoming the best choice on projects that require strength, efficiency, accelerated construction and additional sustainability. For Decker and those at PCI Mid-Atlantic, the future will be one of continued support, education, and advocacy. As she explains, this will benefit members both today, and long into the future. “We need more visibility at high schools to let guidance counselors know about our industry for those students that don’t want to pursue a college education. A recruitment path for our members in their local communities. Our goal is to create a strong precast community that is inclusive of all our diverse stakeholders. When we come together, we want to learn, innovate, and advance all while celebrating what precast and prestressed concrete has to offer.”

The construction industry is an ever-evolving landscape. It is a sector that thrives and depends on innovation, progress, and outside-the-box thinking. In fact, it is this steady influx of technological advancements that have ensured that the industry remains at the forefront of community, industrial and infrastructure growth. Among the latest groundbreaking technologies that have the potential to reshape the future of construction, artificial intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront. While innovation and tech developments tend to be greeted with open arms across the industry, AI has not been universally welcomed. Rather, it is being viewed with a skeptical eye and industry professionals fear that their jobs and livelihoods are at risk. As AI finds its place within the industry, questions are being asked about its impact on employment and the dynamic relationship between humans and machines.

Henning Roedel, in his role as robotics lead for the innovation team at California-based DPR Construction, has spent a lot of time thinking about the potential benefits and challenges of the nascent rise of AI in the construction industry. While he can accept that a certain level of apprehension is understandable, he feels that the suspicion is ultimately misguided. “We don’t think about how to reduce our staff size, because we have enough backlog and work ahead of us that we need more people. You need to flip the displacement question around because we currently don’t have enough people in our industry to meet the construction needs of society as it is.” This is not, however, the biased view of an insider. Statistics show that in March there were more than 341,000 unfilled jobs in the sector.

According to Roedel, the emergence of AI in construction is not causing mass redundancies across the industry. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Through the skillful use of technology, both AI and robotics, the industry is managing to stay afloat amidst a tidal wave of job displacement and abandonment. “AI and robotics are solutions to that growing crisis of not being able to build enough homes, offices, and roads to keep people living healthy lives,” said Roedel, whose firm has been using both to help workers get more done. “The tools that are coming out are amplifying the lives of both our field and corporate office staffs, who can leverage ChatGPT and other tools to save mental time and productively move onto the next task that much earlier.”

In what may come as a surprise to some, AI is already well established in certain fields. With leaders harnessing its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and make predictions based on patterns, the tool is already making significant contributions to the industry. In the realm of design and planning, AI-powered algorithms can generate optimized floor plans, allowing architects and engineers to explore countless possibilities in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. According to Bob Banfield, machine learning engineer at Trimble Construction, these algorithms are at the core of the highly efficient technology. “Machine learning includes many algorithms. Here’s a quick example: if you were looking to find out whether or not you are liable to get some type of disease, one type of learning algorithm might work its way through a tree of questions like, ‘how old are you?’ Then, ‘okay, do you exercise?’ And so on. If you say yes, you go down one branch, and if you say no, then you go down another. That’s a perfectly valid machine learning algorithm. It’s like the game 20 Questions you might’ve played as a kid, except in machine learning those questions are automatically generated.” These algorithms consider factors such as material usage, energy efficiency, and structural integrity, ensuring that the final product is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable.

“AI in construction is not about replacing workers but rather supporting them by augmenting their capabilities.”

While rapid advancements in robotics are now leading the industry towards a deeper, AI-driven level of automation on construction sites, the industry is not yet convinced. However, the evidence is continuing to mount. Intelligent machines, equipped with sensors and cameras, can perform tasks that were once labor-intensive and time-consuming. Robotic arms can lay bricks as precise as the human eye, while autonomous vehicles transport materials with incredible efficiency. Rather than create more challenges for those working in the field, these tools enhance productivity, reduce human error, and minimize safety risks, leading to savings in both cost and time.

As AI and automation continue to make strides, concerns arise about the potential displacement of human workers. However, industry experts argue that the role of AI in construction is not about replacing workers but rather supporting them by augmenting their capabilities. Robert Thompson, a renowned construction technologist, affirms, “AI is not here to take jobs; it’s here to elevate them.”

When viewed in the context of a chronic skilled worker shortage, the resistance to AI seems even more perplexing. By eliminating mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their jobs, the industry could maximize the abilities of the staff it has currently on jobsites. According to Roedel, the use of AI should not only be a given, but it should also be a welcome respite from the challenge of keeping the industry alive. “AI and robotics are solutions to that growing crisis of not being able to build enough homes, offices, and roads to keep people living healthy lives,” said Roedel, whose firm has been using both to help workers get more done. “The tools that are coming out are amplifying the lives of both our field and corporate office staffs, who can leverage ChatGPT and other tools to save mental time and productively move onto the next task that much earlier.”

If we are to critically evaluate the potential outcome of an AI-supported construction industry, we cannot discount workers fears completely. Current sectors of the manufacturing and infrastructure industries are already thriving through the use of robotics, effectively removing the need for human involvement on production lines around the world. It is, seemingly, an issue of balance. Where does an industry go in terms of ensuring the humans at the coalface are protected and utilized to their full potential? With the market size for AI in construction forecast to grow by over 30% annually and move past the $8.5 billion mark by 2031, it is a very real conversation that needs to take place sooner rather than later. However, for Roedel and DPR, there are certain benefits of AI that will always trump personal interest, regardless of your standpoint. “We want to see more of these tools at work in high voltage scenarios and hazardous environments. Any hazmat applications where we can put the smart machines in and take the people away, so much the better.” With its potential to lower costs, increase productivity and vastly improve workers safety, AI is a conversation that is certainly worth having.

In a post-pandemic world, it seems as though challenges are mounting. The cost of living is rising to extreme levels while concerns continue to grow around environmental and social issues. Underpinning this sense of anxiety is the acute shortage of residential housing, a problem that seems to be facing every community worldwide. The construction sector is, unsurprisingly, at the center of these challenges. It is an industry that is seen by some as both the cause of these issues and its potential savior. With innovative new techniques, materials and designs coming onstream every day, it seems that much is being done to work through a challenging environment. However, in recent times, one particular development has offered a glimpse into a future that is both equitable and sustainable. In order to meet the growing demand for affordable and sustainable housing, innovative companies have turned to 3D printing. This exciting development, offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to the housing crisis, benefits from minimal waste, quicker build times and a lower carbon footprint.

While 3D printing has certainly made those in the construction world sit up and take notice, it hasn’t yet taken over. Techniques are advancing and appear to be close to a level that could be rolled out on a wider scale, but a number of factors leave it at risk of stagnating. Prohibitive costs and a lack of knowledge across the industry are evident barriers to its ongoing success. However, for a sector that thrives on novel and innovative advancements, it shouldn’t be that way. The potential benefits of 3D printing in relation to the construction industry could not be clearer. It is incredibly fast, for starters. Amidst a housing crisis, this is reason alone for the sector to be prioritized. Despite these benefits, it is an area still in its infancy. Start-ups are appearing in small numbers and highly impressive mini-projects are breaking ground but thankfully, that may not be the case for very long.

The culmination of a two-year collaborative effort between architectural designers Leslie Lok and Sasa Zivkovic, principals of HANNAH; along with PERI 3D Construction, and CIVE, one of the leading engineering and design/build contractors in Houston has resulted in the ‘House of Cores,’ the first ever two-story house built by using a 3D printer. The structure, an incredible 4,000 sq ft, is designed and produced to showcase the vast potential that 3D printing can potentially have on the housing market. According to HANNAH, the house has, unlike other 3D-printed structures to-date, a customized design and has been built through design solutions that weave existing construction methods with new technology. “With a hybridized construction method that combines concrete 3D printing with wood framing, this approach allows the two material systems to be used strategically and aims to increase the applicability of 3D printing in the U.S., where framing is the one of the most common construction techniques. The building design is conceptualized as a series of printed cores that contain functional spaces and stairs. The spatial cores are connected by wood framing to produce an architectural alternation of concrete and framed interiors. The project’s scalable design and construction process is applicable for multifamily housing and mixed-use construction.”

The printer, the COBOD BOD2 gantry printer is an enormous piece of equipment that weighs more than 12 tons itself and is the work of cutting-edge 3D construction company, PERI. By utilizing the printer’s ability to work through custom designs and effective layout capabilities, the structure a three-bedroom house, was erected in an incredible 330 hours. According to Fabian Meyre-Broetz, CEO of PERI, the project demonstrates the company’s ability to lead the way when it comes to modern construction methods. “We are incredibly proud to not only showcase the possibilities of the BOD2 3D construction printer but also our extensive know-how in planning, engineering, and printing on this project, which is the seventh and largest one we printed so far. We are convinced that it will set new standards from a design as well as printing execution perspective and underlines our role as the forerunner for this new construction technique.” This view is echoed by Lok who believe that, due to the intrinsic challenges when building a two-story building, the printer itself was a vital aspect of the project’s success. “You can actually find a lot of 3D-printed buildings in many states,” Lok said. “One of the things about printing a second story is the technical requirement of the machine. And of course, there are other challenges: structural challenges, logistic challenges when we print a second-story building.”

“By consolidating traditional methods and harnessing the potential and power of cutting-edge techniques, the construction industry has once again come up with a solution that may yet revolutionize the housing sector.”

While the project is the culmination of work from many parties, the work on the ground is being completed by CIVE, the Design-Build firm that looked after the engineering and GC work. In a sector where sustainability needs to meet with functionality, the project could be a crucial turning point in the challenging environment facing both the construction industry and the housing market in general. For Hachem Domloj, President at CIVE, it marks an enormous turning point. “Having the opportunity to be the engineers and general contractor for the first multistory 3D-printed structure in the U.S. has been an honor. We can see how this technology and our team’s approach is providing the scalability to larger commercial developments. Collectively, we’re changing the way our country builds, and paving the way for more affordable housing, higher structural integrity, and faster building capabilities. The possibilities of 3D printing are endless!”

With the need for more housing growing, it seems as though time is not on anyone’s side. Supply chain issues, skilled labor shortages and rising costs are all compounding a situation where a solution needs to be reached immediately. However, the ‘House of Cores’ is a genuine breakthrough. On this project, 3D printing has moved from niche to mainstream. It is no exaggeration to suggest that this could signal the beginning of an end to the crisis. As for those involved, the structure is already a massive success. By consolidating traditional methods and harnessing the potential and power of cutting-edge techniques, the construction industry has once again come up with a solution that may yet revolutionize the housing sector. “For the design of the project, we developed a hybrid construction approach that couples innovations in concrete 3D printing with traditional wood framing techniques to create a building system that is structurally efficient, easily replicable, and materially responsive,” said Leslie Lok and Sasa Zivkovic, of HANNAH. “The project also highlights the exciting design potential of mass-customized architectural components to meet homeowner’s needs and to simplify building system integration. These design efforts aim to increase the impact, applicability, sustainability, and cost efficiency of 3D printing for future residential and multi-family buildings in the U.S.”

At the heart of any progress that the construction industry has made, there is one thing that has made it all possible. While skill and techniques are vital components to a developing and innovative sector, they would be nothing if it weren’t for the materials being used to create, to build and to construct. With every advancement in material and its usage, there follows a series of innovative methods, each one adapting these materials and applying them in novel ways to the betterment of the construction world. This relationship has been mutually beneficial and has pushed our global communities forward in unimaginable ways.

As building materials become ever more expensive, the construction industry now finds itself in a difficult place. Costs are rising across the board and sustainability issues are stacking up. For those at Plantd Materials, the alternative building material start-up that was founded by Josh Dorfman, along with Huade Tan and Nathan Silvernail, both former SpaceX engineers who have worked for years, designing, and building key systems and components of the Dragon cargo and crew spacecraft, we have reached a crossroads where difficult decisions need to now be made. “Throughout history, civilizations have advanced at the speed of material innovation. Timber, steel, and concrete enabled remarkable progress, but today they are the problem, not the solution. Continuing to build with these materials accelerates climate change and promises to impede progress by threatening our future on this planet.”

The solution is clear, yet incredibly complex. While innovative minds are attempting to pivot away from concrete to a more environmental and sustainably produced material, traditional values still hold firm. Additionally, alternatives remain costly and niche when compared to the historical might of concrete. However, one material is proving to be a viable source. Having been used in structure building in some capacity for many years, forward thinking individuals and companies are looking towards timber as a means of finding a sort of balance. With this in mind, it is little surprise to learn that structures built solely of wood are enjoying something of a resurgence. Techniques and practices have now advanced to the point where timber is offering genuine alternatives to brick and cement. At Plantd, the goal is to offer climate-positive alternatives to legacy building materials, while maintaining the high standards that are necessary in the construction world. “Building with Plantd materials enables home builders to offer their customers homes that are affordable, durable, and sustainable. And by sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide within structural frames, homes built with Plantd materials will play a key role in solving climate change.”

There is one small sticking point, however, and that is time. Forests, while sustainable by their very nature, do not spring up overnight. So, what can be done to offset the lead-in times of these materials. This particular issue has been a concern for Dorfman and his colleagues at Plantd Materials for some time. In fact, he says that speed has always been an intrinsic part of what the company is trying to achieve. “We started with the question, “What’s the fastest way to remove carbon from the atmosphere and turn it into useful, durable products?” The answer to this particular challenge is already here. The company’s flagship product is a wood-panel materials designed for homebuilding. However, this material differs from the norm slightly. Incredibly, Plantd’s product comes from a fast-growing species of grass. Plantd’s proprietary low carbon-emissions production technology transforms fast-growing perennial grass into durable, carbon-negative building materials that, rather impressively, outperform competitive products on key attributes, including strength and moisture resistance. According to Dorfman, the product is right up there with anything else in the industry, too. “We see the greatest opportunity to lock away the most carbon when we make a superior product than what exists today.”

“Starting with structural panel products for walls and roofs, Plantd will fabricate building materials that are a direct substitute for traditional home construction products and require no alternative installation techniques.”

The process itself is fast-paced and highly innovative. Its plan is to replicate existing materials and techniques, supporting the industry in necessary changes without causing stress and apprehension in a fragile, post-COVID setting. In a press release announcing that it had secured $10M in Series A Funding, Plantd explained both the process and long-term strategy for its success. “Starting with structural panel products for walls and roofs, Plantd will fabricate building materials that are a direct substitute for traditional home construction products and require no alternative installation techniques. By cultivating fast-growing perennial grass instead of cutting down trees and pioneering novel production technology to minimize carbon emissions, Plantd Structural Panels™ retain 80% of the atmospheric carbon dioxide captured in the field, which is then locked away inside the walls and roofs of new homes.” For Dorfman, it goes even further. He sees the opportunity for Plantd to surpass existing materials by being a superior material, while also being more sustainable and competitive. “We can’t move quickly enough to solve climate change unless we develop profitable methods to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere,” said Dorfman. “We’re going to change an industry by offering builders a better product at the same price and, in the process, scale a business that can help save the planet.”

Unsurprisingly, for a company that values speed, the company has set to work, moving forward at a rapid pace. With funding secured, Plantd moved to locate and open a facility that can bring its products to the mass market. With a ribbon cutting event taking place in early May to celebrate the opening of its production facility and headquarters in Oxford, North Carolina, the company is going full steam ahead. The 80,000-square-foot warehouse and offices were originally occupied by the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company. An anchor facility for the town of Oxford, the location provided local jobs and farming contracts to this historic hub for manufacturing and agriculture that had previously been lost when the tobacco factory closed.

So, when faced with a multifaceted challenge that was both complex and urgent, it seems as though Plantd may have made a breakthrough. With timber becoming an ever increasingly viable, and preferrable building material, Dorfman, Tan and Silvernail have utilized the power of grass, its rapid growth cycles, and scientific innovation to produce a product that meets all requirements, and then some. Not happy with merely providing alternative, Dorfman believes the company and its product can make long-lasting change that not only benefits the construction industry, but the world itself. “Plantd is innovating across the entire value chain for building materials, cultivating new sources of biomass that allow trees to remain in the ground and pioneering new machines and production technologies that remove cost and carbon emissions at every stage of business operations. In Oxford, we see an unparalleled opportunity to reshape the construction industry, build a credible climate change solution, and bridge this rural region into the 21st-century economy. Integrating into the economic and social fabric of this area is the foundation we will build upon to drive positive impact at the local, national, and global levels.”

www.plantdmaterials.com

The construction world, and structure building in particular, has long been associated with concrete. In fact, the relationship between the industry and its most famous building material is one of the most enduring around, going back thousands of years. However, it has become ever more apparent that it is a problematic relationship. Furthermore, it is one that the industry needs to diversify from. As sustainability targets and carbon goals all loom ahead, the industry is facing up to the very real possibility that, for the first time ever, the construction landscape will no longer be solely a concrete one. Despite concrete still being the go-to when it comes to a reliable and durable material, those within the industry are acutely aware of the need for alternatives. Innovative minds have already been making headway in this regard with a variety of interesting ideas being launched from compacted plastic to fungi. While each bring something new to the table, nothing has yet shown the potentials to usurp concrete. It is in this context that we find Sargablock, an incredible new material created using marine macroalgae. While this term may not mean much to some people, it is most commonly recognized by another term, seaweed.

Seaweed is the ubiquitous underwater material, covering an astonishing 3.4 million square kilometres of our oceans. Needless to say, it has many uses and the biological and environmental service it provides to coastlines and the ocean itself cannot be understated. It is not, however, the most welcomed and loved plant on the planet. To put it mildly, human interaction with seaweed tends to land somewhere around ambivalence and frustration. It’s unsightly color washes ashore, leaving bathers to battle against its well-known smell. According to Shelly-Ann Cox, chief fisheries officer for the Barbados government, the negative impact of seaweed is much more serious than first imagined. “Every year we’re seeing more and more countries reporting of the influx, and the devastating impacts on tourism, fishery sectors and transport.” While, these factors will certainly be troublesome for any tourist destination, the situation gets worse. A recent study has shown the possible link between the toxic Sargassum seaweed and preeclampsia in pregnant women. According to the research results, the seaweed poses a serious risk to the health of pregnant women. “Along with traditional risk factors, environmental exposure to sargassum strandings might potentially trigger early onset of preeclampsia between the 20th and 37th week of amenorrhea. This preliminary finding highlights the need for specific anticipatory public health measures for pregnant women impacted by the recurring environmental problem posed by sargassum invasion.”

For years, governments and local communities have struggled with the very real practical difficulties in removing this particular variety of seaweed as it lands onshore. With ocean temperatures rising, enormous amounts of sargassum are arriving during peak seasons with thousands of tons of it hitting beaches every year. Due to its composition, it cannot be utilized in the same way as other types. Due to as high level or arsenic, it cannot be used for fertilizer or composting. According to Patricia Estridge, CEO of Seaweed Generation, a UK start-up working to commercially process seaweed, the limit to what can be done with the weed is an enormous barrier to these communities. “I think I’ve replaced my climate change anxiety with sargassum anxiety. There are so many climate-positive uses for seaweed, but then there are many different seaweeds in the ocean,” says Estridge. “No one could think of a commercially viable solution for sargassum.” This was the landscape on the beaches of Riviera Maya, Mexico when, faced with no alternative, the local government issued a requirement to clear the fowl smelling sargassum variety to landfill.

Omar de Jesús Vazquez Sánchez grew up in poverty. As a young immigrant to the United States, he fell into a cycle of low-paid jobs and substance abuse. However, it was his experience as an addict that gave him the ability to radically reimagine the potential for this problematic weed. “When you have problems with drugs or alcohol, you’re viewed as a problem for society. No one wants anything to do with you. They look away. When sargassum started arriving, it created a similar reaction. Everyone was complaining, I wanted to mold something good out of something everyone saw as bad.” Sanchez decided to do something different. From this challenge, he gained a new lease of life. Initially working to clear the seaweed from beaches —his cleanup crew provided employment and a highly profitable service to the local community. “Where others saw a problem, I saw an opportunity to turn it into its own sustainable solution, including placing it in service of people who need it the most. I started collecting sargassum seaweed to use as fertilizer for my business, Blue-Green Nursery, and selling it in small amounts to my clients. Soon I obtained permits and within a year was employing about 300 families to clean the beaches for local hotels and resorts.” This isn’t where Sanchez’ story ends, however. Working with the material, he stumbled across an alternative, and highly exciting potential use for the material. Sargablock was born. Sargablock is a construction material made from sargassum seaweed. “It occurred to me that we could turn sargassum seaweed into construction bricks as it was already being used to make products like plates and other things. Inspired by the memory of my family’s little adobe house, I developed Sargablock, an architectural brick made from the sargassum seaweed that spoils our beaches between April and October.”

The blocks created using the material have passed building regulations and since 2021, Omar’s company has used almost 6,000 tons of seaweed, building structures all around the state of Jalisco. The process, however, is highly innovative and goes beyond many of the alternatives that industry professionals have suggested for years. “I adjusted a machine designed to make adobe bricks so that it can process a mix of 40% sargassum and 60% other organic materials for the Sargablock. The machine can turn out 1,000 blocks a day, and after four hours of baking in the sun, they are dried and ready to be used. After we built Casa Angelita, the first sargassum house named after my mother, Sargablock became one of the first seaweed projects to get off to a solid start in our state of Quintana Roo. From there, I was determined to use sargassum seaweed as a low-cost building material to build affordable housing throughout the Riviera Maya so that families can live in their own homes.”

For Sanchez, this project is much more important than running a profitable business. He has battled adversity and has come out the other side. By using skill, innovation, and determination, he is now in a position to contribute positively to his local community. In fact, the UN Development Program recently selected Omar’s work to be featured in their Accelerator Lab global broadcast to alert the world of its value and ingenuity. With the escalating costs of building amidst a housing crisis, coupled with the problematic issue of concrete emissions, Sanchez may have discovered a solution that works on a variety of levels. “Now we have a first artisanal factory in Mahahual, a tourist town where a dock for cruise ships operates, and we are creating jobs. A sargassum house could last 120 years, and we would like to have 10 houses finished by the end of the year, which will be donated to underprivileged families. My vision goes beyond turning a profit; I would like to see a country where local entrepreneurs create thriving, sustainable businesses that give back to their communities.

fortomorrow.org/explore-solutions/sargablock

undplac.exposure.co/sea-change

The construction industry has existed, in some form, as long as life itself. For millennia, structures have been produced for protection, shelter, and comfort, many of these being as complex and innovative as circumstances allowed. Long before modern technologies had been developed, creative minds have used the tools around them to build and to develop structures. While this has all been of huge benefit to us as a global community, it has not always been a smooth ride. Alongside the tumult of the business world, labor shortages and supply chain issues, the construction industry is in a constant battle with the earth that we are building on. Practices have advanced and are now reaching a point where environmental impacts can be offset to a degree, but the construction world is by no means a clean one. Innovation and science are combining to produce the most sustainable materials while processes have become so refined that the impact on land is minimal, however, there is still an impact. Unsurprisingly, the industry is looking for alternatives. With unnerving predictions of climate related conditions and the diminishing ability to develop new types of energy, our view has turned slightly further afield.

Since the sixties gave rise to space exploration, we have had a fascination with the detailed mapping, understanding, and prospect of habitability of it. Science fiction has long been a fan of building worlds where space travel and settlements are the norm. While, until now, these stories have been just that; fiction, it seems as though the construction world is set to become even more exciting. In a fascinating mix of technology and construction know-how, the idea of permanent structures in space are closer than ever. NASA’s Artemis Mission is a project that is on track to making deep space travel and exploration a reality. “Artemis I is the first integrated test of NASA’s deep space exploration systems: the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the ground systems at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I is an uncrewed flight test that will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration and demonstrate our commitment and capability to return humans to the Moon and extend beyond.” In an example of just how transformative this could be, it seems the potential of the mission is limitless. “With Artemis I, NASA sets the stage for human exploration into deep space, where astronauts will build and begin testing the systems near the Moon needed for lunar surface missions and exploration to other destinations farther from Earth, including Mars. With Artemis, NASA will collaborate with industry and international partners to establish long-term exploration for the first time.”

So, what does this all mean? According to NASA’s Steve Creech, the goal is to progress further than we ever have before. “Apollo was awesome, but a lot of it was to just prove that we could do it. I’m not saying it wasn’t important, but this time we want to do it in a way that’s sustainable and that leads to next steps.” While the answer may not be entirely clear, it seems as though the construction industry will soon be tasked with meeting demands more stringent and complex than ever before. In fact, much preparatory work has already been taking place in recent years. Space construction has been taking place for quite some time. With repair work and similar projects taking place on satellites, scientists are well aware of the challenging conditions that are involved in these endeavors. The European Space Agency (ESA) has been conducting studies and research into the challenging conditions that would be faced by construction materials used outside of earth’s atmosphere. “To get the range on the Moon, you need mobility systems, the crew can’t go very far on foot. The science we want to do is in a lot of locations around the Moon, the goal is to build systems that would be capable of month-long or better excursions.” However, according to Aidan Cowley, scientific advisor at ESA, it is this extended period of time that proves the most challenging. “You’re dealing with three major challenges – radiation, temperature extremes and meteorite impacts. On the Moon you’re exposed to solar radiation and cosmic rays at a much more dangerous dose level and temperatures can range from 100C (212F) in the day to -180C (-292F) at night. Then, all you need to do is look at the Moon and you see its craters; it’s being constantly pelted by micrometeorite impacts, and this essentially ablates and damages anything on the surface over time.”

The good news in this regard is that the construction industry has developed materials capable of withstanding these conditions. From transparent aluminum to 3D Graphene, the work has already been done in this regard. One barrier, however, is the transportation and cost of sending these materials to such a hostile environment. That is why, according to Cowley, it is vital that technology it utilized in combination with locally sourced materials. “If you look at the history of our civilization, every time we move to a new location, a new continent, we look around to find what resources are there and we use them to sustain ourselves,” says Cowley. “This is how we proliferated across the planet.” By using naturally occurring lunar resources such as minerals, sunlight and water ice, projects can move from potential to reality. In addition, according to Rachel Klima from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, it is vital that the concept of waste should no longer be tolerated. “If you really want to do it for the long term, we need to make the most of every resource that we bring or extract. If you have waste heat, use the heat for something… if you have waste metal when you’re trying to create oxygen, use the metal… if you have waste scrap metal, use the scrap metal,” says Klima. “You don’t want to trash things up!”

The thought of using local materials such as rock and ice brings to mind thoughts of very basic, and unhospitable structures. The truth is considerably more dynamic and exciting. ICON, the Texan 3D structure printing company that specializes in advanced construction tech was recently awarded a $57.2 million contract to develop ‘Olympus,’ a 3D-printing system that could be used for building on both the Moon and Mars by using local materials. According to ICON CEO Jason Ballard, the potential benefits are incredible. “Olympus will allow us to build all the elements of infrastructure necessary for a lunar outpost and ultimately a moon base. This is launch and landing pads, roadways, habitats, you name it — all the things we need on the moon.”

With further plans for using lunar rock and 3D printed pavements to create a road and infrastructure network on the Moon, it seems as though the plans are growing exponentially by the day. What was once science fiction is now much more than that. The collaborative efforts of the construction and scientific fields are ensuring that human life is on the cusp of its most advanced development ever. While change and growth on earth may always be the primary goal of the industry, it is always reassuring to know that the industry continues to dream big.

When it comes to essential materials in the construction industry, a number of them come to mind. Concrete and its myriad uses, for starters. In addition to this, stone, sand, and metal in their various iterations are never too far away from a job site. Building materials such as these have supported the industry at every juncture and are synonymous with construction. However, there is another material that may not be one that automatically comes to mind. Despite its subtle input in the construction world, it deserves its place at the table. Glass has been an essential material in the construction industry for centuries. Its combination of versatility and durability make it a material found across multiple sectors. In addition to the innovative design solutions and sustainable building practices, it is a key aspect of modern architecture. The material can be found in windows, doors, facades, partitions, skylights, and numerous other applications in the construction industry.

One key aspect of glass is that, due to its durable nature, it can withstand harsh weather conditions while still maintaining an aesthetic appeal. Coupled with its resistance to corrosion, chemical damage, and UV radiation, it is clear why the material has become a key aspect in the ongoing search for more sustainable construction practices and materials. However, while all this may be true, it does not tell the full picture. Glass, along with its many positives, is not perfect. In fact, while it can be seen in many quarters as an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use plastic, glass is equally problematic. Technically yes, it is indeed recyclable, and it is made from mostly natural materials. The simple fact is though, that most of the glass in use today ends up in landfill, where it can last for hundreds of years. With an ever-increasing demand from the construction industry to ensure the highest use of sustainable and recycled materials, the incredible fact that Americans discard over eight million tons of glass each year is deeply concerning. When this is seen in the context of figures from the EPA that less than 30% of glass used in the country is recycled, it is even more so. For a material that is infinitely recyclable without a loss of quality, it seems peculiar that so much of it is wasted. According to Recycle Across America, “More than 28 billion glass bottles and jars end up in landfills every year — that is the equivalent of filling up two Empire State Buildings every three weeks.”

There is news, however, coming from a New Orleans start-up company called Glass Half Full. The company has taken control of things and is working towards using the natural benefits of recycled glass to promote a circular economy. The benefits of this should be of huge interest to those in construction. According to the company, the goal is clear. “We collect NOLA’s glass and recycle it into sand and glass cullet for coastal restoration, disaster relief, eco-construction, new glass products, and much more.” By crushing 100,000 pounds of glass each month, the company works with local businesses to reuse the raw ingredients in innovative ways. From jewelry to landscaping and construction, insulation to water filters, it seems that the sand produced from recycled glass is pure enough to mitigate the need for a material that is already in scarce supply.

“By crushing 100,000 pounds of glass each month, the company works with local businesses to reuse the raw ingredients in innovative ways.”

The process itself, according to Glass Half Full, is quite a simple one. By facilitating the collection and drop-pff of bottles, it is a case of basically, smashing it all up. “We offer multiple free drop-off hubs across the city, where we collect glass “waste” from residents throughout Louisiana. We also offer collection services for residents, businesses, and events spanning several parishes. Once we’ve diverted this glass from the landfill, we sort it by color and remove all plastic and metal components. Having been collected and sorted, we then process the glass by pulverizing it with hammer-mill crushers at our local facility on Louisa St. We sift the crushed product to remove labels and sort the various size distributions. From there, we are left with sand products ranging from super soft, beach-like powder to chunky glass gravel.”

So where does that leave the construction industry? It seems that, when crushed to become sand of various coarseness, the options are almost limitless. Crushed glass can be used as an aggregate in concrete and asphalt, reducing the need for traditional materials like sand, gravel, and crushed stone. The material also has insulating properties, being the primary constituent in glass wool insulation, which is used to insulate walls, roofs, and floors. In addition to all this, recycled glass can be used to create walls, floors, and countertop tiles. Truly, when you scratch the surface, it seems as though recycled glass can occupy a much wider space within the construction world than previously suspected.

Another, possibly more vital aspect to the work being done by Glass Half Full is the positive effect this will have on eco-systems and coastlines. Sand is a high value product. Its use in concrete and auxiliary construction processes cannot be overstated and the over-extraction of sand from local waters is an ongoing issue for conservationists. The impact of this has led to a global crisis. “We are currently facing a global sand shortage as this natural resource is depleted at an alarming rate. With the sand we create, we aim to provide a sustainable alternative to exploitative sand extraction techniques like dredging and mining, which disrupt local ecosystems, contribute to the coastal erosion crisis, and costs millions of dollars annually. Restoring Louisiana’s diminishing coast will require hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of sand, further intensifying coastal erosion if this sand is dredged and sucked from the bottom of our waterways. Our recycled glass sand can rebuild entire coastlines at a fraction of the price.”

Glass may well have a complex relationship with the construction industry. Its benefits are enormous, yet it doesn’t get the credit it deserves. All the while, the extraction of the material has catastrophic effects on coastlines and eco-systems. Yet, the work being achieved by Glass Half Full gives a window into the potential benefits of a re-think. The growth it has experienced in such a short time is an indicator that there is an appetite for this. Glass is famed for its transparency, maybe the industry could do with looking at it a bit harder. “We launched Glass Half Full in a backyard. We began collecting and hand-crushing our friends’ glass with no real expectation for what this project would become. As word spread, participation and support grew, and soon we obtained the resources to move to a location uptown. After quickly running out of storage space (a good problem to have, in our opinion!), our supporters rallied to help us expand into a new processing facility on Louisa St, where we would have the ability to scale up our operations and accept more glass. From there, it was history– we are now backed by a growing team of staff, volunteers, and community members who pitch in daily to divert tens of thousands of pounds of glass from NOLA’s landfills every single week.”

glasshalffullnola.org

It goes without saying that the concrete industry in North America is considerable in both scale and scope. The material, most widely associated with the construction sector, is pretty common. For centuries it has remained a constant, supporting and advancing industries as wide and diverse as architecture, infrastructure, and an unending variety of precast products. With over ten billion tons of it being produced annually in the United States alone, it is the most widely used material on the planet by a considerable distance. When we consider concrete, however, it seems to be in something of a static state. The mix that supports and hold most modern urban infrastructure has not changed substantially in hundreds of years and, for some, that seems to be accepted without question. Why is it though, on a planet where innovation and advancements are demanded on a daily basis, that concrete gets something of a free ride? More importantly however, does concrete provide an opportunity for technological development or is it a case of, ‘if it ain’t broke…’?

The truth, as trends to be the case, is not quite as blunt. While concrete may have been used extensively to build the incredible structures of Ancient Rome over 2,000 years ago, the material produced today is the work of much innovation and science. In fact, its evolution has come a long way since then. From bendable and self-healing concrete to breathable and recycled concrete, there is huge variety in the sector. One of the more interesting varieties is the self-cleaning kind. This photocatalytic concrete is developed by using a mixture containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) and, incredibly, breaks down harmful pollutants air. However, the leading drive in the concrete industry is its decarbonization. Carbon capture and Green Concrete are proving to be incredibly useful tools in the battle towards net-zero. According to the European Cement Research Academy, the goal is clear. “The global cement and concrete industry has embarked on a net-zero CO2 transition which is the biggest transformation ever undertaken in this sector. It is beyond question that this transformation will require tremendous effort, but the cement and concrete producers are fully committed to making this enormous task a success and delivering net-zero CO2 cement and concrete by 2050. As this transformation towards net-zero CO2 is so enormous, it is clear that an ongoing ex- change among all participants along the value chain is necessary. Different roadmaps have addressed policy tasks which comprise the need for a coherent framework of regulations and supportive actions. It will be this joint effort of the sector, policy makers and all stakeholders from the cement, concrete and construction industries, as well as the involvement of society, which will make the journey towards net-zero CO2 possible.”

While this race to decarbonize concrete cannot be allowed to slow, other innovations are also taking place across the industry, each one bringing fascinating benefits to the way we live our lives. SMART products are now ubiquitous. With the perma-connected lives we now live, there is very little in our world that is not monitoring our behaviors and actions in some shape or form. Our houses can tweak air quality or temperature based on our physical movements and the lighting systems in our neighborhoods double up as CCTV. So, what next, and does concrete have a place in the SMART revolution? Well, thanks to an invention coming out of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, the answer is a resounding yes. Incredibly, due to the latest advancements hitting the industry, the ground we walk and drive on now has the ability to talk. 

This groundbreaking development is the result of many years work with scientists at Purdue University, headed up by head of Purdue’s Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Luna Lu. According to Lu, with around 20% of the US interstate highway system being made of concrete, the need for a material that works positively for its environment is essential. “Traffic jams caused by infrastructure repairs have wasted 4 billion hours and 3 billion gallons of gas on a yearly basis. This is primarily due to insufficient knowledge and understanding of concrete’s strength levels. For instance, we don’t know when concrete will reach the right strength needed to accommodate traffic loads just after construction. The concrete may go through premature failure, leading to frequent repairing.” Research from initial tests and pilot programs are hugely promising and show that the material works on multiple levels. “The invention, a sensor that allows concrete to ‘talk,’ decreases construction time and how often concrete pavement needs repairs while also improving the road’s sustainability and cutting its carbon footprint. Embedded directly into a concrete pour, the sensor sends engineers more precise and consistent data about the concrete’s strength and need for repair than is possible with currently used tools and methods.” Encouragingly, more than half of U.S. states with concrete interstate pavement have signed up to participate in Federal Highway Association funded program. Currently, Indiana, Missouri, North Dakota, Kansas, California, Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, and Utah are taking part with a number of others set to join imminently.

While the program is expected to yield further positive results, it is vital that this technology can be rolled out on a wide scale basis. With benefits emerging from both sustainability and technological standpoints, the technology could be a real game changer in the concrete world. Thankfully, Lu is also spearheading its wide scale production. “Wavelogix has developed a proprietary IoT sensing and data analytics platform for infrastructure testing and monitoring for the public infrastructure, vertical and other commercial construction and precast concrete markets. Our award-winning electrical impedance-based sensing technology provides real-time, in-place concrete strength without the need for any pre-established maturity-curve or index, enabling construction engineers to make accurate data-driven decisions with respect to materials selection, construction schedules, budgets, and allocation of other critical resources. Ultimately, the data Wavelogix will collect from thousands of construction projects and structures across the country will enable it to not only assess the current condition of bridges, roadways and other structures but also predict their future stability.”

With many interstates ready to adopt the innovative material and Wavelogix reading its products for the open market, it seems as though SMART concrete is very much ready to launch. Alongside the technological advances that the mixture has gone through over a few thousand years, SMART concrete may yet be the most important. To back up this huge claim, those at Purdue University are claiming that through the implementation of this technology, millions of dollars will be saved every year. With construction codes demanding a higher cement content than necessary in order to meet strength thresholds, Lu believes that concrete mix “over design” amounts to over one billion tons of carbon annually. “The biggest problem with concrete mixes is that we use more cement to increase the concrete’s strength. That won’t help open the road to traffic any sooner. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to make an impact on our infrastructure through developing new types of technology. In the field of civil engineering, if we don’t make an impact on the world, there won’t be a world to worry about.”

www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2023/Q1/talking-concrete-could-help-prevent-traffic-jams-and-cut-carbon-emissions-interstates-throughout-u.s.-consider-purdue-invention-to-reduce-road-repairs.html

As industry ebbs and flows, change is a constant and by its very nature, innovation will drive sectors forward. As these areas grow, the landscape will continuously alter. From the development of new materials to the need for more sustainable practices, no commercial environment can stay the same. If we look at these industries, we are always told the same thing. Change is positive. While the headlines might seem clear cut, the reality is somewhat more nuanced. For example, do industries welcome this change, or are some battled to retain the status-quo? What happens when there is a resistance to change? Furthermore, a critical look at any industry would show that occasionally, change can take place too quickly. Infrastructure and processes, policies and laws, these things take considerable time and have been developed through intensive dialogue with stakeholders. When rapid change takes place, can society be left behind in some regards? If so, how do we respond? More importantly, how can we remove the emotion from these changes to make lasting decisions that benefits workers, companies, and individuals alike? While the question is ongoing and with no clear answer in sight, we look to those on the ground. 

One area that has often faced such challenges is the automotive industry. For generations, the sector has grappled against change in a way that few others have experienced. From developments in both appearance and speed to significantly more advanced capabilities, the automobile has seen it all. Crank-up engines to smart vehicles, the history is long and storied. At every step, however, these changes have been faced with opposition. Even now, as the vehicle steps into a more environmentally friendly chapter, challenges remain. It is within this context that we look at the Electric Vehicle. With an ever growing need to transition from fossil fuels, it is an important step in human development. The emerging market is baked by science and societal demand. However, the EV has not been welcomed with open arms and detracting voices can be found across the industry. In fact, a recent bill put forward by Republican lawmakers in Wyoming wants to end EV sales by 2035. According to the bill, “The proliferation of electric vehicles at the expense of gas-powered vehicles will have deleterious impacts on Wyoming’s communities and will be detrimental to Wyoming’s economy and the ability for the country to efficiently engage in commerce.” While this may come from the extreme end of EV opposition, it is clear that the road ahead is far from smooth. 

Despite this, however, the EV market is continuing to show its potential. Figures show that sales of both fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are growing exponentially every year. For example, in 2021, 6.6 million cars were sold worldwide with more EVs being bought each week than there were in the whole of 2012. Evidently, the sector is growing. However, the question that remains is a simple one, are we ready for a full transition and if not, what problems do we face? One interesting aspect of this market that has yet to be resolved is what happens to EV batteries once it reaches the end of its lifecycle? More importantly, can they be put to good use? While the answer to this question is not yet definitive, it is showing promise. 

Connected Energy is a UK based company seeking to become a world leader in battery energy storage. While many energy companies around the world offer similar services, Connected Energy is different. By using the ‘dead’ batteries from EVs, Connected Energy has created what it calls a second life. The rationale for this technology is both urgent and fascinating. The battery used in an Electric Vehicle is only capable of providing the level of performance needed for about a decade. After this, the battery will need to be replaced. The battery itself, however, is far from finished. In fact, despite being ‘dead’ in terms of an EV, these batteries still retain around 80% of their original capacity which makes them incredibly useful. According to Matthew Lumsden, chairman of Connected Energy, the need to find alternative uses for EV batteries is vital. “As the batteries degrade, they lose their usefulness for vehicles. But batteries can be used for so many other things, and to not do so results in waste and more mining of natural resources.” In a complex procedure, the power is extracted from these batteries and remarkably, is then returned to the local grid. “By extracting the value from the finite resources already embedded in them, we double their working lives. We are driven by helping to solve the challenges of the energy trilemma by disrupting the throwaway economy. Bringing huge environmental benefits to our partners and our customers.”

“Despite being ‘dead’ in terms of an EV, these batteries still retain around 80% of their original capacity which makes them incredibly useful.”

One impressive example of how this ‘second life’ can have real-world benefits is in the project that Connected Energy has rolled out in collaboration with the city of Nottingham, UK. By using the energy collected and stored from dead EV batteries, coupled with two-way chargers and solar panels, energy is being returned to the local grid on a daily basis. This ‘vehicle to grid’ system assists the local energy grid at peak times throughout the day, ensuring that residents have sustainable and reliable energy supplies. According to Nottingham City Council’s Technical Lead, Steve Cornes, the project has a number of benefits. “We are trying to create a virtual power station. The solar power and battery storage will help us operate independently and outside of peak times, making our system more resilient and reducing stress on the national grid. We could even make a profit.” 

The Vehicle to Grid system may be a relatively new one, but it is gathering momentum. While Nottingham is an example of its benefits, the city is not alone in moving forward with this innovative and essential technology. In the U.S., Fermata Energy has partnered with Nissan to produce the first ever bi-directional charger for the Nissan Leaf in the States. The company’s FE-15 charger recently met all requirements from Nissan and is UL 9741 certified which means that it is V2G compliant. While the Nissan Leaf may be currently the only EV in the US with this capability, this may soon change. By utilizing Fermata’s FE-15 charger, Leaf owners may soon have the ability to return energy to the grid and also, potentially, sell electricity back to their utility. The FE-15 also continuously monitors a building’s electrical loads, drawing on the EV’s energy to provide power to the house at peak times and during periods of high energy usage.

As we have seen countless times before, change can take place too quickly for society. In the case of Electric Vehicles, the secondary industries that support and consolidate this new technology need to get moving. If EVs are to succeed, infrastructure needs to catch up. In the midst of an infrastructure crisis when energy grids are fragile and overworked, this innovative measure could be the key to addressing the latest challenge facing the automotive industry. As society grappled with the EV questions, it seems that some of the answers might be already here. For Jessica Dunn, Senior Analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists, it can’t come quickly enough. “Over the next decade we are going to see this gigantic wave. Companies are recognizing this is a necessary industry. They need to ramp up infrastructure for recycling and reuse.”

Construction is one of the most fast paced and diverse industries in the world. Technological advances across all sectors mean that companies can now reshape the industry environment on a near seasonal basis. External challenges, an omnipresent feature of the industry, can be navigated with skill and innovation. However, with such positive developments in our day-to-day experiences, it could easily be forgotten how much the construction world has developed and thrived since the industry took off over a century ago. Using any metric, the industry is better paid, safer and more inclusive than ever before. While more can always be done, it is important to acknowledge where the industry is now.

The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) is one of the largest unions in North America with over half a million members. Established in 1903, its highly skilled and experienced members work across a range of sectors in both the construction and energy industries. However, while the core focus and goal of the union is to enhance the opportunities for its members, the overarching ethos of LiUNA goes much further. “A half-million strong, we are united through collective bargaining agreements which help us earn family-supporting pay, good benefits and the opportunity for advancement and better lives.”

The LiUNA story is one of dedication and empathy and, in the words of Joseph S. Mancinelli, LiUNA’s International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada, it has led to the betterment of all workers, unionized or not. “The basic rights that someone has were achieved through the fights of the unions of those days. So, even people who don’t have anything to do with trade union, are the beneficiaries of the struggles and conflicts of the past.” The conflicts he is referring to are the struggles that took place on job sites all over North America around the beginning of the twentieth century. As industry boomed, the pressure placed on laborers was immense. Exploitation and a non-existent legislative program led to workers being forced into deeply unsafe environments with no protection or advocacy. These workers represent the “true heroes in the labor movement” because, as Mancinelli stresses, the gains they secured are still being felt today. “They had absolutely no protection, no legislative protection, and no legal protection. They had to fight for a glass of water on the jobsite. I mean, things that we take for granted nowadays. These heroes fought for human rights and civil rights and those fights were not easy. In the early days the employers fought back by paying private police forces. People got hurt and people got killed to fight for the basic rights that nowadays we would take for granted.”

For those at LiUNA, these rights that benefit all construction workers throughout North America are much more than entries in the history books. In fact, the work being done by the union every single day is designed to ensure that these rights are both maintained and built upon. As Mancinelli explains, the thrust of the work being done at LiUNA is to ensure that workers are protected, and the current high standards are maintained. “Much of our work is legislative in order to maintain the hard-fought battles of the past. You have to keep on top of the legislators all the time and it is vital for us to have a strong and vigorous legislative agenda.
Our work is spread out over many levels of government and what that means is countless amounts of hours spent with federal politicians, provincial politicians, regional politicians, and municipal politicians.” While much of this work takes place in order to further the opportunities of its members when it comes to governmental funding, LiUNA also works tirelessly to advocate for its members and protect their rights in terms of health and safety. While the construction industry is considerably safer than it was a century ago, Mancinelli explains that for LiUNA, there will always be work to do in this regard. “The construction industry is obviously much safer than it was in 1903. Nevertheless, there are still some dangers that that need to be addressed. For example, working at heights is one of the most important ones. There have been far too many workers who have either died or been seriously injured by workplace falls. Road accidents are another important one. Our workers are working on highways, and we need to continue working with governments to ensure that proper safety measures are put in place on these highways and that barriers are put in place while our members are working so that they’re protected from drivers.”

“The work being done by the union every single day is designed to ensure that these rights are both maintained and built upon.”

One important aspect of the work LiUNA does is to educate and empower workers to advocate for themselves. This advocacy comes through high quality training in areas ranging from safety to productivity. For Mancinelli, the rationale is simple. Healthy and productive workers are popular workers that will be welcomed with open arms onto any jobsite. “We have education and training centers in every municipality across the country. We educate our members on health and safety protocols. They can become advocates on the jobsite, and they can protect their own lives and safety. You know, your ability to stay employed depends on your ability to work and if you get hurt, you can’t work in construction anymore.”

While health issues may pose a threat to the number of construction workers available for work, there is a more pressing challenge, one that is putting huge strain on the industry’s ability to meet the demands of aging infrastructure and natural growth. The shortage of skilled workers is something that companies and unions have struggled to address for a number of years. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix, no overnight measure that can produce the required number of workers. Mancinelli accepts that it may be a long road to attract young workers to the industry, but LiUNA is not waiting around. In fact, the union has developed relationships with both school boards and government alike, working together to provide training, exposure, and insight at all educational levels. “We hold career days for school age children at our training centers. We have partnerships such as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program where students can earn while they learn. Also, we hold summer programs where students can get an insight into a career in construction. On these programs, they learn new skills and earn income at the same time.” For LiUNA, the problem is multifaceted, and the solution is a long-term one. Mancinelli explains that a generational aspect is at play where parents are directing their children into university. A huge body of work is needed to educate young people on the benefits, both mentally and financially, that are available to the modern construction worker. “Most parents over the last, let’s say, 30 years have wanted their children to go to university and become accountants, lawyers, teachers, doctors, nurses. We have to market ourselves and help the public understand that this is a viable, long-term profession. It is one with the opportunity to have great financial returns and it is also a profession that gives you a lot of fulfilment. You can drive by a building and say, ‘I built that.’ There is a huge sense of satisfaction in that.”

It is clear that the work being done by LiUNA benefits its members and the construction industry in general. Education and advocacy work are its core goals. However, these long-term strategies are coupled with supporting the needs of its members today. The marketplace is a challenging one where businesses use any means necessary to get ahead. This is amplified even further when the economy goes through its eventual low periods. LiUNA, in recognizing this, uses its $12 billion pension plan to invest in construction projects that benefit its members, the industry and local communities alike. “We create work by investing in construction projects. All of a sudden, we are seeing a greater level of economic activity and work and also the ability for our contractors to bid on that work.”

While the history books may show that the workers that started collective bargaining in North America are real heroes, the spirit of community and support is very much alive and well at LiUNA. As work continues to support members each day, plans for future proofing the industry and its workers remain top priority. For Mancinelli, these two facets of the work LiUNA does cannot be disentangled. Simply put, the work being done today by its members lays the foundation for the next generation. “This leads to a shift in attitude. Not only from our contractors, but from communities and the regular guy on the street because we are investing in community projects that are desperately needed like residential and affordable housing. This will also help to get people into the construction industry. It’s circular. We invest in the communities and young people in these community want to be a part of it.”