Socially responsible investing is poised to intersect with construction

On a virtual panel, AEC pros from Jacobs, Skanska and President Joe Biden's infrastructure committee discussed the rise of sustainable investment and how it's impacting construction.

By Joe Bousquin • Feb. 8, 2021

Starbucks builds energy-efficient, modular store in 6 days

Designed to reduce energy needs for heating and cooling compared to standard construction, the store was built with insulated panels coated with a proprietary cement alternative.

By Jennifer Goodman • Feb. 3, 2021

Bechtel joins international heat resilience organization

As part of the Atlantic Council's Extreme Heat Resilience Alliance, Bechtel will help support projects that protect communities from extreme heat.

By Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 20, 2021

7 legal, other trends influencing construction in 2021

Prolonged court closures, more payment disputes and increased small business bankruptcies are a few of the factors that will influence commercial construction this year, according to two industry experts.

By Jeffrey Kozek and E. Mitchell Swann • Jan. 19, 2021

Commodore Builders nears completion of CLT hybrid project in Boston

The project team is utilizing lightweight cross-laminated timber to add two stories to an existing 1920s era brick-and-beam building.

By Jennifer Goodman • Nov. 25, 2020

Mass timber construction reaching for new heights

The eco-friendly material is being tapped to support sustainable construction through the COVID-19 pandemic, but hurdles remain. 

By Cailin Crowe • Nov. 11, 2020

What's in store for contractors under a Biden presidency?

From infrastructure spending and union support to immigration, taxes and regulations, the construction industry will face a new set of challenges and opportunities under a Biden administration.

By Joe Bousquin , Kim Slowey • Nov. 7, 2020

Shawmut higher ed project utilizes cross-laminated timber for speed, flexibility

The CLT design of Brown University's student housing project also created safer working conditions and shorter lead times.

By Shelley D. Hutchins, LEED-AP • Aug. 5, 2020

UCLA team nabs $2.9M grant to turn CO2 into concrete

The researchers have found a way to capture carbon dioxide from gas as it exits power and cement plants and other producers and add it to concrete, reducing emissions and cutting down on the use of traditional cement.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 22, 2020

Take our survey: Will Trump's rollback of environmental regulations help construction?

The president's administration is loosening environmental rules for federal projects. Let us know what this means to your business.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 26, 2020

Skanska USA unveils carbon calculator

Currently in testing, the EC3 tool has helped the firm achieve embodied carbon reductions of up to 30% with little to no cost impact. 

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 29, 2019

Tallest wood building in North America projected to get even taller

The Ascent tower in Milwaukee, constructed with mass timber, received approval from authorities to add 9 feet to its vertical height, bringing it to 23 stories by the time construction is finished.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 20, 2019

LafargeHolcim launches CO2-reducing cement business

After six years in the making through a partnership with Solidia Technologies, the Solidia product reduces the carbon footprint in precast concrete by 70%, the firms said.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 9, 2019

Sidewalk Labs is building a smart city entirely of mass timber. What could go wrong?

North America is on the cusp of a mass timber revolution, and the Waterfront Toronto project is leading the way. But the material faces major obstacles.

By Kira Barrett • Aug. 5, 2019

Berkeley, California, sets historic law banning natural gas in new buildings

Berkeley is the first U.S. city to pass such a measure, designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions and prepare new buildings for electric infrastructure.

By Kristin Musulin • July 30, 2019

USGBC seeks proposals to strengthen new LEED standard

The council wants input on how to shape the next version of its rating system following the April release of v4.1. 

By Kim Slowey • July 10, 2019

Hawaii DOT to use carbon-injected concrete in all construction

The state agency said the material is stronger and adds no extra costs, and some cities are moving toward calling for its use in vertical structures as well.

By Jason Plautz • July 8, 2019

BRE Global introduces new construction standard to US

The "Americanized" version of the International New Construction standard, which has spent a year in development, also certifies "non-standard" buildings with uncommon configurations or in unusual locations. ​

By Kim Slowey • June 19, 2019

Analysts: Infrastructure, modularization, resiliency top industry drivers

While a recession is likely on the horizon, several segments of the construction industry will experience massive growth in the next few years, say experts from McKinsey and Dodge.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 11, 2019

Iowa office first to be built with dowel-laminated timber

The all-wood mass timber product employed on the Des Moines project is the first in North America to not require nails or other fasteners.

By Kim Slowey • May 24, 2019

PCL, CopperTree partner to build smart from the ground up

The contractor will embed energy analytics services during construction to meet owners' demand for less costly, simplified building management.

By Kathleen Brown • April 24, 2019

NYC's 'Green New Deal' to ban glass, steel skyscrapers

Mayor Bill de Blasio wants to reduce greenhouse emissions 30% by 2030 while creating "tens of thousands" of well-paying green construction jobs.

By Kim Slowey • April 24, 2019

NABTU: Union, wage protections must underlie $1T infrastructure plan

Union leaders and lawmakers at a conference this week called for prevailing wages, project labor agreements and other standards to be included.

By Kathleen Brown • April 10, 2019

Test lab for timber technology: college campus construction

With 34 mass timber college buildings completed or in the works across the country, the technology is seeing a lot of support despite challenges.

By Hallie Busta • April 10, 2019

Chicago's building code overhauled after 70 years

The modernization brings the city in line with international standards and gives contractors more options for building materials and technologies.

By Kim Slowey • March 26, 2019