Airports across the United States are undergoing a transformation, with billions of dollars being invested in modernization projects aimed at enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and incorporating cutting-edge technology. We see it happening across the full spectrum of airports, from large international to smaller regional airports. As air travel demand continues to rise, airport operators are prioritizing expansion and innovation to meet the evolving needs of travelers and airlines alike. 

Why airports are investing in major upgrades

The surge in airport improvement projects is driven by multiple factors, including increased federal infrastructure funding, shifting passenger expectations, and the need for airports to diversify their revenue streams.听

One of the most significant catalysts is the , which has allocated $15 billion to airport infrastructure funding. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), program, enabling airports to invest in runways, taxiways, sustainability initiatives and terminal enhancements. 

Beyond funding, airports are responding to passenger demand for better facilities, more seamless travel experiences and improved amenities. Travelers today expect more than just functional terminals 鈥� they want spacious waiting areas, diverse dining and retail options, and comfortable, high-tech environments.  

For example, McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, has announced, 鈥�,鈥� a decade-long improvement plan to add gates and concessions, and renovate restrooms, the security checkpoint and escalators, all to improve the overall passenger experience and attract more flying clientele to East Tennessee.  

Meanwhile, airports also are looking at new revenue streams, with many focusing on increasing retail space, expanding parking structures, and enhancing premium services. 

Key trends in airport upgrades

As modernization efforts accelerate, several key trends are emerging in airport infrastructure development:听

• Enhancing passenger experience: Airports are prioritizing upgrades such as larger gate areas, high-end retail and dining options, and improved restroom facilities. Smaller and mid-sized airports are responding to customer feedback by adding features like sensory rooms, pet relief areas, and companion restrooms with adult changing stations.听

• Technology integration: One of the most exciting innovations in airport infrastructure is the adoption of Individual Carrier Systems (ICS) for baggage handling. This advanced technology, already in use globally, allows each piece of luggage to travel in an individual container or tote, improving tracking and efficiency while reducing mishandling.听

• Sustainability initiatives: As airports seek to reduce their environmental impact, many are investing in energy-efficient technologies such as triple-glazed windows for noise reduction and insulation, green roofs and other sustainable building materials. These efforts not only contribute to environmental goals but also enhance passenger comfort and long-term operational savings.听

Challenges of airport construction projects

While these improvement projects promise significant benefits, executing large-scale airport construction comes with unique challenges. Unlike traditional commercial construction, airport projects must be completed while keeping terminals fully operational. Passenger flow, security and airline logistics cannot be disrupted, making careful planning and phased construction essential.听

To navigate these complexities, airport operators and their construction partners must adopt strategic scheduling, often working overnight or in off-peak hours to minimize disruptions. Successful projects require strong coordination between construction teams, airport management, and aviation authorities to ensure smooth execution. 

The long-term impact of these investments听

With billions being poured into airport infrastructure, these upgrades are set to redefine the air travel experience for years to come. Modernized terminals, improved baggage handling, and sustainable building practices will enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve overall passenger satisfaction.听

Additionally, these investments will position smaller and mid-sized airports to compete more effectively with major hubs, attracting more airlines and increasing connectivity. As airports continue to evolve, the focus remains on delivering a seamless, technology-driven, and customer-centric travel experience. 

As 2025 approaches, the industry is watching closely to see how these investments unfold and shape the future of aviation. One thing is certain 鈥� airports are no longer just transportation hubs; they are becoming dynamic, innovative spaces designed to meet the needs of modern travelers while driving long-term growth and sustainability. 

Zachary Bosma

Vice President

One of the unique challenges facing the construction industry today is reducing the environmental impact of buildings, both during construction and across their lifecycles. Large construction projects have significant energy needs that often lead to carbon emissions. This is where geothermal energy can be a game-changer.

What is geothermal energy and how does it work?

Geothermal energy is a renewable resource that taps into the Earth鈥檚 natural heat. This heat, stored beneath the surface, is harnessed through geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) or deeper geothermal systems to provide energy for heating, cooling and electricity generation.

The process works like this: underground pipes, typically buried in loops, circulate a liquid that absorbs the Earth鈥檚 stable underground temperatures. This energy is then transferred to a heat exchanger, where it鈥檚 used for heating in the winter or cooling in the summer. Unlike fossil fuels, geothermal energy is clean, consistent, and low impact, making it one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources available.

Key sustainability benefits of geothermal energy in construction projects

Reduced carbon emissions an energy efficiency

One of geothermal energy鈥檚 most significant contributions is its ability to drastically cut carbon emissions while also reducing energy consumption. By replacing traditional heating and cooling systems with GHPs, emissions from energy-intensive construction projects can be substantially reduced. There is no natural gas being pumped into the building, no burning of fuels, and it has minimal impact on the natural environment.

Geothermal systems are unmatched when it comes to efficiency. Unlike traditional HVAC systems that rely on electrical heat pumps to transfer energy, geothermal systems draw on the Earth鈥檚 consistent underground temperatures. This approach not only slashes energy use but also reduces dependence on non-renewable resources.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), GHPs are 3 to 5 times more efficient than conventional systems. For large buildings, this efficiency translates to a reduction in heating and cooling energy consumption and a reduction in carbon emissions by as much as 40-70%.

Minimal land and resource use

Unlike solar farms or wind turbines, which require large land areas, geothermal installations often use minimal space and are hidden underground. They also have low water requirements compared to traditional energy systems, helping to preserve natural resources and protect surrounding ecosystems.

Long-term sustainability impact

Beyond the immediate benefits, geothermal energy supports long-term sustainability goals in construction. With governments and industries striving for net-zero emissions, geothermal energy provides a reliable path forward. Projects that incorporate geothermal systems are more likely to achieve green certifications like LEED, giving developers a competitive edge while reducing their environmental impact.

Additionally, geothermal contributes to building a diversified and resilient energy grid. By decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and central grid systems, geothermal enhances energy security for future construction projects, ensuring sustainable energy solutions for decades.

A worthwhile investment for builders

The upfront cost of geothermal energy systems for large buildings can be higher than traditional systems, but the long-term benefits can offset the initial expense over time. Reduced energy bills, lower maintenance costs, and the environmental advantages make geothermal energy an investment worth considering for any large construction project. A geothermal system will typically pay for itself in under a decade.

Geothermal energy is reshaping how we think about energy in construction. By cutting carbon emissions, boosting efficiency, and preserving resources, it stands out as a beacon of sustainability in the construction industry.

For builders, incorporating geothermal energy into new projects is more than just a smart financial move鈥攊t鈥檚 a commitment to a cleaner, greener future.

The global construction industry continues to see owners and developers place a high priority on adopting sustainable practices and reducing their carbon footprint.

Buildings account for roughly 39 percent of global carbon emissions鈥�28 percent from operational emissions and 11 percent from embodied carbon鈥攁ccording to the World Green Building Council鈥檚 2019 Bring Embodied Carbon Upfront report.

Sustainable building practices, including energy efficiency and material innovations, are key to reducing these emissions. This is where mass timber construction emerges as a game-changing alternative.

What is mass timber construction?

Mass timber construction refers to the use of engineered wood products, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued-laminated timber (glulam), to create structural components for buildings. These materials are made by bonding layers of wood together to form strong, durable structural elements that can replace traditional materials like steel and concrete.

Unlike conventional wood framing, mass timber is suitable for large-scale projects, including mid- to high-rise buildings, thanks to its impressive strength-to-weight ratio. Beyond its structural capabilities, mass timber provides a strong aesthetic and is proven to increase the mood of its occupants. Perhaps most importantly, it has significant environmental benefits, making it an ideal choice for sustainable construction.

Environmental benefits of mass timber construction

1. Lower carbon impact: less embodied carbon, more stored carbon

One of the primary advantages of mass timber construction is its low embodied carbon. Unlike steel and concrete, which release significant emissions during production, wood is a renewable resource that requires less energy to process. Additionally, wood stores carbon throughout its lifecycle.

• Embodied carbon: Producing materials like steel and concrete emits large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Substituting wood for these materials in commercial buildings can cut GHG emissions by an average of 60 percent.
• Biogenic carbon: Wood is approximately 50 percent carbon by dry weight. When sourced from sustainably managed forests, mass timber can have a negative CO鈧� equivalent value, as it stores more carbon than it emits during production.

2. Enhanced energy efficiency

Wood also outperforms steel in terms of thermal conductivity. Materials with low thermal conductivity resist heat flow, improving a building’s energy efficiency by better storing heat.

• Wood is up to 310 times better than steel at resisting heat transfer, according to the American Wood Council.
• This property helps reduce energy costs associated with heating and cooling, contributing to a lower carbon footprint over the building鈥檚 operational life.

3. Reduced reliance on energy-intensive materials

The production of steel and concrete is resource-intensive, requiring large quantities of fossil fuels and raw materials. By choosing mass timber, developers and owners can reduce their reliance on these high-impact materials, directly lowering emissions during the construction phase.

Biophilic design: The hidden benefit of mass timber

Beyond its environmental advantages, mass timber construction supports biophilic design principles, which emphasize connecting buildings to nature. The natural warmth and aesthetics of wood create inviting, calming spaces that can improve occupant well-being and productivity.

Studies have shown that incorporating a biophilic design, such as exposed wood interiors, contributes to lower stress levels and increased comfort. For commercial building owners, this can translate into happier tenants and employees, adding value beyond environmental considerations.

Challenges and opportunities of mass timber

While the benefits of mass timber construction are clear, challenges remain. One significant barrier is cost. Engineered wood products can be more expensive upfront than traditional materials, although their long-term savings in energy efficiency and reduced maintenance often offset this initial investment. As the industry continues to evolve and mature, better pricing will come along with it.

Additionally, widespread adoption requires better education about mass timber鈥檚 capabilities and updated building codes to accommodate its use. As the industry continues to innovate, these hurdles are becoming easier to overcome, making mass timber an increasingly viable option for large-scale construction projects.

A growing trend for owners

For building owners looking to make environmentally responsible choices, mass timber offers a durable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution. As the industry moves toward decarbonization, mass timber has the potential to transform how we build, helping to create a more sustainable future.

Constructing Collaborative Safety: 3 Site Safety Construction Management Strategies

Navigating a no-win situation is never fun, especially when it comes to workplace safety. Here’s the thing: no one wants to be caught in a difficult spot, especially when it comes to keeping everyone safe. That’s why it’s incredibly important for Christman to help partners and subcontractors to stay ahead of the work schedule.

Think of it like this: a hazard for one contractor is a potential hazard for everyone on-site. So, it鈥檚 crucial to have everybody involved. When we all brainstorm together, we come up with the best and safest solutions. That’s the Christman method鈥攚e collaborate with our subcontractors to ensure safety on each task.

While there are dozens of strategies companies can take, here are three methods commonly used for success.

1: It takes great planning

Planning ahead is the best way to stay in front of hazards. Christman requires subcontractors to submit a daily Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) ensuring that their work-plan gets work done safely. Most hazards can be identified by looking at the area where work will occur, or sometimes hazards are pin pointed while reviewing blueprints.

2: Then it鈥檚 commitment to connection.

Morning huddles with the supervisor of each subcontractor are crucial for understanding the work activities of other trades and their potential impact. Each subcontractor should also hold morning huddles with their workers. This practice allows workers to collectively identify and offer solutions to unanticipated problems. Some hazards emerge just before or during the work, making it essential for all workers to have the authority to stop work if conditions are unsafe. Modifying a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) to properly address safety hazards is time well spent to prevent injuries.

3. Finally, understand we鈥檙e all unique.

Different subcontractors have varying needs based on their work, such as space to complete tasks, areas to lay down materials, and the need to finish certain components before other trades begin. We aim to help subcontractors perform at their best and we understand the importance of coordinating overlapping trades. Like any team, pulling in different directions accomplishes nothing, but coordinating efforts ensures progress. Sometimes this means keeping one trade out of another鈥檚 way to move the job forward effectively. When situations require special safety attention, subcontractors can rely on us for support.

Although not every scenario happens at the most opportune time, planning can accelerate workplace safety. These three tips can start you off on the right foot. When people collaborate, seemingly impossible scenarios become success stories. Christman is committed to being there in these moments. Everyone going home safe each evening is our definition of success and we share this with all our partners.

Internships are among the most valuable endeavors for young people planning to enter the workforce. There are myriad reasons to consider an internship, most importantly that they provide a pathway to a career. The construction industry offers so many opportunities to find and explore your passion through internships.  

What does a construction intern do?  

An intern is a student or trainee who works with a company to gain skills and experience. Construction offers a range of internships to consider from office to jobsite.  

In the office, construction interns may work within departments of interest or those that align with their degree or training. These positions could include marketing, government relations, purchasing, human resources, accounting, risk management and more. Read more about some construction jobs that may not immediately pop to mind in an article about “Five construction jobs you might not think about.”

On the jobsite, construction internships can include working with project managers or superintendents to assist them with daily needs, including administrative tasks, preparation for internal or client meetings, documentation and management of policies, permits and other necessary paperwork.  

Specialized internships, which are called apprenticeships, generally pair apprentices with a skilled tradesperson to learn a trade such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and more. Apprentices also are often hired as full-time staff with pay and benefits. 

A foot in the door to a construction career 

Construction internships can help you join an industry or company that otherwise can seem difficult to enter. For example, internships help overcome a lack of training or experience that will be needed for full-time jobs.  

TechJury has some fascinating , including that completing an internship gives individuals an 85% increased chance of employment and 16% more job offers! With those metrics of success, it鈥檚 worth strongly considering pursuing an internship.听听

Other benefits of construction internships  

In addition to discovering a career path, getting invaluable real-world experience and gaining access to industries and companies that may not hire you at your current level of experience and training, internships offer some other important benefits to consider.  

Completing an internship is a great resume builder, expanding your experience, breadth of knowledge and skills 鈥� all of which companies are looking for in candidates to hire. 

Internships also help you expand your network. You鈥檒l likely gain friends and mentors while interning who can continue to guide you after your internship is complete and serve as references in your job search.  

Internships help you learn how to work and communicate in a different setting. If you鈥檝e spent the last several years in high school and college surrounded by people your own age, it may be a great opportunity to learn how to work with people from different generations or who communicate differently than you. You also can learn what behaviors need to change for a work versus school environment. 

Many companies, like us at Christman, offer paid internships, so you can earn money while exploring a career and gaining skills. In fact, according to , more than 60% of interns are paid. 

For all of these positive reasons for pursing construction internships, perhaps this TechJury statistic is the most powerful for those who fully commit their best to internships: 85% of employers offer jobs to interns who are successful.听听

According to the , the construction industry employs nearly 8 million people who create nearly $2.1 trillion in structures each year.

With the immensity of the construction industry, there are jobs that fit almost any personality and skill. In addition to the hands-on work to build hospitals, schools, manufacturing facilities and more, there are many people who work in a variety of settings.

Let鈥檚 look at five groups of jobs and careers in construction 鈥� some that come to mind immediately and some that aren鈥檛 always readily thought of when considering the field.

• Entry level
• Information technology (IT)
• Human resources (HR)
• Business development
• Skilled trades

Entry level construction jobs

A lack of experience will not prohibit the pursuit of construction jobs since there are multiple entry level positions that often provide training on the job and do not require a post-secondary degree.

Positions in concrete, landscaping, flooring, roofing and painting usually have entry level positions, and many jobsites require general laborers or helpers.

IT jobs

Any technology that is used in the construction industry needs a professional to monitor and maintain it.

IT, short for information technology, includes professionals who implement, maintain, improve, service and troubleshoot computers and computer systems, networks, applications and software. They may work with servers, custom software or systems, Wi-Fi equipment and networks, printer networks, conference room software and technology or any other technology system used by the company.

According to , IT occupations are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2032.

HR jobs

The HR, or human resources, team plays an integral role in any construction operation.

It is imperative to recruit and hire the right people to build a workforce that has the right skills, experience and cultural fit to match the needs of the work to be done. It can be costly to hire employees who aren鈥檛 a good match.

Besides recruiting and hiring, other HR areas can include employee onboarding, training, benefits, payroll, employee development, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), corporate social responsibility (CSR), community affairs and culture building. There are also regulatory and reporting tasks, creating the need for analysts and staff to fulfill those requirements.

Business development

Business development professionals help construction companies grow by finding new projects and clients, building relationships with key stakeholders, staying on top of industry trends, having insight about consumers and competition, and marketing the business.

They research certain geographical areas to find potential clients and opportunities. Marketing jobs include promoting the business through multiple channels in order to increase awareness or leads.

Some companies may hire analysts to glean pertinent insight from data. It鈥檚 also important to be active in the industry through organizations and groups 鈥� another excellent way to nurture relationships and find leads. Business development professionals may be involved in preparing bids and proposal responses for new projects or jobs.

Skilled trades

Skilled trades include all of the workers you can envision on a construction site, such as electricians, carpenters, masons, equipment operators, plumbers and painters.

It also includes workers who may not work full time at the jobsite, such as architects and engineers.

Many people working in skilled trades earn far more than the U.S. median income, according to BLS, and a report from indicates that 87% of skilled workers are happy with their job and would choose the same career again.

Here鈥檚 a skilled trade job that maybe wouldn鈥檛 immediately spring to mind: glazier. According to , glaziers specialize in installing different glass products. This could include needs for industrial settings such as insulated, tinted and/or tempered glass or applications in residential settings such as windows, mirrors, skylights, shower and tub walls and doors. This field is growing as fast as average for all occupations through 2032.

There are many in-demand construction jobs that can provide a great way to build a career. With multiple areas of expertise needed and many levels of advancement, it鈥檚 an industry that develops workers and offers many high paying jobs.

When considering the perks that often come with construction jobs at reputable companies, such as paid time off, health and other benefits, retirement plans and more, it鈥檚 certainly worth pursuing a career in construction.

Christman鈥檚 health and safety commitment is engrained into each project. With us, it鈥檚 not bolted on, it鈥檚 woven into the fabric of our construction practices and approach. How far back does it go? In 1919, our founder, H.G. Christman, played a pivotal role in launching the Associated General Contractors of America. Together with likeminded pioneers, a code of ethics and uniform building procedures were established. This was the basis of our belief in safety from the start. /Company/Profile/Timeline

Safety鈥檚 laser focus

Multiple important components contribute to a successful project. Our full-time safety department evaluates and assists field leaders 鈥� helping to identify safe construction solutions. Our comprehensive safety culture extends to subcontractors and partners an essential element to our relationships. The priority is clear: clients, trade partners, visitors and our own workers will benefit from having a secure and healthy jobsite. Need convincing?

If you want to keep a job on schedule 鈥� focus on safety.

If you want to keep a job on budget 鈥� focus on safety.

If you want to prioritize the satisfaction and happiness of your workforce 鈥� then really focus on safety.

Safety builds community

Construction is fulfilling because of the reward of building incredible structures for your community. But it鈥檚 not possible unless you go home safely to your family. We work with trade partners who embrace this mindset. We are all working together in what can be a high hazard industry.

Experts know that an 鈥渙ff day鈥� can turn into a dangerous jobsite situation. So, we ensure everyone focuses on every task, every moment. We develop a custom job hazard analysis along with our project鈥檚 trade contractors helping workers understand the unique hazards they may face. Coupled with critically important site-specific safety plans, we鈥檙e able to set the right tone for zero-incidents.

What we deliver

It鈥檚 not enough to talk safety; companies must deliver, and we provide:

• Construction sites where anyone can stop work when conditions are not appropriate.
• New safety technologies; improving efficiency and quality.
• Jobsite hazard analysis with site-specific safety plan to uncover potential risks.
• Worker safeguards 鈥� including 100 percent fall protection over 6 feet.
• Safety huddles, safety stand-downs and safety training, ensuring a focus on results.

Our teams say: 鈥淪afety, it鈥檚 how we live.鈥� This isn鈥檛 merely a slogan; it is how we live, breathe and plan our jobsites. Interested in learning more? Visit our safety blog regularly to discover how a commitment to safety has been an essential building block to our success.

Don Staley

Senior Vice President and Corporate Safety Director

Studies reveal more than 40 million Americans are managing some form of mental health concern. Thankfully, the concerns about the treatment of mental health are being heard now perhaps more than ever. However, traditional hospitals often are ill-equipped to handle the growing, distinctive requirements to manage behavioral health clientele. Consequently, healthcare systems, medical professionals and government entities are working to meet this challenge head on and looking to the construction industry to help by building behavioral health facilities that specifically address the unique needs of this population.

Evolution of specialized care facility design

Recent studies by the American Hospital Association show behavioral health facilities and centers are the second most common type of specialty hospital construction projects. Clients want behavioral health facilities that are increasingly complex and highly secure but also warm, open and 鈥渘on-institutional.鈥� This is a far cry from the 鈥減sychiatric hospitals鈥� of the past, which were often state-funded and designed to confine those with mental health problems. For new and renovated structures, clients are asking now for patient-centric specialized care facilities that are safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Creatively combining aesthetics with unique features needed in behavioral health facility

When constructing these facilities, builders must ensure that their work delivers what the client needs in terms of flexibility, durability and safety. Some of the specialty features in behavioral healthcare construction may include increased height ceilings made of drywall instead of acoustical tile, special sensors on doors and walls to detect excess weight and non-glass windows. This must be achieved while still making the space look open, attractive and soothing.

How can this be accomplished? Early planning is the key to success. During the planning stage, the team must think through every scenario to ensure patient safety. This includes eliminating the possibility for patients to harm themselves, such as installing cover plates and fixtures with security fasteners and sealed with security sealants; anti-ligature hardware; or pre-action fire protection systems with security heads. While these kinds of extra security measures are necessary, they can present a significant issue for construction if changes need to be made after design is complete and during the construction phase. 

Modeling makes specialty hospital planning easier

For behavioral health projects, tools like building information modeling (BIM) are essential. For example, on 江南体育鈥檚 project for Universal Health Services/Beaumont Behavioral Health in Dearborn, Michigan, a 3D virtual mockup was developed to allow the team to proactively locate all the devices and areas that would need added security measures in the facility. The model allowed ample opportunity to review and revise the specialized layout required to ensure that no details were missed before construction started. 

Special tasks for specialized care facilities

Once construction starts, safety and security issues become even more critical. Working on an occupied site is a challenge for any healthcare project, but when it involves a behavioral health facility, a multifaceted approach during construction is often necessary.

For the team working on Christman鈥檚 project at the Franklin Medical Center Behavioral Health Expansion for Duke LifePoint Healthcare in Louisburg, North Carolina, this involved strict coordination of activities with the owner and constant oversight of certain construction activities for the duration of the project. One of these measures included constructing and then removing temporary provisions daily.

When these types of plans are made early in the construction process, they are less expensive to implement. This requires a more mindful approach to behavioral healthcare construction projects and what it takes to create healing, calming environments.

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Brian Crissman

Vice President of National Healthcare Services

Rehabilitation. Restoration. Adaptive Reuse. Historic Preservation. 

Many words, and each has specific meaning in the world of construction. Essentially, each approach leads to the same outcome; effectively using existing older buildings for new or contemporary use.  

Over the decades, society has learned that natural resources, including those used in building construction, are indeed limited. The environment is so important to personal well-being. Today鈥檚 now common and significant weather swings negatively impact our homes, communities and quality of life. Can construction lessons from the past be the key to a more sustainable future? It may provide a clearer road map.  

Population explosion and building resources

Consider the number of people in the U.S. that need homes, businesses and other construction services to understand the impact on our resources 鈥� 430 percent population increase since the 1890s to a 140 percent increase in population since the end of World War II. The current population is more than 336 million people, and 20 million more are predicted by 2030. This will have an enormous impact on the housing shortage and natural resources, so preserving and reusing the resources we have is essential.  

The number of buildings constructed to support this population growth is significant. The energy to manufacture bricks, steel, glass, concrete, plaster and other construction materials is a resource and energy investment. Demolishing a structure means the investment is lost. Embodied energy exists in those buildings and with a reuse mindset and experienced project teams, this energy can be saved and reused.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is the country鈥檚 largest landlord. It owns more than 481 historic properties and an inventory of more than 375 million square feet of workspace serving 1.1 million federal employees. The GSA noted in its recent Vision+Voice publication the many new trends in building reuse and efficiency 鈥� most notably that 40 percent of the energy used in a building鈥檚 lifespan is the embodied energy that fabricated and erected the structure. 

That percentage is increasing. It is rising not because it takes more energy to create steel or concrete, but because the operational efficiency is increasing. GSA鈥檚 goals, focusing on sustainability, are driving the reduction of BTUs per square foot by 40 percent. Newly identified Net Zero goals will add to the push for buildings to be more efficient. 

Sustainable future and cost savings realized 

江南体育 has demonstrated on multiple LEED projects that more than 80 percent of an existing building鈥檚 construction material is reusable. Preservation, restoration or rehabilitation brings a building back to life, allowing future generations to use sustainable structures. The bottom line is that demolishing a building to create a more efficient one starts with at least a 40 percent invested, or embodied, energy loss. Keeping our existing building frames and enclosures makes energy and environmental sense.  

Over the next century, the trend in building reuse likely does not include its original purpose. This is an exciting development, and Christman has led the charge. We converted an iron foundry into a boutique high-end hotel. We guided the transformation of a coal-fired power plant to a class-A corporate office building and repurposed a manufacturing facility to market rate, low-income housing. Imagine a renovation of a former grocery store to a university classroom facility or a mall (all the rage in the 1980s) into a mixed-use housing, office and retail complex. We have seen it all, and the opportunities are vast. Roads, utilities and other valuable infrastructure that must be added to new construction already exist at these buildings. Why walk away from the streets, water and sewer services in an existing area? Would you say no to something already paid to expand somewhere and bear the cost of these services?

Build together: design and construction teams solve owner challenges  

Period buildings and their technology require in-depth understanding when developing a reuse plan. Structures from the 1950s vary from those built in the 1930s or even 1900. From the 1960s through today, considerable changes in curtain walls, rain screens, EFIS systems and more were developed. Working with construction and design professionals, owners can develop a realistic reuse design and market-based budget and schedule.  

Experienced professional partners use specific 鈥渢ools鈥� to deliver projects. Unlike a hammer and a trowel, these tools include experts who understand State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs), National Park Service and local and regional governments. These relationships help owners obtain all possible federal and state tax credits, grants and other financial incentives related to the historic preservation and rehabilitation of designated historic and/or brownfield sites. Using these tools, clients have saved from $1 million to more than $80 million in costs related to reusing their historic buildings.

Our other resource restraint is skilled construction trades. The Associated Builders and Contractors have noted a need for more than 546,000 skilled trades in 2023, aside from normal attrition. How do we address these shortages? Utilizing new technologies like 3D printing to recreate lost historic and period details improves the economics of the job and assists where historic labor is geographically or industry limited. However, skilled trades assemble and configure the materials, making them essential to the project.   

Consider the embodied energy, natural resources and economic investment already made in existing buildings. If you include the cultural value from their design and prior use, there is clear justification to reuse and reimagine these historic resources. Better yet, we are rewriting the stories these structures share with their community. To me, historic preservation is a simple decision, where the past is our future.

Ron Staley

Senior Vice President and Executive Director, Historic Preservation Group

When conceptualizing the next healthcare facility project, if someone told you a solution existed to maximize efficiency, increase safety and save on cost and schedule from the start, would it seem too good to be true?

The fact is prefabrication can impact each project area. Building prefabrication, also referred to as multi-trade prefabrication or modular prefabrication, is where standardized components of a building are produced offsite. The following are some key advantages.

A 鈥� Affordability
Prefabrication provides savings opportunities throughout a construction project鈥檚 lifecycle. The intelligent building solution increases safety and quality, reduces cost of labor and positively impacts speed to market.

From a planning perspective, with the challenge of lowering capital costs, we need to fundamentally change how we deliver projects. Multi-trade prefabrication and modularization present a path to change our industry. Owners can expect a shorter construction schedule, which means patients can be seen sooner and regular operations can resume earlier.

Prefabrication also addresses the impact of labor shortages across the construction industry. Weather- and temperature-controlled working environments improve quality and safety, attract more engaged laborers and reduce insurance costs.

B 鈥� Buy-in
Assembling a project team that embodies a culture of innovation is key to the prefabrication process. For the McLaren Greater Lansing Replacement Hospital project, a $256 million ground-up facility, the emphasis from the start was a laser focus on constructing the most efficient project possible.

鈥淓veryone was ready to try something new,鈥� said Adam Duncan, a project manager on the facility. 鈥淭he yeses outweighed the noes, and we had the right team come together to make this project a success. The utilization of prefabrication on a project of this scale was one of the first in Michigan, but it certainly will not be the last. It鈥檚 just a matter of time and adoption.鈥�

C 鈥� Collaboration
This type of modular construction is well-suited for a design/build project where multiple disciplines have equal say in the decision-making process. When the entire team is involved prior to the construction document (CD) stage, prefabrication can be planned and executed to improve overall functionality of buildings.

On the McLaren project, collaboration among the owner, owner鈥檚 representative, joint venture construction partners, architect and major MEP subcontractors led to the creation of a master prefabrication execution plan.

This living document keeps the project teams on track and allows process documentation. So far, projections of final outcomes influenced by the collaborative prefabrication process are resoundingly positive. For example, more than 2.5 months have been saved on the schedule, and the overall project cost has been reduced by more than $7 million.

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Brian Crissman

Vice President of National Healthcare Services