“Green building revenue jumped in 2022 with more projects seeking third-party sustainability certifications. Federal spending and new carbon-cutting standards helped advance climate-friendly design, but Top 100 Green Design and Contracting firms say greater isn’t always greener when it comes to environmental impact.
Market indicators are “completely misaligned with the climate crisis,” says Jim Nicolow, director of sustainability at Lord Aeck Sargent, ranked No. 80 on the green design list. “Subsidized fossil fuel energy indicates that renewable energy is a premium option, as if business as usual doesn’t pose an existential risk, and climate change is somehow an external cost.” Because “unhealthy building products are often the least expensive option,” their associated health risks are an “external cost,” he says. “Adam Smith’s invisible hand of the market does not work in the best interest of the public when costs are externalized.”
Design revenue in 2022 from U.S. projects registered as actively seeking third-party ratings group certification under sustainability standards increased 22.3%. International sustainable design revenue rose 31.9%, this year’s list shows, to $1.82 billion. Top 100 green contracting revenue tells a similar story. Overall, revenue rose 15.2%, with international contracting revenue up 17.5% to $3.5 billion.” Keep reading for insights into green design by market, deep-rooted challenges, and ranked lists of the top green firms.
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Location: Atlanta, GA
Product: Reynobond FR (MCM)
General Contractor: Gay Construction
Architect: Perkins+Will
This past weekend, adaptive reuse project Westside Paper, celebrated its grand opening in Atlanta. The project was one of the last large historical warehouses to find a new purpose in the West Midtown area. “The revitalization of this historical campus demonstrates a commitment to preserving Atlanta’s character while embracing its ever-evolving spirit,” according to the developer. The project proudly celebrates the convergence of local talent and creativity to deliver a unique shopping and dining experience. MillerClapperton fabricated and installed 19,600 square feet of Metal Composite Material with its System 1500 rainscreen attachment system.
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“Created in 1994 by the newly founded USGBC, the LEED certification program was devised to both encourage and honor the adoption of sustainable design and development practices in the built environment. LEED helps architects and engineers reduce carbon emissions, conserve resources, improve human health, address climate change, and ultimately reduce the environmental impacts of the buildings they design. Achieving LEED certification, even at the lowest level, is an admirable accomplishment, one that should not be understated or taken lightly—but for those who wish to go the extra mile, LEED Platinum certification is the goal to strive for. It’s the highest level of LEED certification and recognizes those buildings that go above and beyond in regards to green building practices.” You can view 12 inspiring LEED Platinum projects below.
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The U.S. construction market is undergoing changes, with reduced private sector activity and increased spending on infrastructure and manufacturing due to federal incentives. While supply chain issues and material costs have stabilized since the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, inflation, higher interest rates, and severe labor shortages are challenging the industry. A survey by the Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk found that 88% of construction firms are struggling to find workers. Notably, 68% of firms report that applicants lack the basic skills required for construction work. “The numbers come at a time when the construction industry is facing a generational skills gap, with its workforce aging up and fewer younger workers entering the market to backfill more-experienced positions.” Keep reading for how firms are hiring and retaining workers.
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Recommendation: Engineering a Spectacle
Produced By: Engineering News-Record
In an exclusive interview with Engineering News-Record, legendary WTC tightrope walker and focus of Academy-award winning documentary ‘Man on Wire’ discusses his love of architecture and engineering and how he seeks out the inspiring places he picks for his high-wire acts, including his latest performance at the National Building Museum. Take a behind the scenes look at the “robust engineering needed to rig one of his dramatic performances” below.
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