The Power Of Digital Marketing

One person's trash is another person's treasure – is an age-old adage that has taken on a new, sustainable form with the launch of an innovative recycling initiative for the construction industry on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It is called the Building Material Exchange (BMEx) programme, a forward-thinking solution that allows construction companies to sell or swap leftover materials from job sites instead of sending them to landfills – a move so revolutionary, it could transform the construction industry if it was adopted worldwide. Launched by  Light House , a Vancouver-based non-profit company, dedicated to enhancing sustainability in the construction sector, BMEx represents a major shift in how the industry manages its waste. It ensures that the benefits of construction waste recycling extend beyond the immediate environmental impact, offering cost savings and community benefits - and could be the model that revolutionises construction and waste management p

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fibre with known carcinogenic properties, continues to pose a significant threat to public health. Despite its ban in the UK and many other countries, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remain prevalent in older buildings and exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious health consequences – so why then has the EU delayed the launch of its screening programme? Mesothelioma, a particularly rare and aggressive form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure, has seen a concerning increase in recent years. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has recently reported a significant rise in mesothelioma cases, highlighting the ongoing dangers of asbestos. EU sources report cases up 10% year on year. To put this into perspective UKHSA reported in 2017, that twelve thousand lung disease deaths annually were estimated to be linked to past occupational exposures and 18,000 new cases of breathing or lung problems are self-reported as being caused or made wor

Bamboo continues to emerge as a game-changing material for the construction industry - one that combines sustainability, strength and versatility, according to a recent report by Allied Market Research. The sector is set for explosive growth, projected to rise from $1.2 billion in 2022 to an impressive $1.8 billion by 2032. With a steady CAGR of 4.6%, this surge is driven by increasing investments in eco-friendly infrastructure and the growing recognition of bamboo's environmental and structural advantages. As both emerging and developed economies invest more heavily in construction, there is a growing demand for sustainable building materials that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Bamboo, with its rapid growth rate, durability and sustainability, offers a viable alternative to traditional construction materials like timber and steel. As a result, it is becoming an increasingly popular choice in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Unlike timber,

Regular maintenance has always been essential to ensure the longevity and performance of every flat roof installation and it seems that there is now a growing awareness of its importance. Building owners and property managers are becoming more proactive in scheduling regular inspections and maintenance – possibly because building regulations may require the need for such action, particularly for commercial properties – so why then are so many clients still reluctant to embrace a maintenance programme? The short answer is probably cost, even though many flat roof warranties require and insist on regular maintenance clauses, if they are to remain valid. However, in spite of potential cost issues, homeowners and businesses are increasingly recognising the long-term benefits of flat roof maintenance, which can help to prevent expensive repairs in the future and extend the lifespan of the roof. Specific statistics on the percentage of clients choosing or ignoring flat roof maintenance packa

Cement, probably the most fundamental of all building materials has, in common with most construction products and systems, seen significant price increases worldwide in recent years. These increases have had far-reaching implications for our industry, impacting project costs, timelines and even the viability of some developments. All these fluctuations are causing the markets to shop around for the best deals. South Korea's recent decision to import Chinese cement at 15% below the cost of domestic prices is not an isolated incident. Many countries worldwide facing similar challenges are doing the same in response to rising cement costs. China has emerged as the world's largest cement producer, accounting for a significant portion of global output and this dominance has in turn, influenced international cement markets, with Chinese producers often offering competitive prices. However, other regions have also experienced cement price increases due to factors such as increased de

The Australian construction industry has witnessed a disturbing trend in recent years - an increase in wall collapse incidents. These accidents have resulted in serious injuries and in some cases, fatalities. There are very few statistics available in other part of the world to support this problem, but we know it exists – and you have to ask the question – what are we doing about it. Over a five-year period, there were 30 notified incidents involving injuries by wall collapses in the construction industry, according to WorkSafe, Australia. This is not a huge number compared to other causes such as falls from height, falling objects and tripping hazards, which is probably why such incidences are largely unreported or registered as something else, but there is plenty of anecdotal evidence from brick layers that new walls can be dangerous and need to be supported. Several factors can contribute to wall collapse, particularly high winds, which is why most brick layers will brace a wall us

The German housing market is the latest to be plagued by a disturbing phenomenon - abandoned construction sites, or so called "zombie projects" – and the country is not alone. Such unfinished developments, often left in a state of disrepair, are a stark reminder of the many challenges facing not only Germany, but other areas across the world. Zombie projects have been observed in dozens of different countries over the last 16 years, often driven by a similar range of economic and market conditions. It was noted as early as 2008 in Spain, which experienced a significant number of abandoned construction projects following the housing market crash. Many unfinished developments were left vacant, creating "ghost towns" in some areas. In the same year, the Irish housing market also faced challenges, with numerous abandoned construction sites becoming a common sight. The government even established a "bad bank" to deal with these unfinished projects. The Irish ho

The construction industry continues to face the challenge of substance abuse. We have been talking about it since 2016 when the Considerate Constructors Scheme first highlighted the problem in a UK survey, stating that some 35% of workers had noticed colleagues under the influence of substances or alcohol. More recently the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the USA were telling us that that substance abuse is more prevalent in the construction industry than in other sectors. All the experts continue to tell us that this is a growing problem – so what are we going to do about it – writes John Ridgeway? Substance abuse among construction workers has now become a pressing issue, with serious consequences for individuals, families and businesses. The most commonly used include alcohol and prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine can also be a problem in the construction industry. Marijuana i

Energy America USA, a leading solar module manufacturer and power plant contractor, has announced plans to establish a power station for extra-terrestrial applications such as mining operations on distant asteroids. The company claims it will utilise radioisotope power systems and a solar farm to generate the energy needed for mining or scientific work to happen, helping to pave the way for humans to work in space. The company says it recognises the potential of asteroid mining as a viable and eco-friendly option and aims to provide the necessary energy infrastructure to support this emerging industry. Their objective is to build a power station that will employ a combination of radioisotope power systems and solar panels to generate electricity. Radioisotope power systems, which utilise the natural decay of radioactive materials to produce heat and electricity, are particularly well-suited for space applications due to their reliability and long lifespan. Solar panels can also harness

History has shown that the construction industry has had a significant impact on Indigenous communities, both positive and negative. When done responsibly, construction has helped preserve and celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions, however, when done poorly, it has damaged sacred sites, disrupted traditional ways of life and has contributed to environmental degradation. Indigenous communities have a deep connection to the land, often rooted in spiritual beliefs and cultural traditions. Sacred sites, places of spiritual significance or cultural importance, are an integral part of this connection. Construction projects, if not carefully planned and executed, can have devastating impacts on these areas, causing irreparable harm to cultural heritage and spiritual well-being. This can be a problem for modern builders as sacred sites can vary widely in their physical characteristics and cultural significance. Some examples include cemeteries and burial grounds, often considered sacred

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has recently released a critical report highlighting the urgent need for increased investment and stronger policies to protect its people and their critical infrastructure from the increasing threats of climate change. It’s a report which could be applied to almost any country in the world and is yet another wake up call for all of us in the building business. The Canadian report, entitled  "Climate resilience in construction - Building for a sustainable future,"  emphasises the importance of building resilient infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather events, protect lives and support community well-being. The construction industry plays a vital role in shaping our built environment by ensuring the resilience of our communities, however, the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, such as flooding, wildfires and extreme heat, are posing significant challenges to infrastructure and safety. Click link

Wars have always had a profound influence on the construction industry. During times of conflict, there is always a surge in demand for infrastructure, such as military bases, roads and bridges. This in turn inevitably leads to increased investment in construction projects, driving economic growth and job creation. The Second World War, in particular, was a period of unprecedented global conflict, with devastating consequences for many countries. However, it also had a profound impact on the construction industry, driving innovation and technological advancements. The war effort necessitated the rapid building of military bases, factories and infrastructure to support the war machine. This led to a surge in demand for construction services, driving economic growth and job creation. However, the need for efficient and durable construction also led to the development of new materials, techniques and technologies. Click the link to read more: #wars

No challenge is too much for the world’s construction workers and engineers who continue to push the limits of human ingenuity and technological capabilities. No environment is too hot, too cold or too deep for ambitious projects, that defy the odds and leave an indelible mark on the landscape. Builders are literally conquering the harshest environments – deserts, the polar regions and even the seas. As the world faces pressing challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, the demand for construction in extreme environments is likely to increase. Building in deserts, arctic regions and underwater can provide solutions to housing shortages, energy needs and resource extraction. This is all experience that will one day help us to construct on the Moon or even other planets. This is, of course, some way off, so for the moment, let’s take a look at some of the world’s hottest regions, as our first example. Deserts, with their extreme temperatures, arid conditions and vast stretches

New Mexico, like many states in the USA and other countries across the world, is grappling with a persistent housing affordability crisis. Recent actions by the State-run Construction Industries Commission, aimed at bolstering energy efficiency and sustainability through new building codes, have ignited a heated debate about the potential consequences for housing affordability - and it is something we can all learn from . The proposed codes mandate higher insulation standards and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging stations in new homes. While these measures align with broader sustainability goals, they come with a significant price tag. Estimates suggest a 10% to 20% increase in construction costs, translating to an additional $70,000 for the average New Mexican homebuyer. This substantial cost increase raises serious concerns about the impact on housing affordability. For many families already struggling to enter the housing market, such an added expense could be insurmounta

Driven by a growing number of factors including urbanisation, technological advancement and economic growth, the construction industry is witnessing an unprecedented race to new heights. At the forefront of this vertical expansion are residential skyscrapers, with developers and architects vying to create the world's tallest and most luxurious living spaces. The latest contender leading this audacious charge is the coastal Brazilian city of Balneário Camboriú, where plans for the 1,785-foot Triumph Tower have been put forward. If completed, this 100-story behemoth would dethrone New York City's Central Park Tower, currently holding the title of world's tallest residential building at 1,550 feet. The competition is fierce. In Oklahoma City, Architects Orange's Boardwalk at Bricktown project is eyeing a potential record-breaking height of 1,907 feet, though its final stature hinges on leasing success. Meanwhile, Santiago, Chile's Gran Torre Constanera, designed by Pel

The integration of technology into roofing systems is beginning to change the way we perceive and use our rooftops. The emergence of smart roofs, equipped with sensors and connected devices that can monitor weather conditions, detect leaks and even assess structural integrity are helping to shape the future – and it’s all looking very exciting. The concept of smart roofs marks a significant leap forward in roofing technology, transforming something that keeps out the rain into a dynamic, interactive surface. By incorporating advanced sensors, connectivity and integration with other building systems, smart roofs offer a range of benefits that extend far beyond their traditional function. One of the most compelling features of smart roofs is their ability to monitor roof conditions in real-time. Embedded sensors can detect changes in temperature, humidity, wind speed and even the presence of moisture or leaks. This data is transmitted to a central system, allowing for early detection of

The construction industry, for all its advancements, has a reputation for being slow to adapt, but change is on the horizon, stimulated by the disruptive potential of a sharing economy. It is an idea, built on collaboration and resource optimisation – and if we fast forward a few years – then it could reshape the way construction projects are planned, executed and managed, writes John Ridgeway. Sharing, a concept first mooted some 15 years ago, but still to be widely adopted, could cover a wide range of resources - everything from heavy equipment to skilled labour, access to the right finance to the best architectural designs and more. The most obvious area, of course, is the use of plant, which although covered in many ways by a myriad of hire companies that specialise in short term lease arrangements, still fall a little short when it comes to the big stuff. This is why many companies still invest in a vast array of machinery – cranes, excavators, bulldozers – that may only be used f

Let's face it, the construction industry has a bad habit. For decades, the approach to attracting young talent has been like a scratched record, repeating the same tired message: We need young people - sign up for a tough but rewarding career – blah, blah. This monotonous plea has fallen on deaf ears, leaving the industry facing a significant labour shortage - and it’s not going to get better, any time soon. The industry keeps lamenting the lack of young recruits, citing the same reasons over and over again. It’s all about the "Greying Workforce." We know that experienced baby boomers are retiring, taking their knowledge and skills with them. This narrative, while true, paints construction as a stagnant field with nothing new to offer – and that is not the case. The perception of construction as purely manual labour with harsh working conditions still persists, when we all know that this is an outdated image, which fails to showcase the technological advancements and dive

For centuries, architects have been the visionaries behind our built environment, from the timeless elegance of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie style to the gravity-defying curves of Zaha Hadid's architectural marvels. But the 21st century is ushering in a new era of design, one where artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to become a game-changer, transforming the way we design and construct buildings, writes John Ridgeway. While the concept of AI in architecture may sound like science fiction, it's rapidly transitioning into reality. Although it is highly unlikely to replace architects entirely, it has the potential to become a powerful tool, augmenting human creativity and streamlining the design process. One of the most exciting possibilities of AI in architecture is its ability to generate design options. AI algorithms can be trained on vast datasets of architectural plans, styles and building codes. By analysing this data, it can create a multitude of initial design conc

For generations, engineers have been the architects of our built environment, conquering geographical challenges with iconic bridges and shaping cityscapes with towering monuments. However, the spectre of climate change is casting a long shadow, demanding a fundamental change in approach – it is called resilience - a development that requires engineers to future-proof our infrastructure against the ever-more-volatile forces of a changing climate. Traditional civil engineering practices, while effective in the past, may no longer be sufficient for the future. Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe weather events like floods, hurricanes and heatwaves. These events can overwhelm existing infrastructure, causing significant damage and disruption. Rising sea levels are posing a threat to coastal infrastructure, with potential for flooding, erosion and saltwater ingress. Even more worrying - many existing structures were built decades ago and may no longer be able to withstand