Sustainability
Michigan launches mass timber building program to promote industry application
Michigan has introduced the Mass Timber Catalyst Program, offering grants of $25,000 to $75,000 and expert guidance for projects using this material, aiming to drive the green transformation of the construction industry.
Why ESG Has Become a Core Consideration for Multifamily Developers and Investors
Over the past decade, ESG considerations have become increasingly prevalent in commercial real estate development. For multifamily developers and investors, ESG is not just about green building certifications but has become an important basis for investment evaluation, insurance negotiations, and risk management. This article explores the three dimensions of ESG, insurance and environmental risks, and how to protect asset value through due diligence and disclosure.
Mass timber demand surges; ironworkers signal readiness to meet it
Mass timber construction is booming, with project numbers up more than fivefold since 2016. Ironworkers argue their expertise in heavy rigging and structural framing makes them ideal for these builds, though they acknowledge material differences and advocate for hybrid crews that combine trades for best outcomes.
Amazon Activates Mass Timber Delivery Facility, Creating a Sustainable Construction Laboratory
Amazon announced on Thursday the opening of a delivery facility in Elkhart, Indiana, whose structure extensively uses mass timber (a low-carbon building material) and integrates more than 40 sustainability initiatives. The company stated that the facility will serve as a 'laboratory' for sustainable construction and operations to test and promote related practices.
Guide to Construction Industry Conferences in the Second Half of 2026
As 2026 passes its midpoint, the construction industry faces market divergence and technological change. To help professionals stay informed on industry trends, Construction Dive has compiled key conferences for the second half of 2026, including the NAWIC Annual Meeting, Autodesk University, and the LCI Congress, covering topics such as leadership, lean construction, green building, and technology applications.
U.S. Department of Transportation Restarts $5 Billion EV Charging Fund, Releases Simplified Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday the restart of the $5 billion NEVI EV charging fund and released simplified guidelines to cut red tape and waste. The new guidelines require states to submit plans within 30 days, allow them to determine charging station spacing independently, and reduce requirements on grid integration, renewable energy, and other matters. Industry groups welcomed the move, saying it provides regulatory certainty; the Sierra Club, however, criticized the government for still illegally withholding funds appropriated by Congress.
Restructuring Construction Fleet Management: Unlocking Cost Savings Potential with Flexible Mobility Solutions
Rising costs of vehicle acquisition, insurance, maintenance, and management in the construction industry make Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) difficult to accurately calculate. Citing industry data and expert insights, this article points out that flexible fleet combinations (owned, leased, rented), managed maintenance programs, and predictive planning based on historical data can effectively reduce TCO, and introduces Enterprise's comprehensive mobility solutions.
Dominion Energy Raises Cost Expectations for Offshore Wind Project, Tariff Impact Less Than Previously Feared
Dominion Energy revealed during its earnings call on Friday that its 2.6-gigawatt Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2026 and is eligible for tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. However, due to the impact of Trump's new tariff policies, project costs are expected to rise by $506 million, bringing total costs to $10.9 billion, with average monthly customer bills increasing by about 3 cents. CEO Bob Blue stated that despite doubled steel tariffs, through collaboration with suppliers and completion of regulatory analysis, the expected cost increase has been revised downward compared to the previous quarter.
Texas $1.2 Billion Seawater Desalination Project Halted, Corpus Christi City Council Delays Vote
The Corpus Christi City Council voted last week to pause the $1.189 billion Inner Harbor seawater desalination treatment plant project until reconsideration on August 26. The project's cost has risen significantly from the initial $750 million, prompting council members to question cost-effectiveness and alternatives. Contractor Kiewit warned that delays would drive up costs and extend the timeline.
Study: Mass Timber May Inhibit Germs in Hospital Environments
A new study from the University of Oregon found that after brief wetting, the surface of mass timber materials had lower bacterial counts than control empty plastic boxes, suggesting a potential to inhibit germs, providing new evidence for the use of wood structures in medical settings such as hospitals.