Middle East Cities Emerge as Global Leaders in Sustainability

masdar city abu dhabiWhile it’s the U.S. Green Building Council that sets the standard for LEED certification, two cities in the Middle East are quickly emerging as the world leaders in sustainable cities, or cities with a goal of net zero energy and waste. That means they produce as much energy, resources and waste as they consume.

Population and economic growth due to the Middle East’s oil reserves are the primary drivers in its aggressive push toward sustainability. With population expected to grow exponentially in the next 25 years, sustainable cities can offset the gradual depletion of the natural resources and with them, the region’s primary export and profit center. Here’s a look at innovative projects currently evolving in the region.

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Sandy-torn Shore Preps for Summer

Sandy-torn Shore Preps for Summer with Modular ConstructionThe summer season is just weeks away. Yet six months after Hurricane Sandy, some beach communities are still rebuilding. For shoreline businesses, the season drives the bulk of their annual revenue. Some that aren’t ready are turning to modular construction to open on time.

Modular Facilities Heading to the Shore

For New Yorkers, the push includes modular facilities for restrooms, lifeguard stations and maintenance offices. Officials say the modular plan is the most cost- and time-efficient way to prepare the boardwalk and shoreline communities. New York’s $100 million investment in modular will pay for itself many Continue reading

Modular Man Caves: Atlanta Motorsports Park Garages Hit Full Throttle

For auto enthusiasts, the race track is the ultimate playground. As this story on CNN.com shows, Atlanta Motorsports Park has pushed that experience to the red line. Cut to 2:00 in the video to see the modular race garages our Sports and Entertainment Team built. They’re a great example of what modular can do.

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The Blame Game: Construction Employment Dips in April

Construction employment dips in April 2013Great news on job creation last week was offset somewhat by surprising employment losses in construction. While the national economy added 165,000 jobs, construction was actually down 6,000 jobs in April. That’s the first time since October 2012 that construction saw a decline in new jobs.

Governmental Blame

Dow Jones reports that blame for April’s construction industry stumble should be left on the government’s doorstep. With various budgetary cuts at the Federal level attributed to the Sequester, funding reductions are now making their way to the state level, and adversely affecting local infrastructure projects.

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Sustainable and Modular Construction Still Hot for 2013

Sustainable and Modular Construction Still Hot for 2013A recent article on Construction Digital indicates that both sustainable building and modular construction remain trends with traction. Four months into 2013, these trends are two of the driving forces behind the improving construction industry.

Green and Natural

The use of sustainable building materials and construction techniques Continue reading

Seattle’s Taproot Theatre is Reborn through Modular

Seattle’s Taproot Theatre is Reborn through Modular ConstructionIn 2009, arson tore through a section of Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, destroying several businesses, and leaving an empty lot in its wake. As reported by the Seattle Times, the Taproot Theatre, a pillar of the city’s thriving arts community, was lost in the fire. Now the Taproot is reborn, bigger, better and modular.

The New Taproot Goes Modular 

From its Space Needle to the Seattle Central Library, the Emerald City has had a long history of progressive attitudes toward architecture. It’s not surprising that modular construction was the choice for the new Taproot. With 21 modules being readied, the finished project will include primary and Continue reading

5 Ways Modular Construction is Greener

Modular Construction is GreenerAs we pause to celebrate Earth Day today, many of us may stop to consider what we can do to help the environment. Selfishly, we hope your considerations lead you to waste reduction through modular construction.

At nearly 25 percent, construction waste is the largest contributor to our waste stream. Cutting it would have a measurable impact on landfills, air pollution and our consumption of natural resources.

The US Green Building Council agrees. That’s why modular construction is worth additional points for Continue reading