New Tech Inventions for 2023

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

We love new technology here at Steadfast, LLC, so it’s no surprise that we couldn’t wait to check out Time Magazine’s list of the 200 Best Inventions of 2022. We were especially interested in those with exciting applications in construction in 2023 and beyond! Check out these construction innovations:

Holograms No Longer Just for Star Trek

The Magic Leap 2 is an augmented reality headset that provides interactive holograms used across various industries, including medicine, retail, and manufacturing. In the construction world, Magic Leap 2 can be used to view large buildings and other worksites at scale. This allows teams across the globe to work together despite distances. With just one click, they can provide BIM updates to allow teams to make real time changes, quality assurance, and more.

Tape Measures That Really Measure Up

The world’s first industrial grade digital tape measure, the TI Tomahawk by Reckon Tools is a game changer. With just the click of a button it can take precise incremental, center, and internal measurements. Reckon Tools also created the Reckon Rock App, where users can upload and share their measurements from the TI Tomahawk using Bluetooth technology.

Autonomous Drone

Drones are becoming a staple in the construction industry, but a shortage of qualified, licenced pilots is making their application difficult and expensive. Fortunately, Leica Geosystem’s BLK2FLY flying laser scanner is coming just in the nick of time. Operators use virtual joysticks within an app to fly the machines, so a drone license isn’t required. The system uses GPS, radar sensors, and cameras to navigate obstacles and create digital twins of worksites, building structures, and more. 

Solar, Simplified

While solar rooftop arrays are known for saving energy and cutting down your electric bill, setup is expensive and can cost thousands of dollars more than a traditional roof. That’s where the GAF Energy Timberline Solar Roof System comes in. The system includes solar ‘shingles’ that can be installed by a traditional roofing company with a nail gun. It’s also a certified solar and roofing product with a 25 year warranty, making solar more accessible for businesses and families everywhere. 

Wind Power at Home

Keeping in the theme of renewable energy on the roof, Aeromine Rooftop Wind Technology has patented new technology to capture wind energy. Generating 50% more energy than most solar arrays and having fewer parts to break than traditional small wind turbines, these units perform under even the most extreme weather conditions and are perfect for buildings with large, flat roofs, like big box retail stores, warehouses, and multi-family developments. 

Remote Operating Remotes

To help combat the labor shortage, Phantom Auto has created a remote operation program for forklifts that allows operators to login from anywhere in the world. With LIDAR sensors, high resolution cameras, and real-time video, this technology increases operator productivity and available labor pools while decreasing operator injuries.

Technology is always changing in the construction industry and at Steadfast Entities, LLC, we pride ourselves on maintaining up-to-date, industry-proven tools, equipment, and technology giving you modern solutions for all construction needs. Contact us today to see how we can help!

Don’t Let Your Equipment Walk Away

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

Did you know that more than 250 pieces of heavy equipment are stolen each week in the United States? That number increases during December and January, when job sites are empty due to holidays and weather delays. 

Of that stolen equipment, less than 20% is ever recovered, costing business owners anywhere from $300 million to $1 billion every year. The good news? There are lots of ways to protect your equipment from thieves, saving you money and keeping your holidays merry and bright! 

Be on the De-FENCE-ive

Good fences make good neighbors…and are the first defense when it comes to stopping thieves. Make sure your fences go completely around the full perimeter of the jobsite, and that they’re at least 8’ tall. 

Walk the fence often and keep an eye out for tampering like cut chain links or stacked items that make it easier to get up and over. You can also install heavy duty safety bollards at gates, which make it harder for potential thieves to drive off the property with large equipment.

Be Tech Savvy

High-tech safety devices are now more attainable than ever. Whether it’s new and improved LED lighting to brighten your jobsite at night, tamper-proof security cameras, or GPS tracking devices on your equipment, there are a wide variety of products available at several different price points to keep your equipment safe. 

Some newer machines have built in anti-theft technology that require an operator to put in an individual pin to start the machine. If a thief tampers with the system, the machine will automatically send you an alert. If possible, hire a security consultant to figure out which technology would work best for you. It may be an extra cost up front, but if it keeps your equipment safe, it’ll pay for itself over time. 

Make Sure It Works

You can have the best security technology in the world, but it won’t do you any good if it isn’t working properly. Test alarms regularly to make sure they are still in working order. Make sure cameras can capture faces, license plates, and identifying features both during the day and in the dark. Potential thieves will often test your responsiveness by causing false alarms, so keep a close eye on your worksite for unknown vehicles or people who might be casing the property. If someone does look suspicious, report it to local authorities.

Store Equipment Safely

Light, easy-to-move equipment is often a top target for thieves, so make sure your lighter equipment is under cover or inside when left for the night, weekend, or holiday. Never leave equipment trailered, and make sure all trailers are properly secured so they can’t be used to steal equipment. AIf possible, make sure trailers and large equipment are parked far enough apart that they don’t block camera views and provide accidental coverage for criminals.

Maintain Your Inventory

It’s easy to put off, but keeping record of the serial numbers, PINs, manufacturer, and year of every piece of equipment is incredibly helpful should it ever be stolen. An easy way to do this is to take photos of the machines and their serial numbers/PINs, where they are stored, and (if present) your logo, and then store those pictures virtually on the cloud. Your insurance will need all this info when filing for theft. 

Another option? Rent equipment from Steadfast, LLC! This saves you from the hassle of dealing with storage, theft prevention and insurance. Contact us today to explore our reliable, modern equipment options.

Happy Holiday Workers

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

The holidays are a fun yet stressful time of year. The best way to keep your staff feeling happy and motivated? Show them some appreciation! While it’s important to recognize your staff for their hard work every day, we’ve come up with a short list of easy ways to make their holiday season a little bit brighter (and make you more popular than Grandma’s Christmas cookies).

Thank Them

This one might seem obvious, but in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is easy to get caught up in the stress of tight deadlines, weather delays, holiday time off, workers out sick, and other obstacles. Make sure you’re telling your staff that you’re grateful for their work and commitment, and let them know when they’ve done a good job. Whether you say it out loud, send an email, or send out holiday cards, ensure the gesture is personal and meaningful. This is important year-round, but especially important when dealing with the stress of the holiday season. 

Pay Them

Most people have additional financial needs during this time of year, so there is nothing like a holiday bonus to make the season a little bit brighter. If you can, budget a bonus for each of your staff members to take home a little bit extra. Make sure you’re doing it fairly with either the same amount for everyone or based on a percentage of their pay. This can be added directly to their paycheck, or handed out in the form of separate checks or gift cards. 

If an added bonus simply isn’t in your budget, another possible option is to let staff leave a few hours early or take a paid day off so they can spend some more worry-free time with their family. Plus, studies show that breaks like these tend to make workers more motivated and productive when they come back to work the next day.

Feed Them

Never underestimate the value of free food, whether it’s morning coffee, a jobsite lunch, or, if it’s in your budget, a special dinner out with their families. If providing a meal is something you do regularly throughout the year, try to step it up a notch during the holiday season. That doesn’t necessarily mean steak and lobster, but do pay attention to your crew’s preferences and try to provide something they’ll enjoy. 

The cost of groceries has gone up across the country, so another option is to provide grocery gift cards or holiday fare (like a turkey, a ham, or pies) to each crew member for them to take home and share with their loved ones. This allows them to bring your appreciation home with them, and keep some of their hard earned money in their pocket.

Treat Them to a Good Time

Regardless of the industry, “team building” makes most workers roll their eyes and start looking for the closest exit. However, team building doesn’t have to be boring ice breakers or full of pseudo-inspirational buzzwords. Take your team paintballing, on a brewery tour, to a sports event, to axe throwing, or to an escape room. The opportunities are endless! Activities like these are a pivotal way to foster team bonding and create positivity in your company culture. 

Let Them Unwind

Holiday parties can be a blast, and a great way for employees to relax and let loose together. They do take a lot of planning and money, though, so make sure you give yourself plenty of lead time to make it happen in a cost-effective way. 

Also consider your crew’s preferences. Will you invite significant others and children? Are there any specific dietary needs? What time of week or even month would make the most sense?

If you want the party atmosphere, but don’t have the time, energy, or budget for a big holiday party, a simpler option is to sponsor a happy hour or round of after-work drinks for your team. Just make sure it’s held somewhere that non-alcoholic options are available for those that don’t drink, and make sure everyone has a safe ride home. Offering up Uber or Lyft credits ahead of time is a great way to make sure folks know they can enjoy themselves and still get home safe.

Science has shown that showing gratitude is a win for employees and companies alike, and there’s no better time to show your staff how much you care than the holiday season. And if you are looking for qualified staff and equipment operators to help finish your projects, look no further. Contact Steadfast today to find out how we can easily and quickly connect you to the right people to get your job done! 

Fun Times and Fungi in Construction

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

Mycoremediation (my-co-re-media-tion) may sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, but it’s actually just the name of a process that nature has been doing since the beginning of time: using mushrooms to break down natural materials. 

Nature’s Garbage Disposal

Mycoremediation is a fairly straightforward process. Fungi release enzymes that break down organic matter into simple sugars, and then use those sugars as fuel. So the scientists working with Australian-based contractor Lendlease had a great idea: why not use this process to help reduce construction waste? 

From Construction to Compost

According to the EPA, the building industry in the US alone generates more than 600 million tons of construction debris every year, including 11 to 13 million tons of asphalt shingles. Most of those shingles end up in landfills, with only 5-10% being recycled or reused. 

With this in mind, Lendlease created their first mycoremediation pilot program. They used three different types of fungi to break down the roof shingles from 214 houses in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. While they did not state the exact amount of time they expect before the shingles have completely decomposed, it is expected to be substantially faster than the 300 years it would normally take for asphalt shingles to break down on their own. Once decomposed, the shingles can be reused as compost for growing food.

Great for the Planet and Your Wallet

Mycoremediation is proving to not only benefit the environment but also the economy. Lendlease believes their building-debris-to-compost plan could be a profitable income stream, and plans to expand their mycoremediation to include other building materials like drywall. 

Eventually, they hope to sell the compost and make more money than would be spent to get rid of the waste at a landfill. In the words of Sarah Neff, the head of sustainability at Lendlease: 

“Taking a product that is no longer viable and combining it with a natural renewable source that results in a new product, is a phenomenal outcome that is both beneficial to the environment and bolsters the economy.”

As more and more companies consider their environmental impact, we expect to see mycoremediation and other sustainable practices being used more and more throughout construction. 

Interested in talking more about resource-friendly construction and heavy equipment? Contact Steadfast today!

3D Printing in Construction: Pros & Cons

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

3D printing has been around since the early 1980s, but over the last few years it has ballooned into one of the fastest growing construction technologies on the market. Its versatility, efficiency, and economy make it a useful tool in every step of the construction process.

How Does It Work?

To create a 3D print, a CAD or BIM program sends the required information to the printer, which then prints the object in layers. While these layers can be many different types of materials, the most common used in construction is a mixture of concrete, sand, fiber, and geo polymers. 

SQ4D, an Australian construction company, has built an industrial sized 3D printer that they can use to build housing on any lot. You can watch a video of the building and see the finished home here. 

Why 3D Printing?

Thanks to the CAD or BIM programming we mentioned before, builders using 3D printers know the exact amount of material they need for the project. This cuts down on waste at the jobsite, as well as the cost of surplus materials and their storage, making 3D printing more sustainable and cost effective. On average, 3D printed projects generate 60% less waste. 

3D printing also saves time, with 3D printing going approximately 70% faster than traditional builds. This time saving allows companies to start and complete more projects, which increases both profits and, if building housing, the number of living spaces readily available on the market. 

Finally, since 3D printing works autonomously, it requires fewer laborers on the jobsite (most companies that switched to 3D printing saw an 80% decrease in labor costs). Since the construction industry has been hard hit by labor shortages across the country, this both saves companies recruiting money and allows them to complete projects on time with far fewer staff. The projects are also much safer for workers, with a substantial reduction in construction injuries when workers have been trained to use 3D printers.

Ongoing Challenges

While 3D printing has a wide range of benefits, there are still some disadvantages. The printers, especially those large enough to be used on construction projects, are incredibly expensive, and can be a challenging upfront cost for new companies. With so few printers being used in the industry, there’s a high need for fully-trained operators who can design the computer models, operate the printers, and provide the required maintenance. 

3D printed projects are also limited by the formula of the mixture they print. The mixture has to exit a nozzle, retain its shape, and have a ‘goldilocks’ dry time: too slow and it can’t be layered, too fast and it will hinder the building process. 

Despite the constraints, the increased flexibility, efficiency, and safety of 3D printing means it is a growing tool in the construction world and expected to be a $680 million industry by 2030. As construction professionals dedicated to both sustainability and using the most cutting-edge technology, you can count on Steadfast, LLC to keep a close eye on the evolution of this technology! 

Positively Electrifying: Equipment of the Future

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

Electric Vehicles

While electric cars have been readily available in the US for the last decade, sales had remained fairly low until the first three months of 2022 when they shot up 60% (despite the vehicle market being down 18%). Skyrocketing gas prices, concern surrounding the environmental impact of carbon emissions, and the improved design of new models have the American public turning to electric cars, trucks, and even semi-trailer trucks. 

The Electric Bobcat

What about heavy equipment? Although some all-electric machines have been on the commercial market for the last few years, companies have shied away from integrating EV technologies into heavy equipment for fear they didn’t have enough power or wouldn’t hold a charge long enough to do the necessary work. 

However, many in the construction world are pushing for cleaner machinery to lessen their carbon footprint. Equipment giant Bobcat just announced the release of the first all electric compact truck loader and an electric compact excavator.

Their unique compact truck loader, the Bobcat T7X, will start shipping in 2023. The T7X has completely eliminated all hydraulic components. Instead, it relies on an electric drive system with electric cylinders and drive motors. The first of Bobcat’s electric excavators, the Bobcat E32e, began shipping in August and is already receiving rave reviews. 

Market Forecast

While electric equipment still has higher up front costs, the rising costs of diesel is making the cost of smaller EV equipment, like mini excavators, more favorable. In fact, a recent report from IDTechEX has forecasted the global market for electric construction equipment to grow to $105 billion in the next 20 years, a steep rise from the current market, where there are only about 2,000 all electric machines being sold annually. 

Battery Life & Pricing 

We are still several years away from larger EV equipment being easily accessible for companies without substantial financial backing. This is mostly due to concerns surrounding battery life. 

Just like when your cell phone loses battery life after too many charging cycles, many are questioning how long the charging capacity will last for current EV batteries for larger machines. If a battery needs to charge on the jobsite, that’s lost time, productivity, and revenue. Buying a second battery to swap out requires more funding upfront for these expensive units. 

However, the high upfront costs are partially balanced by the fact that electric vehicles require far fewer parts and less maintenance than their diesel powered counterparts. That means there are fewer components that could break (ex: no fuel injectors or hoses to burst) and fewer parts that require regular maintenance (ex: filters, fluid levels), which will save companies money over time.

While the technology is exciting, only time will tell when the US will move towards all electric machinery on jobsites. However, one thing is for certain: you can always count on Steadfast Entities, LLC to have the quality equipment you need to get the job done. Contact us today!

Construction Drones

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

Flying Across Industries

Over the last fews years, drones have become a common tool throughout many industries. 

Real estate and vacation agencies regularly use them to take photos and videos of their available properties. They’re making a splash in the entertainment industry by capturing footage for documentaries, sporting events, and high-action scenes. 

Just this year, Amazon started using drones to deliver packages lighter than 5lbs as part of their Prime Air service. With the increased commercial use of drones, it’s no surprise that they are becoming more prevalent in the construction industry as well.

Construction Drones

The construction industry as a whole has experienced a 239% growth in drone use since 2018. Their ability to easily and safely collect large quantities of data quickly has made them an integral part of many projects, from the initial planning stages all the way to completion. With their speed and efficiency, they save contractors both time and money.

Fixed Wing vs. Rotary Drones

There are two different types of drones commonly used in construction. 

Fixed wing drones are modeled after airplanes and built for distance. They are typically used for mapping and scanning larger areas. However, due to the fixed status of their wings they can only go forward, so tight areas with obstacles are not a good fit. 

For those tighter areas, most companies use rotary drones. These typically have a dual rotor design that allows these machines to hover up, down, and in place. They are used for photography, surveillance, aerial inspections, and structural scans. 

High Level View

For large-scale construction projects, drones are also commonly used for land surveys and topographical mapping. They can typically survey vast swaths of land in 15-20 minutes to create highly accurate topographical maps. Teams can then combine these maps together to form 3D models, which are used for analysis and project planning. 

The best part? By easily spotting terrain challenges and design flaws early in the planning process, crews can change design plans ahead of time instead of trying to fix them in the moment. This saves both time and money and ends up being 20 times less expensive than traditional surveillance and mapping processes.

Security from the Sky

Similarly, drones can be used to quickly and easily monitor equipment on a large job site, making sure it is where it needs to be, when it needs to be there. If it’s a rented piece of equipment that should no longer be on site, you’ll be able to identify and return it quickly, avoiding additional charges. They can also be used for safety, ensuring secure equipment, and preventing unauthorized access on the jobsite. 

Improved Communications

Drones are also being used to help improve communications, both with clients and other members of the construction team. By providing aerial views of projects, clients get a real-time view of what you are doing and how far along you are on the project. And by sending collected data to connected software, owners, engineers, design teams and workers are updated in real time. This provides a paper trail for future use, allowing the whole team to work together to catch any potential mistakes or design flaws quickly. 

Safety Watch

Drones are also contributing to increased safety on job sites. They can be used to make hard-to-reach measurements without the need for unsteady platforms. This reduces the fall risk for workers, who can operate drones from the safety of the ground. 

Similarly, many companies have started using them for building and property inspection. Instead of using a team of surveyors, heavy machinery and scaffolding, drones are flown around the building or job site to take high resolution images that are later analyzed. They also have thermal sensors that can detect electrical issues, cold spots and heat leaks before they become a problem.

While drone technology is still developing, the increased safety, efficiency, and monetary benefits for workers, project managers and clients are very compelling. We can’t wait to see how this technology will continue to revolutionize the construction industry!

Smart Roads

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

With rising gas prices and increased concerns about climate change, many are turning to electric vehicles to protect their wallets and the planet. However, scientists and construction engineers have been working hard on another part of the transportation equation: smart roads. 

While the technology is still being refined by scientists and construction engineers around the world, the smart road concept uses digital technology, IoT, and fiber optic connectivity within their foundation. Using wifi, 5G, the cloud, and in-road sensors, smart roads will allow for a multitude of improvements for all drivers, whether their cars use electricity or gas. Benefits include:

1. Less Traffic and Congestion 

smart roads will be able to collect and analyze data in almost real time. When used in conjunction with smart stop lights, they could adjust lights based on current traffic conditions, decreasing slow downs and bumper-to-bumper traffic.

2. Increased Safety 

Pedestrian deaths have increased by 46% over the last ten years. Using image processing, AI, and object recognition software, smart roads can broadcast information to vehicles on both roads that make up an intersection, allowing drivers increased awareness of pedestrians, bicyclists, and others who may be in danger of being in a turning driver’s blind spot. 

3. Increased Connectivity 

With smart roads constantly connecting data, drivers will be able to get updated information on the best routes to avoid traffic and slowdowns. Smart parking apps could also show drivers where spaces are available, ending the time spent fruitlessly circling city blocks looking for a spot.

4. Decreased Emergency Response Times 

By monitoring traffic and slow downs, emergency responders could know when and where an accident occured, and synchronized traffic lights with emergency vehicles would decrease response times by 20-35%. 

5. Energy Harvesting 

Developing smart road technology would allow energy to be harnessed from the vibrations of passing cars or sunlight. This energy would then be returned to the electric power grid and used to power traffic lights, signs, and street lights.

6. No Weigh Stations 

The development of high speed, weigh-in motion technology would allow for trucks and other large vehicles to be weighed while they are on the move. They would also provide weight enforcement screenings for toll roads, bridge loads, and traffic control data. 

7. EV Charging 

For drivers of electric and hybrid cars, smart roads could also allow charging while driving. This would also increase the availability of public transportation, as electric buses could run all the time without having to stop. Smart pavement, created by incorporating metal coils in pads of concrete, could charge EVs wirelessly as drivers go about their day. 

One of the biggest challenges to the creation of smart roads is the ability to process large amounts of data from multiple sources in real time, but many of these technologies are already in testing and are expected to be released to cities worldwide in the next few coming years. 

As more cities convert to this exciting technology, more workers will be needed to build the roads and other elements of smart cities. When that time comes, Steadfast Entities, LLC will be ready with the latest products, trained staff, and equipment rentals to meet all of your construction needs.

Lunar Construction

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

Saying a company’s construction project is out of this world may soon be more than a compliment. NASA recently awarded three companies a total of $19.4 million in grants to fund the creation of solar panel prototypes that will be able to withstand the harsh conditions on the moon. The end goal: to develop a power system deployed to the moon’s south pole by 2030. These systems would then power the construction and establishment of permanent lunar settlements.

Construction Conundrum

While exciting, lunar construction is not new. Scientists have been thinking of developing structures since Neil Armstrong took that one small step on the moon in 1969. The key, according to experts, is to utilize the materials already found there. Bringing materials to the moon is cost prohibitive (launches cost about $81 million per astronaut), and even if it were cost-effective, the moon’s inhospitable environment makes most earthly construction materials unusable. 

Specialized Materials 

To combat this problem, researchers at The University of Texas at San Antonio, in collaboration with Astroport and funded by NASA, are working to create concrete out of the moon’s regolith, a layer of unconsolidated rocky material covering bedrock. 

This concrete will then be used to make launch and landing pads, blast shields, and other structures used in travel to and from, and in time, life on the moon. Their current process melts the regolith, forms it into bricks and then places them without the use of any grouts or mortars. To enable the process, multiple machines operate in remote control mode or autonomously, with step sequencing enabled to allow collaboration between machines. 

Of course, to start this chain of events you first need the raw materials. A team at the University of Central Florida has been working to develop a wide range of technologies to extract and process the regolith. They include both rovers and excavators that work as a swarm to extract the regolith, sort the pieces by size, and then compact it for use in the concrete process. 

Reaching for the Stars

To further expedite this process, The University of Southern California has teamed up with Contour Crafting Corporation to make a conveyance system to move the regolith. Known as CraftTram, this autonomous device would be used in the movement of regolith to build sites, much like trucks and loaders on earth. It would also be foldable, compact, and super lightweight for easy transport to the moon via a rocket cargo compartment, and would use only a small amount of energy to move material both uphill and downhill.

Meanwhile, Michigan Technical University, Masten Space Systems and lunar outpost have teamed up to create a wide variety of analytical tools to create the blueprints for lunar structures, calculating parameters like lander size, payload weight, compaction levels, and more. Other technologies, like 3D printing, will also be used in lunar structures, which can then be powered by solar. 

All these technologies are creating a new frontier! 

While Steadfast Entities, LLC currently plans to keep our products, equipment rentals and staffing Earth-side for now, we can’t wait to see where this leads and the changes that will result in construction here on our home planet. 

Green Construction Tech Coming in 2023

Posted by Steadfast Entities on

At Steadfast Entities, we’ve seen the many benefits of Green Construction, aka, using technologies and processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient. Beyond being better for the planet, in many cases it saves both us and our clients money. We’re not the only ones, either: many industries are finding new materials, processes and technologies to become more sustainable. 

Green Tech at Work

Green Building Technology has two main goals: to reduce waste and to more efficiently use naturally occurring resources. We’ve told you about recycled asphalt and concrete that held up even better to harsh conditions, but that is just one of many ways construction engineers are eliminating waste. 

Butts in Bricks

In 2020, researchers at the School of Engineering at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) released a paper outlining a step-by-step process for using cigarette butts in brickmaking. Since cement production is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas production, and about 6.5 trillion cigarette butts are discarded every year, these bricks would be a great way to decrease the carbon footprint and reduce the amount of litter found on our streets, beaches, and green spaces. 

Rockin’ Cement

Many industrial processes result in steel dust or ferrous rock, which would typically be sent to a landfill. However, thanks to scientist David Stone’s new technology they are instead being turned into another cement alternative called Ferrock. Ferrock is not only stronger, more flexible, and cheaper to make than traditional cement, but it is also carbon-negative, which means it absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere. The University of Arizona tested Ferrok and is in the process of commercializing its patent to make it available for general use. 

Nature’s Tools

Other materials are also getting a sustainability makeover. New manufacturing processes are being used to create materials like insulation, carpeting, and paint with fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The changes to processes are often less expensive for the manufacturer (for example, using water instead of a chemical solvent or using refillable instead of one-use containers), which in turn can save money for purchasers down the line. 

There has also been an industry-wide movement to use naturally occurring resources more efficiently. Last month we told you about the new use of algae to make concrete and in some places sheep’s wool is also replacing fiberglass insulation. This swap is shown to increase energy efficiency and make homes more soundproof. 

Even plain old wood is getting a makeover. Liangbing Hu, a materials scientist at the University of Maryland, Brooklyn Park, has led his colleagues in using simple chemical processes to change the nanostructure of wood to make it as strong as steel, transparent, bouncy, and moldable. The University is trying various commercial applications for this “super wood”, and it’s expected to be used in various materials throughout the construction industry. 

It’s an exciting time to be in construction, with new products and technologies coming onto the market daily. We can’t wait to see what comes next and are proud to be part of an industry that is blazing the trail into a more sustainable and efficient future!