Construction Industry

18 articles

Experienced tradespeople mentoring young apprentices in a workshop, highlighting the importance of guidance in closing the skilled trades gap.
Trades

Mentorship Programs are Key to Bridging the Skilled Trades Gap by 2026

Despite a critical shortage of skilled trades workers, 35 percent of middle and high school parents believe vocational programs are only for 'high-achieving' students, revealing a deep-seated percepti

Rick Donovan·June 30, 2026
A futuristic sustainable building with lush greenery and solar panels, representing eco-friendly construction and harmony with nature.
Materials

Top 9 Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Sustainable Construction

The global sustainable construction materials market, valued at USD 301.

Kyle Brenner·June 20, 2026
A futuristic factory floor where industrial plastic components for automobiles and construction are being produced, highlighting market growth and innovation.
Industry

Industrial plastic market sees strong growth, driven by automotive and construction

The global plastic market, valued at USD 452.

Kyle Brenner·June 7, 2026
High school students participating in a hands-on construction trade program, learning practical skills for future careers in the skilled trades.
Industry

High school construction programs build future skilled workforce

At L'Anse Creuse High School, students scan QR codes on an 'apprenticeship wall' to instantly apply for local construction jobs, bypassing traditional college applications.

Rick Donovan·June 6, 2026
A busy construction site at dawn with many workers and cranes, illustrating the high demand for labor in the construction industry.
Materials

April 2026 sees highest construction job openings on record

On the last day of April 2026, the construction industry had 259,000 open jobs, marking its highest demand for workers ever recorded.

Luis Ortega·June 4, 2026
Construction executives in a boardroom, with one presenting modern data while others focus on traditional blueprints, symbolizing resistance to new leadership strategies.
How-To

Construction Owners Prioritize Fit, Resist Modern Leadership

A recent industry report revealed 70% of construction owners prioritize 'cultural fit' and 'industry tenure' over demonstrable P&L growth or technological expertise when hiring C-suite executives, acc

Scott Ramirez·May 20, 2026
A futuristic city with green architecture, showcasing sustainable building practices and a commitment to reducing embodied carbon.
Materials

Sustainable Building: Addressing Embodied Carbon

Upfront carbon emissions from new construction between now and 2050 are projected to be responsible for half of the sector's entire carbon footprint, according to the World Green Building Council .

Kyle Brenner·May 2, 2026
A futuristic sustainable city skyline showcasing buildings with integrated green spaces and renewable energy sources, emphasizing eco-friendly construction materials.
Materials

Benefits of Green Building Materials and Life Cycle Assessment

The global green building materials market, valued at USD 285.

Kyle Brenner·May 2, 2026
Diverse group of trainees learning plumbing, electrical, and HVAC skills in a modern workshop setting, representing Lowe's workforce development initiative.
Trades

Lowe's Pledges $250M to Train 250,000 Skilled Trade Workers

The U.S. will need 456,000 additional construction workers by 2027. Lowe's aims to fill this gap with a quarter-billion-dollar investment. This commitment trains 250,000 skilled trade workers over the

Rick Donovan·April 25, 2026
A futuristic construction site showcasing innovative eco-friendly building materials integrated with nature, highlighting sustainable architecture.
Materials

Innovative Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Sustainable Construction

In November 2025, CRH acquired Eco Material Technologies for USD 2.

Kyle Brenner·April 23, 2026
Construction workers on a high-rise site, demonstrating the critical need for OSHA fall protection standards and safety equipment.
Safety

What are OSHA fall protection standards for construction sites?

In 2021 alone, 372 construction workers were killed by falls to a lower level, making falls the leading cause of death in the industry despite clear federal regulations, according to KIPRC .

Ben Foster·April 19, 2026
Split image contrasting a digital AI interface with a skilled tradesperson working with their hands, symbolizing job security in trades.
Industry

AI Won't Master Skilled Trades: Your Hands-On Expertise Is Safe

At just 23, diesel engine repair technician Cale Mouser earns well over six figures.

Rick Donovan·April 16, 2026
A FieldAI robot dog autonomously scans a construction site, demonstrating the integration of advanced robotics and human labor in the building industry.
Industry

Autonomous Machines Tackle Construction's Labor Gap, Reshaping the Building Industry

On a typical construction site, a robot dog from FieldAI recently walked over 100 miles, collected over 45,000 photos, and mapped four floors of a building.

Rick Donovan·April 16, 2026
Modern eco-conscious home featuring rammed earth walls and reclaimed wood, bathed in natural sunlight, symbolizing sustainable construction.
Materials

Sustainable Building Materials for Eco-Conscious Construction

Initial investments in sustainable building materials can increase upfront construction costs by 2–7%.

Kyle Brenner·April 16, 2026
Construction worker in protective gear struggling with heat, with advanced safety technology visible but seemingly ineffective in the background.
Industry

Skilled trades safety: Tech deployed, yet workers remain at risk

Despite advanced tech deployment, heat-related deaths in skilled trades rose 117% since 1999, revealing a critical disconnect in worker safety outcomes.

Ben Foster·April 11, 2026
Diverse young adults learning skilled trades like plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work in a modern workshop, symbolizing Lowe's $250 million investment in workforce development.
Trades

Lowe's Pledges $250 Million to Combat Skilled Trades Shortage

The Lowe's Foundation is pledging $250 million over the next decade to train plumbers, carpenters, and electricians, a direct response to the critical skilled trades shortage facing the U.S. construction and home improvement industries.

Rick Donovan·April 9, 2026
A diverse team of skilled tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, working together on a construction site, symbolizing the need for comprehensive solutions to the skilled trades shortage.
Trades

Lowe's $250M Is a Start, But Government Incentives and Education Reform Must Fix the Skilled Trades Shortage

While corporate investment like the Lowe's Foundation's $250 million is a welcome step, it cannot single-handedly solve the skilled trades shortage; a comprehensive solution requires robust government incentives and fundamental educational reforms.

Rick Donovan·April 7, 2026
A futuristic construction site showcasing sustainable building materials like timber, recycled concrete, and solar panels, symbolizing the industry's shift towards eco-friendly practices and reduced environmental impact.
Industry

Beyond the Buzz: How Sustainable Materials Demand is Redefining Construction

The global construction industry is undergoing a fundamental shift, driven by rapidly growing demand for sustainable materials. This transformation is reshaping supply chains, regulatory frameworks, and professional practices, making adherence to evolving standards paramount for competitiveness.

Ben Foster·March 31, 2026