< PreviousThe importance of deserts is clear. However, in the case of Egypt, there are additional details which add nuance and con- text to any discussions around these sandy lands. With such an enormous percentage of the being classified as desert, it is vital that Egypt prevents further erosion of otherwise fertile ground. Food supplies and economic growth largely hinge on the countries ability to limit the desertification of its natural resources. “Desertification is the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid and sub-humid areas due to various factors including climatic variations and human activities.” Simply put, desertification results in persistent failing of fragile eco- systems due to man-made activities, with overgrazing being the major cause of desertification worldwide. Other factors that cause this include urbanization, climate change, overuse of groundwater, deforestation, natural disasters, and tillage practices in agriculture that make soils more vulnerable to wind. In a country where four percent of its land can be used to home and feed a population, this is fast becoming a crisis. According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desert- ification (UNCCD), land degradation is a global environmental issue with numerous for socio-economic and ecological development. “Land degradation leads to reduced produc- tion capacity in addition to soil erosion, physical/chemical/ biological/economic land deterioration, and long-term loss (or degradation) of vegetation.” So what can be done about this? The answer is as startling as it is innovative. Trees. It should come as no surprise that a country with such a rich heritage in construction, innovation and infrastructure has tapped into the abundant combination of intense heat and locally sourced wastewater. The results of this combination are staggering. Egypt’s Serapium Forest is located on the outskirts of Cairo, an area of vital importance to the lively hood of Egyptians. For two decades, the trees planted there have been irrigated with treated wastewater and as a result, they have grown over three feet wide in this time which is truly a remarkable achievement. The forest, which is a short distance from the Ismailia gover- norate, was originally a dry desert that saw no irrigation and plantations. With over 40,000 people living in the area, Ismail- ia’s residents were proactive in utilizing the significant amount of wastewater that are produced everyday. Remarkably, while only 15% of the forest project has been completed, it is already nearly 8,000 kilometers long and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2030. When finished, Serapium Forest will cover over 100 million hectares (247 million acres). The forest is the result of a research collaboration between German and Egyptian scientists. The group directed efforts to utilize Egypt’s abundance of sunlight to grow massive plantations. Established in 1998 by the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt (MALR), the proj- ect aimed to implement the National Program for the Safe Use of Treated Sewage Water for Afforestation. While the primary goal for the project, from a MALR perspective, was to halt the spread of deserts into fertile areas, it faced huge challenges due to Egypt’s lack of clean water and rain during the winter. However, the innovative and ambitious program harnessed the sewage wastewater, thus making the project sustainable and resource efficient. According to Hossam Hammad, a Professor of agriculture at Ain Shams University in Cairo, the benefits of using this water are incredible. “The wastewater is rich in phosphorus and nitrogen, something that has supercharged the trees.” With these trees offering the ability to slow down deserti- fication as well as stopping erosion, providing shade and moisture, it seems as though the decision to use wastewa- ter has given Egypt a chance of clawing back some of that ninety-six percent. In addition to this, Ragaei Saafan, project manager at Serapium Forest, believes that using sewage water to grow trees in the desert will help transform large areas of the Egypt into economically viable areas. “Treated sewage water is funneled into the area, and has been a boon for making previously infertile land arable and economically viable. The evergreen forest will help to purify the air all year round, as well as exerting nutrients into the area that will help the nation’s efforts in combating desertification.” While the battle to halt the desertification of potentially vital lands has certainly not yet been won, the emergence of Sera- pium Forest offers the hope that it may be, one day. Not only has this innovative use of wastewater proved transformative in the goal of retaining healthy land in an area just outside Cairo, it has also provided the blueprint for other countries where desertification is an issue. With afforestation offering cleaner air and assisting with lowering the high summer temperatures, this project and developing similar ones will be keenly watched in the coming years. atlasofthefuture.org/project/serapium-forest | 70 APRIL 2023| 71 APEIRON CONSTRUCTION| 72 APRIL 2023WRITTEN BY DAVID O’NEILL “T he future is yours to take.” These are the words that meet you on the ABC Wis- consin website. A clear message that, despite the challenging times we have all lived through, opportu- nities remain, and hope is abundant in the construction industry. Associated Builders and Contractors is the larg- est association of “Merit” companies in the United States. What this means in real terms is that the association supports, advocates, and educates for its members based solely on parity and balance in support of free market enterprise. For those at ABC Wisconsin, this is not about winning, or politics, or power, it is about national pride and fairness. Representing over 900 firms in Wiscon- sin, the chapter believes that “these beliefs translate into a healthy, competitive and professional climate, the results of which are proudly reflected in ABC member’s construction accomplishments.” | 73 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONwho started a small business, and it grew and became suc- cessful. It's just a fun environment to work in and be part of and I think the people that are on the staff here, just really enjoy and appreciate that.” The work being achieved by its members is at the core of everything being done by the association. It is clear from speaking to John Schulze, Director of Legal & Government Relations, that those at ABC Wisconsin support all business within the construction market. What makes this association truly different is that there is an appreciation for construction in general and the association only wants to see great work being achieved in a fair and equal manner. “Our focus has always been open competition. Free and fair competition from a legislative standpoint. And there have been times where people have tried to pass legislation that would advantage our members, but still lock up the market. That's not something we're interested in. Our message is consistent, we will support a project because we think it's a good infrastructure investment. We want our members to be able to bid on this if they want you. Some will bid and get it and hopefully that's great, but some won't. Our thoughts on this are, just tell us what the rules are. Let's make the rules fair. Let's knock down barriers to competition in Wisconsin.” One aspect of the work ABC Wisconsin has been doing cen- ters around education. It is a vital aspect of construction, both from a safety standpoint and also as a way of supporting the industry. Encouraging young people to consider construction as a viable career path is of huge importance to an industry that has historically experienced ongoing worker shortages. Elizabeth Roddy, Recruitment and Training Director, explains how educating the industry begins long before a boot lands One key indicator of success, however, is longevity. ABC Wis- consin has been supporting its members since 1972 which means that this year has been a landmark one for the associ- ation. John Mielke, President, explains how this year acts as both a nod to its past successes and also the current positive state of the industry and its members. “The chapter was started in 1972. So, this past year was our 50th anniversary. We've grown steadily for all those years and currently we are at a high watermark in terms of membership numbers, retention numbers, apprenticeship participation, member services, size, and capability of our staff. It has really been an upward trajectory.” For Mielke, it is important to point out that the current team leading the association have a blend of youth and experience. This historical link to its foundations is being carried into a bright future with energy. “When the association was first set up, many of our current leadership team were also there at the time. So, we've got some longtime staff and some dynamic and talented new hires.” ABC Wisconsin is the second largest chapter in the country. This is not a claim to be taken lightly. In a market that can be difficult to break into and even tougher to remain in, the association has maintained a significant presence for over half a century and, impressively, boasts a 94% membership retention rate. For Mielke, the reason behind this is a simple yet vital one. “I think the constant is quality staff, people who deliver quality services. We are always looking to deliver more member value. We are very member centric and are driven by member needs. In another realm, you might call it a strong customer base, but I would call this a strong member- ship focus. The most common thing I hear is ‘I love working for the members and love the work they do.’ I mean, it's the American success story in so many ways. You have people | 74 APRIL 2023on the jobsite. “We see training as lifelong education. Much of the work being done is through speaking to high schoolers and young people. Encouraging them to get into the industry. We try to explain why people would want to consider careers in construction. We run an extensive and very successful apprenticeship program. We have 35 years of experience in registered apprenticeships which is something that has certainly helped our members to build a workforce. We want people to choose this industry because it's their passion.” This education extends, critically, to the area of safety. Part of attracting new workers to the industry is through analysis and training around the risks involved in working in construction. Historically, the industry has been known as a dangerous one. However, due to innovative new methods and products, construction is becoming safer, and more technology based. Don Moen, Human Resources and Safety Officer, explains how advancements across the industry and offering a more sustainable and safer environment for workers. “We offer extensive safety training to our members, and we talk to them about great new technology. We're looking at a lot of robotics, and we are introducing the companies that build these prod- ucts to our members. For example, there are products that reduce wear and tear on the shoulder areas and devices that assist with heavy lifting. There is technology that is picking the blocks up and laying them down; all the person has to do now is control that machine, which takes a lot of the old wear and tear type injuries away.” While ABC Wisconsin successfully worked with the adminis- tration to ensure that its jobsites remained open throughout the pandemic, the industry slowed down considerably. As Mielke says, it would be fairer to suggest that things slowed, rather than stopped. “The interesting thing was that con- struction, at least in Wisconsin, and this wasn't true across the country, was considered an essential job during the pan- demic. That is something we worked with the administration to make sure of. Our people worked through the pandemic the whole time and you know, we certainly had to deal with increased safety protocols and maybe, you know, material shortages and other challenges, but they never really stopped, they kept moving, kept moving forward.” Despite this, under- standable delays occurred, and the industry is currently experiencing somewhat of a backlog. This means however, for ABC Wisconsin members, that 2023 is shaping up to be the busiest year in recent memory. “Our members are booked well into next year. As I can say is that the members we are speaking to are busy, and they are busy well into 2023.” With an association, it is natural to assume that the interests of the membership take preference above all else. While those at ABC Wisconsin certainly advocate fiercely for mem- bers, the overall goal isn’t necessarily success about all else. When I ask Mielke what he feels his members can offer a potential client, the answer is refreshing, fair and open. “You know, I don't like to frame the question that way. What does an ABC member offer versus a union member… We hope all of our members offer quality, safe projects, dedicated workers and are interested in delivering for the customer. That's not because they're trying to be different or better than a union company. It's because they're trying to be the best company they can be.” “We run an extensive and very successful apprenticeship program.” | 75 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY MANUELA ARMINI I n the Midwest of the United States, on the Stateline of Wis- consin and Illinois, lies the city of Beloit. A rich and bustling city, those familiar with the area have witnessed remarkable and widespread changes over the past few years with millions of dollars of investment being put into the area. Recent renovation projects have rejuvenated the city landscape and created vibrant new spaces where community can thrive. One of the major players in this transformation is general contracting company CCI (Corporate Contractor Inc.), which for over 40 years has actively supported the growth of the Stateline area. Among other impressive projects, CCI has recently repurposed a 100-year-old coal-burning power plant into a student union and athletic cen- ter, transformed a retail center area into a school, and built a new baseball stadium home to the Beloit Sky Carp team. However, its contribution is not limited to construction work. The company is equally known for its series of outreach activities, including fundraising campaigns, volunteer projects, and donations. CCI believes in delivering promises and giving back to the commu- nity. We met with Vice President of Business Development, Kevin Day, and its Director of Business and Workforce Development, Heather Dobson, to learn more about CCI’s work. | 76 APRIL 2023The Lincoln Academy Photo by Peer Canvas | 77 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONheadquarters in Beloit, an office in Delafield just outside Mil- waukee, and Lowell's office in Lake Geneva, CCI is well placed to expand its business as a commercial, industrial and resi- dential builder in Southern Wisconsin. Day describes CCI more as a solution provider than a general contractor or a builder. “We listen well, and we meet expectations. The projects that we excel at are not the norm. They always involve some chal- lenges. It may be budgetary, it might be design, it might be that you're working with a hundred-year-old building. It could be a variety of different things. Being in the business as long as CCI has, we can use past experiences to benefit our customers.” With a wide array of self-performed services, which include design, construction management, carpentry, roofing, masonry, custom fabrication, facility services, demolition, and excavation, the company offers its clients everything they need. “CCI focuses on delivering the promise,” says Dob- son. “Our aim is to offer the right services and solutions by following through and delivering on what the client is hoping for. If our team isn't the best option because of timing or location, then we will always look for the best partner for the project.” The company’s continued growth, evidenced by the range and scope of its clients and customers, is proof that not only are its promises being met but excelled. The quality CCI was originally founded as an in-house construction team for ABC Supply Co, Inc. to renovate and construct service cen- ter locations throughout the country. What began as an inter- nal department at the company developed into the standalone entity it is today through continued growth and expansion. However, it wasn't until the 2008 recession that CCI started diversifying its portfolio of clients beyond the in-house work it had thrived on. "It's created a lot of really exciting partnerships and opportunities for us to grow, to control our own destiny and to be strategic," says Dobson. She joined the company in 2017, and together with Day, she works on tracking strategic development opportunities. Over the past six years, Dobson has seen CCI double in both volume and associates. After acquiring Lowell Custom Homes in 2022, a high-end custom home designer and builder based in the Lake Geneva area, the company now counts an impressive 160 employees. The acquisition was the most recent move in its strategic plan to support the company's growth and its positive impact on the community. "Scott Lowell wanted to find a company that could carry his legacy, and culture-wise, we really align with each other because we are about quality of life here," says Day. "It was a great acquisition. That's an example of how we're trying to expand our offerings, and then geographically, it moves us to the East which is an area that we’d like to grow." With its “We listen well, and we meet expectations.” The Powerhouse Photo by Peer Canvas The Powerhouse Photo by Peer Canvas | 78 APRIL 2023and variety of CCI's services have attracted contracts with some of the larger companies in the Stateline area. “We can provide just about anything our clients would need when it comes to the envelopes of the building and also its interior renovations," says Day. With over 40 years of experience, the team at CCI is not afraid to take on a challenge. In fact, as Day explains, some of its most memorable projects have involved breathing new life into previously forgotten spaces. “We have a good eye for renovation, adaptive reuse, being creative, finding out ways that we can turn some old dirty building into something that people will actually utilize and enjoy.” The city of Beloit displays some of CCI's most remarkable works. The Powerhouse, for example, is a recent addition to Beloit College. Previously an old, decommissioned coal power plant, the building has now been transformed into a student union and athletic center with a competition pool. This new space where students can meet up, practice sports, and The Powerhouse Photo by Peer Canvas 79 | APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONNext >