< PreviousSustainability and Green Construction As the world grapples with climate change, the construction industry is under increased pressure to adopt more sus- tainable practices. From energy-efficient buildings to sus- tainable and renewable materials, the focus is has shifted towards reducing the environmental impact of construction projects. While construction is not alone in this, it is cer- tainly going to have an increasing impact on the industry in terms of costs, project management and maintaining strict budgets. According to the US Green Building Council, estimates show that by the end of 2024, green construction will account for more than 50% of all new commercial and institutional construction. Environmental scientist Dr. Sarah Thompson believes that the time for optional improvements has ended and an increased demand on sustainable prac- tices is now the norm. "Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity in construction. Companies that prioritize green practices not only contribute to environmental con- servation but also benefit from cost savings and improved public perception." Labor Shortages and Skilled Workforce Challenges One of the perennial challenges faced by the construction industry has been the shortage of skilled labor. This difficulty, exasperated by the COVID pandemic and a mindset shift amongst people to pursue university-led careers, has meant that construction companies around the world are having difficulties in completing the many funded projects across multiple sectors. While labor issues have always presented a problem, the retirement of experienced workers coupled with a decline in the number of new entrants to the construc- tion workforce have created a significant gap. Worryingly, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is projected to face a shortage of over 1.5 million skilled workers by 2025. While much is being done to address the issue, it is a complex challenge and, according to labor market analyst Michael Rodriguez, the solution needs to come through a combined approach. "Addressing the labor shortage requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in training programs, promoting diversity in the workforce, and leveraging technology to augment labor-intensive tasks are key strategies for overcoming this challenge." | 10 FEBRUARY 2024Regulatory Changes and Compliance The construction industry is no stranger to regulatory changes, and staying compliant with evolving standards is crucial for success. From safety regulations to environmen- tal policies, companies must navigate a complex web of rules and codes. As demands on companies develop and expand, so too do the rules that govern these practices. A survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) reveals that 68% of construction firms expect an increase in regulatory challenges in 2024. With an ever-changing regulatory landscape, the onus is now on con- struction companies to invest time and money into ensuring they remain compliant. Proactive measures, such as regular training and robust documentation can help mitigate risks associated with regulatory changes. Resilience Planning and Risk Management Global events, such as the COVID pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties, have underscored the importance of resilience in the construction industry. While the industry has indeed demonstrated the required skills of adaptation and innova- tion, it has not come out unscathed from a tough few years. McKinsey & Company, in a recent report, indicated that almost 82% of construction executives plan to increase their focus on resilience planning. Understandably, it seems as though companies are reevaluating their risk management strategies and incorporating resilience planning to ensure continuity in the face of unforeseen challenges. With an increased focus on scenario planning, supply chain management and by embrac- ing digital technologies, resilience planning for the coming year will likely go beyond traditional risk assessments. So, what does all this mean for the North American construc- tion sector? As ever, analysists are divided in their opinions. Depending on your viewpoint, the industry is either on the cusp of greatness or a precarious precipice. What seems certain is that the construction industry is in a place of change. A transformative year, navigating a landscape shaped by techno- logical innovations, sustainability imperatives, workforce chal- lenges, regulatory changes, and resilience planning is ahead of us. If the industry embraces these changes to some degree, the sector could be poised for growth and evolution. However, the key to this success lies in its ability to adapt, collaborate, and embrace the opportunities that the dynamic construction landscape presents. With the hindsight of its skillful navigation in recent times, the future is cautiously positive. “The key to this success lies in its ability to adapt, collaborate, and embrace opportunities.” | 11 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY EMMA KILCAWLEY HEMANI T he Canadian Concrete Pipe and Precast Association (CCPPA) advocates on behalf of its producer mem- bers, manufacturers of concrete pipe and precast structures. By working with municipalities, consulting firms and provincial entities, CCPPA provides information/educa- tion with respect to the design, manufacturing, installation, and inspection of both concrete pipes and precast struc- tures. The association also provides specification support in terms of updates and/or or reviews. To educate members, the association hosts events such as Lunch and Learns and half-day seminars. While this is a vital element of its work, Jude Tremblay, P. Engineer, and President at CCPPA explains that it is through a process of meeting, engaging, and net- working with consultants that design the infrastructure as well as the infrastructure owners such as provincial and municipal entities. | 12 FEBRUARY 2024“One of the best things that we do is organize plant tours where we bring consultants and infrastructure owners staff through a concrete pipe/precast manufacturing facility. This always provides a deeper understanding of the manufactur- ing process while also highlighting the design and engineer- ing capabilities of concrete pipe and precast producer. Each of our producer members has their own engineering design department that can provide support from the design stage through to the delivery stage. I believe most people don’t know the range of project support that a concrete pipe/pre- cast producer can provide on a given infrastructure project. It’s really a wide range; almost a one-stop-shop.” In the last few years, the association has developed a prac- tical “hands-on” training program for inspection staff from both municipalities and consulting offices. This training that is referred to as “Inspector Information Sessions” is designed to be very interactive. It is facilitated by concrete pipe/pre- cast producer staff and provides a wide range of practical information from the design to the manufacturing, the installation and the inspection of concrete pipe and precast structures. As Tremblay explained, this hands-on approach is a very effec- tive way of providing practical knowledge. “The attendees see the structures/concrete pipes in place, discuss various aspects with producer staff and at the end of the day gain a better understanding of how these components come together on the job site and are able to work with the con- tractor to ensure proper installation and also pass on some of that information during their site inspections.” The association began as the Ontario Concrete Pipe Associ- ation in 1957 when the Ontario concrete pipe producers got together to form the OCPA. In 2013, the association expanded west to include Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. This is when the CCPPA (Canadian Concrete Pipe & Precast Association) was born. The association celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, and Tremblay attributes its success to the strong commitment demonstrated by the pro- ducer members. “They're the ones that created the Ontario Concrete Pipe Association. Then when it expanded into the Canadian Concrete Pipe and Precast Association, the com- mitment was unwavering from the existing members as well as the new western members. It brought in quite a number of new members. There’s been unrelenting dedication and focus to ensure that our association continues to be a key resource for infrastructure owners as well as consult- ing companies throughout Canada. Photo by Carlo L. Mion | 13 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONThroughout these ten years, the association has smashed several milestones. While for Tremblay, the most significant of these is the expansion itself —an event which marked the beginning of its journey— the association has developed a network of contacts throughout Canada, establishing itself as an important resource for municipalities and consultants. For him, networking and “being seen as a resource” are key milestones that have been achieved. Currently, the association is working to improve the carbon footprint in the precast indus- try – stepping into a new age of environmental sustainability. With recent forest fires that raged throughout the summer, the evidence is clear. Climate change is a significant challenge to the precast industry. The manufacturing of cement generates a significant amount of CO2. Cement is a key ingredient for producing concrete. But not all concrete is created equal. Precast concrete provides “a reduced carbon footprint as the final install product.” Tremblay notes a trend over the past 10 to 12 years where the benefits of precast are being harnessed to mitigate against these challenges. “Previously, a structural element would be cast-in-place where you'd have a forming contractor arrived on site, ready mixed concrete would be delivered. It would be poured into the forms, if it was winter, it would have to be heated and protected for at least seven days. The forms would come off. They'd have to do multiple pours, and so the scheduling was quite long to build a concrete structural element on site. Precast elements are produced in a manufacturing facility that is temperature controlled and provides minimal waste and very efficient pro- duction. Having precast elements prefabricated for a given project provides an accelerated schedule and reduces the overall time of constructions and has an impact on reducing traffic congestion when the project involves roadways. The use of precast structural elements has accelerated through the pandemic because of ongoing labor shortages, the need for accelerated construction and other challenges. We keep seeing more and more elements that would typically be cast- in-place on site now being done by our producer members.” The advantage to this, he says, is clear. This accelerated con- struction can reduce an installation from weeks or months down to days. There’s a lot of advantages to using precast and the push in that direction is significant. “This accelerated construction can reduce an installation from weeks or months down to days.” Photo by Carlo L. Mion | 14 FEBRUARY 2024The other aspect of the industry that also helps reduce the carbon footprint, is the fact that concrete pipe and precast producers are local. They use local raw materials, local labour, designed locally and are used in local infrastructure projects. Other alternative materials have a significantly higher trans- portation component. Some materials travel halfway across North America in some cases.” Tremblay was recently appointed as President of CCPPA, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge. He has been working in the concrete industry since he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, in 1989. He has always had a strong passion for concrete. After taking on this new role, he toured all the producer member facilities from Ontario through to British Columbia. Meeting all of the association's members. He discussed with them what they valued in the association, and what more could be done to help them. Moving forward, his vision is to make CCPPA an essential resource for infrastructure owners and consultants, to provide them with support in terms of technical expertise and training and ultimately, to help owners and consultants ensure their infrastructure projects are durable and resilient. With this in mind, 2024 is looking positive for the association, with the expansion of the practical training initiative across Canada. Tremblay explained: “The Inspector Information Sessions are extremely popular with municipal engineering departments and engineering consultants with their younger staff. We're going to also continue to provide lunch and learns as well as plant tours.” There is also a strong focus on social media and growing the association’s presence on YouTube to share short videos aimed at the inspection and installation of concrete pipes and precast products. Tremblay explained, “Our goal is to be more present in those social media platforms and to utilize them and expand our support. The short videos are very effective in conveying those key points in terms of installation and inspection of concrete pipe and precast products." Growth is a key focus of CCPPA moving into the new year. This will be achieved, as always, by nurturing its network, growing its number of contacts, and continuing to be the foremost resource for infrastructure owners and consultants throughout the country. If the ongoing success of the con- crete pipe and precast concrete sector is anything to go by, the future is a bright one for CCPPA and its members. | 15 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONWRITTEN BY DAVID O’NEILL T he construction industry is one of perpetual change. Companies across the spectrum of sectors are contin- uously growing, innovating, and developing. Meeting the needs of clients is a challenge that never sleeps and companies find themselves upskilling and rising to the many challenges on a near-constant basis. In this context, it is important to occa- sionally take stock, recognize your contribution to the market, and react accordingly. For twenty years, M CON Pipe & Products Inc. has delivered precast concrete drainage infrastructure across a variety of sectors in a peerless fashion. However, as the industry has developed, so too have the skills, products, and services that the company offers. With the company now bringing an all-encompassing service to its clients, Cristina Mion, General Manager, explains how a continuous process of rigorous self-evaluation led to an exciting decision. “Internal evaluation is an ongoing practice for us. Over the last 20 years, we've really grown — through our own operations and in the part- nerships that we've established. A big part of our future plan is to continue offering unique customizable solutions addressing any construction challenges that are present for our customers on a variety of development sites.” | 17 APEIRON CONSTRUCTIONCelebrating 20 years of OMNI PRECAST, Numesh is thrilled to be a longstanding partner in bringing their remarkable projects to life. The leading Canadian manufacturer of welded wire mesh for concrete reinforcement. Numesh welded wire mesh is engineered to enhance the strength and durability of concrete structures. Numesh provides reliable reinforcement solutions so that your projects will withstand the test of time and meet the highest industry standards. Coils for cage- welding machines Straight & cut wire ... and more! Laval – Numesh Inc.Brantford – Numesh Ontario Inc. www.numesh.com The result is OMNI PRECAST. A forward-facing company that is built on the foundation of 20 years’ experience and service to the precast industry across its many facets. The rebrand is the cornerstone of the company’s 20th anniver- sary celebrations, reflecting as Cristina says, “the company that we’ve grown into, and the future we’re committed to.” As she explains, OMNI —meaning ‘all’— is a brand that best cov- ers the comprehensive body of work the company brings to its clients. “We are a precast solutions provider. We address evolving infrastructure challenges with sustainable precast products developed in collaboration with our network. With our incredibly skilled team of engineers and production per- sonnel we’re able to provide completely custom offerings to any and all construction challenges.” | 18 FEBRUARY 2024Next >