Colleges, universities planning major construction projects as student enrollment rebounds

Current data continues to indicate significant increases in student enrollments at universities and community colleges throughout the U.S. Community college enrollment was hit especially hard by the effects of the pandemic, but by 2023 a noted increase of 5.3% in student transfers from community colleges to universities had occurred. That trend continues, and these small-sounding […]

Carbon emission concerns are rapidly changing delivery requirements for construction projects

Here’s a fact that may be surprising – it surely was to me. The construction or renovation of buildings accounts for approximately 39% of the total global energy-related carbon emissions each year. Embodied carbon contributes another 11%. That category refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions generated over the lifecycle of a building, road or […]

Funding Opportunities for Research and Development Projects Are Open Now

Federal research and development are critical to global competitiveness, so Congress is committed to supporting and encouraging both. Federal programs prioritize funding for almost every type of research. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) allocated a little more than $20 billion through 61 research programs. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) dedicated another $2.5 billion […]

This Issue Provides Thousands of New Opportunities for Collaboration

by Mary Scott Nabers   America has a waste problem – not only is it expensive, but it is a daunting issue for all. Public waste management operations in many cities cannot absorb population growth, urban expansion, and the overwhelming increase of industrialization. New systems, locations, equipment, and technology are required. Public officials work overtime to […]

Cities seek new executives to meet changing needs

New executive titles on organizational charts in U.S. cities substantiate that cities are experiencing radical change. City divisions such as public works, economic development, technology, parks and planning are still vital, but newly hired sustainability officers, data chiefs, innovation directors, etc. reflect how cities are addressing new concerns that point to an evolving culture. Two […]