These safety certifications are not only for yourself and making sure you stay safe and know how to avoid certain dangerous situations, but to also act as a benefit for the company you work with. It is a way for them to know who is qualified enough to do certain tasks on the job site.

Safety is always a recurring issue within the industry, because some individuals may not be trained properly for tasks they are assigned. Or perhaps they have had all the proper training, but they don’t follow the rules and tips they were taught. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of 2018, there were 150,000 injuries and over 1,000 deaths reported. 

Now, how do you know which certifications to get based on your trade? Well, most companies will send you to the proper training once you are hired before you step foot on any job site. However, if you are wanting to get the training on your own and be prepared for your first day on the job, here is a break down of the different certifications that you may need. Note: Some of these may be mandatory and some may not be, You may also be required to take extra training and certifications based on your company’s standards and the tasks you are assigned daily. 

OSHA 10 

This is the first step for most certifications, because it covers the basics of construction and workplace safety. Just about everyone in the industry will take this certification no matter their job title or a daily job. Some of the topics that OSHA 10 covers are slip and fall protection, ladder safety, fire prevention, electrical hazards, PPE (personal protective equipment), dangers of equipment, and the hazards of chemicals. With the course, you typically get exposed to real life situations in which you have to choose the right procedures, as well as an instructor to ask questions and a study guide, ending with a final exam. Once you pass, you are given a card that states the OSHA level you completed and your name. 

OSHA 30 

OSHA 30 is a 20-hour OSHA class, but you take the OSHA 10 first which then gets you to OSHA 30. This level of OSHA is more geared towards supervisors, and foremen. This level dives deeper into fall procedures with major falls, caught in between and struck-by hazards for all situations. They also touch on crane hazards, steel structure hazards, confined spaces, choosing the correct PPE, fire hazards, and MSD and RMD injuries. You’re probably wondering what MSD and RMD stand for. Well, MSD is Muscular Skeleton Disorders and RMD stands for Rhythmic Movement Disorder. With this level of OSHA, you are also trained on bloodborne pathogens and hazardous materials, as far as medical. Just like with OSHA 10, you are given case studies from real life events and workshops to help you better learn the materials. 

HAZWOPER 

Now we move onto the highest level of OSHA training that is offered with HAZWOPER. This level is broken down into three different sections: 8 hours, 24 hours, and 40 hours. 

8 Hour

This OSHA class is a refresher that allows construction workers who have previously done the training refresh their minds with the tips, tricks, and rules of OSHA. The topics include decontamination, toxicology, levels of protection, hazardous materials, respirators, site safety, and hazardous waste/communication. All the necessities of OSHA refreshed in an 8-hour course. 

24 hour

This level is for managers and workers that are exposed to job sites where they are dealing with hazardous materials. This level touches on fall protection, emergencies on the site, decontamination, hazardous materials, and regulations within the industry. 

40 hour 

This is the big whopper with OSHA and contains everything that you need to know as a worker in the industry no matter what your role may be. There are two different sections of this level for general site workers, as well as management and supervisors. With this being the highest level of an OSHA cert available, it covers everything from an introduction to OSHA, agency regulations, fall protection, excavations, fire prevention, electrocution, PPE, drums and containers, ergonomics, and so on. 

If you want more information on the different levels of OSHA and what they entail, visit www.oshaeducationcenter.com.

The Training Process 

Typically, you are sent to your specific training once you hired on with a company. Sometimes they will pay for it and sometimes they won’t. Other times you may receive the training in your vocational school if they offer it with your tuition. Either way, the process usually starts with you being sent to all your required certification and training before you step foot onto your job site. Once you are on the job working and received your training, the only thing you have to worry about with OSHA is a refresher every 5-10 years depending on the requirements of your company and the certifications you have. 

We are all for safety, and believe that it is very important with any job, especially in the construction trades. Without the proper training and knowledge, you may be put into a situation that you don’t know how to handle which can cause injury to you and those around you. Make sure you are properly educated and are comfortable in your daily job. If you are in anyway unsure, speak to a supervisor so they can get you the proper training to keep yourself and your coworkers safe.

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The Mass Timber Reform

Mass timber is when the structure of a building is built of strict timber. For a build to be considered ‘mass timber’, the timber must be the main source of stability. For example, wooden framed housing would not be considered mass timber. When building mass timber structures, builders can use a variety of different types of wood which in turn can provide a longer lifespan and durability to certain builds.

To prevent an increase in deforestation, mass timber builds can come from smaller and sickly trees that are already dying and cleared as a method of preventing wildfires. Even though this is an issue that is of high concern, the forests today are highly managed, and deforestation is beyond many people’s worries.

As we have mentioned, the main reason mass timber building is a strategy that is being researched is due to the number of carbon emissions. By replacing steel and concrete building materials with timber, the number of carbon emissions would go down resulting in a cleaner and more functional environment.

In addition to being able to lower carbon emissions, there are many other benefits of using wood in builds. Wood paneling is much lighter than steel and/or concrete as well as being much stronger. Some studies have shown that it may be more resistant to fire than other building materials. The pricing of heat could potentially decrease as wood paneling warms itself naturally, therefore the need to heat your home would be less. As this trend is growing more rapidly, the wood interior is highly sought after amongst architects and designers due to its functionality and aesthetics.

Consider a steel building that has an emissions profile of 2,000 metric tons of CO2. By replacing this specific build with a timber, you instantly diminish the high amount of CO2, and that’s just one job. Don’t stop there.

An Architect Andrew Ruff stated:

“Instead of adding to climate change, you are mitigating climate change. That’s the goal.”

Aside from the aesthetics and the chance to reduce carbon emissions, the construction process for building with timber is much easier and less time-consuming. This leads to happy workers and happy neighbors to the building site.

Russ Vaagen, a fourth-generation lumberman, stated:

“Mass timber is the future. It has a lighter carbon footprint; is at least 25 percent faster to build with and requires 75 percent fewer workers on the active deck; comes from forests that are renewable and that, in many cases, need thinning to reduce the danger of wildfire and disease; holds promise as affordable housing; and even, increases homeowners health and wellbeing, according to several studies of woods biophilic attributes.”

Not everyone is completely sold on this trend. There are a lot of components that have yet to be discussed and questions are left unanswered. As the trend continues to get out into the world and mentioned, the more it will be talked and thought of. Until then, we are all left wondering is this worth it? Will the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to building?

John Talberth has formed his own opinion as the president of The Center for Sustainable Economy in Portland with this statement:

“We want to debunk the myth that mass timber is in any way, the shape or form related to some kind of environmental benefit.”

Do you think his statement is right or wrong?

As projects are underway and studies are done to further research the impact that mass timber building has on the environment and its benefits, the citizens are left quiet with the unknowns. Here at Building Empires, we believe that anything to improve the sustainability of the environment is worth looking into. Although, will wood paneling and timber be as durable and last as long as steel and concrete in regards to building materials?

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Within the past couple years, the cost of rebuilding has increased drastically and continues to increase due to the shortage of labor in the construction industry. When it comes to what insurance covers, the amount the insurance company will offer for rebuilding should increase as they costs increase, shouldn’t they? If insurance companies aren’t factoring this into what their plans cover, then homeowners are going to be left with a huge responsibility under their belt should something like this ever happen to them. The thought of losing your home and all of your belongings in a natural disaster is terrifying and, unfortunately very real. Many people each year have to overcome this obstacle, many of which are left with nothing- making it very difficult to fund a rebuild when not covered under their insurance plan. What is the point of having one if it doesn’t cover you 100%? 

Just within the year of 2018, 14 natural disasters occurred including wildfires and hurricanes. All of which cost over $91 billion dollars according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The year of 2018 marked 8 years in a row where natural disasters cause damage in the billion dollar range. 

The year of 2018 was also set as the year of highest temperature. This not only acts as a risk for drought but also fires, stronger hurricanes, and more snowfall in the winter months.  All of this research and actual events have insurance companies running around recalculating the coverage on homes that may be at loss during disasters that occur. Based on the location and region of your home, the costs of rebuilding may be increased which means insurance companies may be more stingy on the coverage they offer. 

Amy Gromowski, senior leader of analytics at CoreLogic stated, “Underinsurance issues can cause financial devastation for property owners, artificially low coverage limits for insurance carriers, and increased loan delinquencies.” 

One-time claim problems are expected to be seen as issues, because if building and labor costs are not carefully monitored, insurance coverage and claims may be inaccurate according to your plan. This leave many homeowners with the thought of, what would happen if I was in this situation? 

Just within California alone, the cost of labor and materials has increased so much that 110,000 properties were identified as at risk for wildfire with a rebuild cost of $400,000. Costs are significantly higher and who is to say their insurance is properly covering them? 

Let’s say that if 1% of homes that were at risk were lost in a wildfire. With an increase of 5.6%, that would cost $25 million if insurance did not cover the damage. That is an unbelievable amount of money, all due to insurance companies underinsured homeowners. 

“Homeowners who experience natural hazard events, such as California wildfires, are often struck by personal and financial devastation and many aren’t able to rebuild their homes, which prolongs the regions recovery and often causes homeowners to default on their mortgages” Amy Gromowski also stated. This could not only cause issues in region recovery, but in the housing market if people are becoming delinquent on home loans. 

Dependent on where your home is located, go over your insurance plan and what it covers with your agent and clarify that your home is properly insured. Whether you live in tornado alley, in a place at high risk for fires, or on the coastline in route of hurricanes- make sure you and your home will be protected no matter what. We build our homes as our safe place and to be our safety blanket to any and all things that can happen in life, shouldn’t your home be a place you feel protected and safe even in the path of a natural disaster?

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Chicago Mercantile Exchange has all eyes on them in regards to the trading of softwood when they closed a July contract at $360. A few days later a September contract had decreased by $12. All in which provided little hope in the recent price drops possibility of reversing direction.

The Effect of the Flatline of Softwood Lumber Prices

In regards to the flatline of softwood lumber pricing, wood production orders at most sawmills were within one week or less, which for this time of year was extremely short. Fortunately, most manufacturers have been able to extend orders to create a more stable duration as we mentioned above. Many manufacturers have been able to book out as far as two weeks, which has helped production in a sense, and taking off as much stress as possible. 

Thankfully, the demand was high enough that it prevented suppliers from needing to cut their prices. According to Madison’s Lumber Reporter, “Softwood lumber sales and trading on the futures board took a step back as players in Canada and the U.S absconded for national holiday”. 

In regards to this flatline, It seems as though buyers have found a new price range that is among the lowest seen, and of course during the season’s slowest time this caused an uproar within the sawmills. Madison’s reports that these prices are expected to stick around until Labor Day. Typically, prices lower in the autumn and the year usually ends with lows. The past few years on the other hand have been anything but normal in regards to trends and pricing. We haven’t seen a steady flow with pricing all over the board. 

When will Softwood Lumber Prices Increase?

Lumber prices remain flatlined with the occasional product commodity with pricing increasing and decreasing. As of now, it all depends on the day and where the demand is at. 

Western Spruce Pine Fir for example has been at a steady $402 thousand board feet. In July, the price was up $104 and 35%, which is more than has been recorded. The same time last year, the price was actually lower at -35%. Other products have been reported as constantly changing. 

Madison’s Lumber Reporter also stated, “Two-tiered sales activity remained prevalent as secondary suppliers continued to offer quick shipment and slightly lower price levels than sawmills”. 

Due to holidays in Canada, many people were on leave which caused all trading of Eastern Spruce Pine Fir to be at a standstill with other products. However, they held firm pricing as levels continued to flatline. 

Quebec producers prepared for a two week construction shutdown. With roughly two weeks of orders at hand, finding other sources of demand became a huge priority amongst these producers over the next couple weeks. 

Will these numbers continue to flatline or will we see an uprise? We are moving out of the busy summer months and back into autumn which leaves everyone on the edge of their seats. If this season ends with these numbers and with the demand issues we are facing, what does that mean for next year’s numbers? 

As stated by Madison’s Lumber Reporter, it is thought that this flatline was caused from personnel throughout Canada and the US being on leave for holiday. Is this what prompted the flatline or are there more details that we are missing? 

The building industry is constantly changing based on new building trends, products that are available, and the environment. All of which play a big part in supply and demand with new products being launched. With the start of new building materials manufacturers, who knows where we will stand within the next year. As the busy season comes to a close, producers are left with the thought of how they can improve their products’ demand and what they can do to come out on top, rather than fall to the bottom next year.

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Artificial intelligence is among these new pieces of technology and is one that we use almost every day but don’t always pay attention to it. Artificial intelligence is the technical ability to enable computers and machines to copy human intelligence. These pieces of tech can make decisions, remember images and things they saw, recognize things such as speech and translate the language. With AI being developed, more machines are learning how to remember algorithms, input data, recognize patterns and make decisions without having to be managed by a human.

Artificial Intelligence in Construction

On a construction site, some of the common duties you see are generating projects, conducting daily data reports, plans for the job, estimate job costs, budget management, and controlling progress photos of the job. These are just a few of the many jobs that are contracted for construction sites. Do you think Artificial Intelligence would be useful on a construction site? Do you think it would help enhance productivity and organization?

After conducting research and examining how Artificial Intelligence can operate, there are a few reasons why it is thought that AI would be useful on construction job sites. The first one, which is a major priority for job site managers, is a safe construction site. It is vital that the site itself is safe as well as having employees that are trained and aware of the dangers that can occur and how to manage and prevent them. Within the past years, there hasn’t been much improvement in safety on job sites, although there are certain pieces of tech such as drones, smartwatches, two-way radios, and site sensors that are being implemented more into job sites in hopes of promoting safety.

Artificial Intelligence is among these and is bringing hope to the construction industry in both areas of productivity and safety. VINNIE, which is an AI developed engine, was created to identify construction workers in photos and videos to determine if they are wearing the proper personal protective equipment based on the job. If VINNIE doesn’t see hardhats, safety vests, gloves, or safety glasses, for example, it will alert a superior. VINNIE which stands for “Very Intelligent Neural Network for Insight and Evaluation” would be a great addition to any construction site, as it could potentially increase job productivity as well as keep the workers safe.

We have seen the elevation of self-driving and self-managing cars from Tesla and there is not a piece of tech being created that will be able to manage itself and be completely autonomous. These machines are being created to use 3D maps, sensors, cameras, and GPS to provide real-time data without the need for human management. On construction job sites, especially with the bigger more in-depth commercial jobs, there are times where changes on the terrain and the outline of the job itself change. This machine can easily pull data and compare it with pictures to determine the best way to manage the change. All of this can promote job productivity as well as the overall job completion time.

Other Uses for Artificial Intelligence in Construction

Finally, a very important component in construction is planning and scheduling. Usually, on a site, there is a planned outline of when each part of the job needs to be completed and which worker is working on each part. AI can outline the job and its deadlines to create a manageable and flexible schedule for everyone on the site. This can include something as simple as the hours of each construction worker and which piece of the job they are responsible for. This can also help with the actual layout of the job itself to match a certain completion date.

Technology will continue to evolve through trial and error. The hopes for these pieces of tech is that it will enhance job productivity, job development, and management of the site and its workers. What do you think? Do you think it will help to improve the construction industry?

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Amazon’s New Build

Amazon bought a plot of land for $195 million earlier this year in the Seattle suburbs in Bellevue, Washington. The building hosts a 1 million square feet space that stands 43 stories high.

The layout of the high rise is planned to consist of 885,000 square feet of office space, with 14,000 square feet being retail. This is in addition to areas full of amenities and meeting spaces for employees and visitors. The building is being created to house the company’s headquarters and is on track to be completed by 2024.

As of right now, Amazon has not made any statements in regards to making a major shift in Seattle. In 2017, Amazon leased a building in Rainer Square that consists of 722,000 square feet. They are planning to sublease the building with the new building in the works.

Why The Big Move?

Amazon planned to make the move to Seattle once the city decided to start a $275 annual head tax per employee for companies who make around $20 million or more each year in revenue. The money was originally supposed to go to homeless individuals, but has increased with the economy. Amazon is working to add several different locations to their current army of locations. They chose a location in Long Island and New York City to be their next two multi-million dollar locations.

Currently, the tallest building in Seattle were Amazons Bellevue Towers, until the build of the new Amazon building is completed in the year 2024.

In April of this year, the company Geek Wire stated that Amazon was planning to make the move of their Worldwide Operations Teams which consists of thousands of employees and handles the majority of the company’s delivery and logistics team. Amazon’s main goal at all of their locations is to improve the overall productivity in operations, so they can get customers’ packages at their doors in a timely manner. Amazon has over 175 fulfillment centers across the world and a delivery team that manages trucks, trailers, and airplanes. With the new location of Amazon’s operations team, they are looking to implement new logistics when it comes to delivery.

This move particularly is allowing Amazon to continue getting more involved with the regions of Seattle and the community.

The Mayor of Seattle John Chelminiak stated, “We’re excited by today’s announcement that Amazon plans to expand its presence in Bellevue” as of April 2019.

“As a community, we have worked hard to anticipate this type of positive growth downtown, and Amazon is a natural fit. It is also critical that these types of jobs stay in the region. Bellevue values our business community and we look forward to working with the company as their transition progresses. Welcome Home Amazon!”

Amazon got a lot of push-back from the City of New York when they decided to ‘abandon’ their location their and continue their building elsewhere. As of now, Amazon is very pleased with their decision to build in Seattle as they now house over 45,000 employees in the Seattle alone. They also currently have about 11,000 jobs that are currently unfilled.

Are you looking forward to the completion of Amazon’s new build? What changes do you think they will make to their operations and delivery with the amount of space they now have access to?

In the words of the Mayor of Seattle, Welcome Home Amazon!

If you liked this article and want to keep up to date with similar industry news updates, be sure to follow us here at Building Empires Media Group!

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During the years of 2006-2011, the construction industry lost around 2.3 million jobs, and today there is a significantly lower amount of residential construction jobs according to Tradesmen International. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics shows about 200,000 unfilled construction jobs. 

An immense amount of pressure is being put on developers, contractors, and owners to fill these open positions in one way or another. Although there is a shortage of workers, the construction industry continues to be booming. In regards to the lack of employees, companies are turning to the technological advancements that can be put in place of the missing workers. 

How Technology is Being Used

Drones

Drones and AI are the first pieces of technology being used in place of actual workers. Since drones can take 3D images in high definition and capture angles that aren’t able to be caught by a person, they have taken the place of one job. Drones have a high efficiency in construction sites because they can assist in skyscraper builds, home remodels, roofing jobs, and much more. AI or artificial intelligence is becoming more and more useful within the construction industry. AI evaluates the job progress and can even locate employees and the location of equipment. AI is useful is helping projects stay on schedule and keeping job sites organized. 

Automated Machinery

Automated machinery is something that has been spoken about in regards to one day completely taking over every trade. Robots are sufficient in bricklaying, welding, pouring concrete, and demolition. Robotics are expected to be taking over human jobs eventually. Robots have the ability of programming specific settings, which eliminates the risk of tasks not being completed properly. 

Software

Collaboration tools and software are being used on construction sites to help keep the efficiency at an all-time high. These tools and software implement a system that allows construction workers to stay on task, as well as access the specifications of a job and change or delete orders and drawings. BIM or Building Information Modeling is an excellent example of this; basically, it takes a 3D or 4D image of any structure and allows it to be altered with settings. Similar to Augmented Reality, it will enable workers to see a job once individual installs are complete such as framing, drywall, windows, and more. This system also allows you to foresee specific problems that could arise, which means mistakes are kept to a minimum.

Off The Job Construction 

Many construction sites are relying on off-site construction, also known as prefabs to provide their job site with specific materials and components that are built and ready to be installed. For example, prefabs can give a site with pre-assembled steel structures for the structural builds on office buildings. Many prefabs use robotics to create these items; it has been proven that robots can move and produce at a quicker rate than humans. As a result, they have been more efficient in production and job completion times. Also, it helps take the workload off of trade workers, which creates a healthier work environment. With robots creating the main components for a job, this now leaves the trade workers with the tasks of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. 

In the past, the construction industry has had a complicated relationship with technology because of the what-ifs. The idea of trusting automated machines, software, and robots with completing the most critical jobs on a construction site can be nerve-wracking. Thankfully, they have shown to be successful so far, but one mistake or mess up could be costly to a construction site and their job.

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About this New OSHA Heat Standard

After an unfortunate incident in California where a farmworker passed away from heat stroke after picking grapes in 104-degree heat for countless hours, an act was created. The Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act of 2019 to be exact. This would cause OSHA to require mandatory monitoring of all employees and develop heat prevention plans. OSHA will create a limit for heat exposure and take into consideration the requirements of the NIOSH. The health and safety of our workers should take priority over all things.

Chu stated in the bill that the mental and physical capacities of workers who are in the line of fire is increased with exposure to heat. As a result, the risk of work-related injuries increased immensely, which can cause an increase in worker compensation.

OSHA’s current guidelines in regards to keeping employees safe during high heat workdays is as follows:

• Employers are required to provide water and rest, as well as shade for workers.
• Giving leniency to new workers as they acclimate to the high temperatures
• Having a plan in place for emergencies
• Making sure workers are trained and educated in heat illness and injuries
• Monitoring workers for signs of heat illness or injury

 States like California, Washington, and Minnesota have all developed their heat standards in hopes to decrease the chances of this happening within their construction sites. For example, California follows the OSHA guidance and requires each person to drink 1 quart of water per hour as well as take breaks and rest in the shade to keep their body temperature down.

Studies have shown that more deaths occur from heat-related injury and illness than hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and lightning. Heatstroke, exhaustion, and dehydration are very risky because most times you don’t notice symptoms until it’s too late.

Here are the most common heat illness and injuries to watch out for and their symptoms.

Heat Stroke

Heatstroke is when your body temperature reaches higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms can often hit you all at once, as well as be gradual. The main symptoms to watch for are confusion, red and dry skin, clamminess, headache, and dizziness. More severe complications can include seizure, rhabdomyolysis, and kidney failure. Heatstroke is the leading cause of over 600 deaths in the US per year.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when you are exposed to high temperatures and humidity. Without the proper precautions, heat exhaustion can result in heat stroke which can be fatal as discussed. Symptoms to watch out for are clamminess, heavy sweating, faintness, dizzy spells, fatigue, rapid or weak pulse, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, nausea, and headaches. If you start to notice any of these symptoms stop any activity you are doing, move to a cool place, and drink cool water and sports drinks.

Dehydration

Dehydration is caused when exposed to heat, high-intensity activity, and lack of water intake. Symptoms to look out for are extreme thirst, less urination, dark colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.

These few illnesses are just touching the surface of all the possible injuries and illnesses that can occur if you or your co-workers are exposed to high heat. If you have any concerns that your construction site is lacking these few standards, take the time to talk with your manager. Ask them if they have ever considered implementing procedures for heat-related injuries and illnesses. If they do not seem interested, then contact OSHA and have them come to your job site. Your health and the health of your coworkers should be the number priority in a functional and efficient job site.

To keep gaining helpful information like the New OSHA Heat Standard you’ve found in this blog, make sure to follow our series on this topic!

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Microsoft is a good example, as they are using timber in the renovation of its Silicon Valley Campus and in return is hoping to save around 20% of carbon emissions. Additional structures that are building with wood rather than other materials are Sidewalk Labs, Alphabet Inc which is a parent company to Google, and an entire neighborhood in Toronto. This neighborhood is set to break the world record of structure built out of timber. 

Concerning the mention of a neighborhood that is completely made of timber structures, Rebecca Holt, a sustainable building advisor at Perkin + Will stated, “It’s a sexy product that everybody’s talking about. Its wonderful quality when you step inside the building and experience it.”

The History of Timber 

As of the 1990s, timber set the bar high when it came to materials used for building. Europeans realized the aesthetically pleasing architecture that wood provided when it was stacked on top of one another and alternated direction. It created a masterpiece in a sense. This wood technique recently made its way to the United States and many groups are starting to take note and consider this cross-laminated timber design in future builds.

Milestones Timber Has Met 

In 2017, the University of British Columbia achieved the build of the tallest cross-laminated timber structure in the world. This building was an 18-story dorm- without a doubt a milestone. In response to this build in British Columbia, governments in Oregon and Washington have been encouraging the use of timber. California soon followed by offering grant money for wood builds.  

Victor Olgyay from Rocky Mountain Institute stated, “People go, Wow, I didn’t know you could do that.” People didn’t even know to that building with 100% timber was possible. If this technique was discovered before the modern-day, imagine how different our cities could be? Not only with the design aesthetic, but the climate and air quality alone. 

The Revolution of Timber Builds | Environmental Effect 

Most of the timber used in these builds is shaped in a clean and suitable environment allowing them to be precise once on the job site. Due to this, the building process itself is much less stressful. Once the wood arrives, all that is needed to be done is secure the wood in place, and voila! 

It is unsure how popular this design technique will become. As of now, developers are looking at starting with mid-rise buildings and working their way up to the bigger ideas. A Japanese company is planning to build an 80-story building and 1,148 good skyscrapers in the year 2041. The anticipation is sure to grow over the next 20 years, and who knows what will be developed at that time. 

At this moment, there is unfortunately not a known way to build with just timber quite yet. While research continues, limited amounts of steel and concrete are being used to ensure a sturdy and durable build. 

Everything has risks which can be scary. In an all-timber building, the one thing on people’s minds is what happens if there is a fire? Well, a Swedish study showed that timber buildings had fewer fires than traditional buildings. Although when it comes to water damage, insurance companies are less likely to work with their clients who live or work in an all-timber building. As for fire protection, there is an option referred to as the “charring layer” of wood. This insulates the timber from fires and acts as a fire-resistant wall barring. 

As of today, this is not a fully developed idea or architecture plan. There is still a lot of research that needs to be conducted before there is a revolution of timber builds to ensure that we as citizens are safe and protected. One thing that is being discussed is that even though using wood can lower carbon emissions, it is not generally protecting the existing forestry. Everything has its pros and cons to work through. Dependent on the research and development of our world, we know today may soon be full of wooden apartments, and office buildings. Only time will tell.

“We need to pay attention to impacts like clean water, and habitats for species. If rolled out responsibly, this could be very exciting,” said the president of Forest Stewardship, Corey Brinkema.

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Francis is expected to assume his duties as President and CEO on September 1st, but everyone here at Building Empires Media wanted to address what we believe is an interesting question- an elephant in the room of sorts. 

Can Julian Francis fill the shoes of Paul Isabella?

Julian Francis has been serving as president of the insulation division at Owens Corning since October of 2014. With many successes in his time there, he definitely does seem qualified- but shareholders of Beacon have seen some amazing successes in Isabella’s 9 years as CEO at Beacon (acquired position in 2010). They’ve seen shares double over his time from approximately $18 per share in 2010, to just over $36 per shares today.

Isabella has also brought much recognition to the organization with multiple placements in the ProSales Top 100 List as well as the #3 spot in the 2019 ProSales Top 100. They were able to achieve this on the back of a 58.60% revenue increase in a single year. This was an increase of over $2.5 billion dollars from one calendar year to the next! Many will argue that the increase was on the back of the $2.62 billion dollar acquisition of Allied Building Products (2018). But regardless of how you look at it, growth is growth, and Beacon has become a powerhouse in these recent years.

Isabella is exiting amiably according to many statements given by Robert R. Buck, Beacon’s Chairman, saying that “He has been a valued leader to our management team, especially through our recent transformative acquisitions of RSG and Allied”. The plan is that Isabella will remain as an outside adviser after his departure, but only time will tell how well this works out.

One thing Francis has going for him, is that he is entering an organization that is happy to have him. “We are enthusiastic to have Julian join Beacon as our President and CEO and a member of our Board of Directors,” said Robert R. Buck, Beacon’s Chairman. “Julian brings a unique blend of executive and operational experience, strong industry reputation and knowledge, and a strategic vision that set him apart from other candidates in our national search.”

We wish Francis and the Beacon organization much success in the coming years. One thing we know for sure is that the shareholders and building community as a whole will have our eye on what next moves this leading company will make in the near future.

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