What we're reading, following & covering

Fountain of youth running dry for construction industry

Aug. 16, 2017 | Forbes

Aging baby boomers and millennials are creating a problem in the construction industry. As boomers retire, they are leaving behind a void in the job force that millennials are not interested in filling. If the industry does not address this disparity in the workforce, the labor shortage in the construction market will deepen further. read more >>>

Glulam connections fire test report now available

Aug. 22, 2017 | reThink Wood

A new report available from reThink Wood demonstrates the fire resistance rating of glulam beam to column connections in Type IV construction. The findings support mass timber as a safe solution that meets, and in some cases exceeds, stringent fire safety standards for U.S. building design and construction. read more >>>

Solar boom sparks new firefighting concerns

July 28, 2017 | WLTX19

As solar energy soars to new heights in South Carolina, the boom is sparking new concerns for firefighters ... and many are taking part in new hands-on training at solar-powered homes. read more >>>

LA proposed fee on new construction raises concerns

Aug. 21, 2017 | Los Angeles Times

San Pedro and several other Los Angeles neighborhoods are at the center of a new debate over a plan for a citywide construction fee. The fee would raise funds to build affordable housing and comes as L.A. faces a crippling housing crisis. read more >>>

Open source and the survival of architecture

Aug. 22, 2017 | AEC-ST News

Many know "open source" as a term for software that makes its code accessible for users to share and modify. In recent years, the idea of open source has moved beyond the software world, spreading to architecture. read more >>>

What does the future of drone adoption in construction look like

Aug. 22, 2017 | UAV News

Find out not just what the future of drone technology might look like, but what we need to focus on enabling and creating in order to get there. read more >>>

25 years after Andrew: Are Florida's building codes fading away

Aug. 22, 2017 | WTSP-10 News

It remains one of the most expensive disasters in U.S. history and brought a sea of change when it comes to how buildings are constructed in Florida. A change made earlier this year by state lawmakers and approved by the governor is causing a wave of disagreement over what it could mean for the future of those standards. read more >>>

What contractors need to know about OSHA's new silica rule

Aug. 22, 2017 | Construction Dive

Tighter rules for the inhalation of silica dust on construction sites go into effect on Sept. 23, and companies wanting to get ahead of the change should start now. read more >>>

How solar energy helps save money — and the future

July 28, 2017 | The Press Enterprise

GRID Alternatives, a nonprofit organization, has helped thousands of low-income homeowners and their families get off the grid and go solar while training future workers. read more >>>

New online HVAC calculator is available

Aug. 18, 2017 | Green Building Advisor

The online program performs three important calculations used in the design of HVAC systems, and works on smartphones, tablets and internet-connected computers. read more >>>