Cement, probably the most fundamental of all building materials has, in common with most construction products and systems, seen significant price increases worldwide in recent years. These increases have had far-reaching implications for our industry, impacting project costs, timelines and even the viability of some developments. All these fluctuations are causing the markets to shop […]
Tag: talk.build
Wall collapse incidents in construction – could more be done?
The Australian construction industry has witnessed a disturbing trend in recent years – an increase in wall collapse incidents. These accidents have resulted in serious injuries and in some cases, fatalities. There are very few statistics available in other part of the world to support this problem, but we know it exists – and you […]
Zombie construction sites and their impact across the world
The German housing market is the latest to be plagued by a disturbing phenomenon – abandoned construction sites, or so called “zombie projects” – and the country is not alone. Such unfinished developments, often left in a state of disrepair, are a stark reminder of the many challenges facing not only Germany, but other areas […]
The growing challenge of substance abuse in construction
The construction industry continues to face the challenge of substance abuse. We have been talking about it since 2016 when the Considerate Constructors Scheme first highlighted the problem in a UK survey, stating that some 35% of workers had noticed colleagues under the influence of substances or alcohol. More recently the Substance Abuse and Mental […]
Asteroid mining – what does it hold for the future?
Energy America USA, a leading solar module manufacturer and power plant contractor, has announced plans to establish a power station for extra-terrestrial applications such as mining operations on distant asteroids. The company claims it will utilise radioisotope power systems and a solar farm to generate the energy needed for mining or scientific work to happen, […]
The construction industry and indigenous communities
History has shown that the construction industry has had a significant impact on Indigenous communities, both positive and negative. When done responsibly, construction has helped preserve and celebrate Indigenous cultures and traditions, however, when done poorly, it has damaged sacred sites, disrupted traditional ways of life and has contributed to environmental degradation. Indigenous communities have […]
A call for climate resilience in the construction industry
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has recently released a critical report highlighting the urgent need for increased investment and stronger policies to protect its people and their critical infrastructure from the increasing threats of climate change. It’s a report which could be applied to almost any country in the world and is yet another wake […]
The impact of wars and economic crises on the construction industry
Wars have always had a profound influence on the construction industry. During times of conflict, there is always a surge in demand for infrastructure, such as military bases, roads and bridges. This in turn inevitably leads to increased investment in construction projects, driving economic growth and job creation. The Second World War, in particular, was […]
Will a four-day week be a game-changer for the construction industry?
There is now serious talk about introducing a four-day working week for all industries in the UK and this is being actively discussed in other countries across the world – but what will it mean for construction? The concept of a four-day workweek, while not entirely new, continues to gain significant traction as companies grapple […]
Making construction work in extreme environments
No challenge is too much for the world’s construction workers and engineers who continue to push the limits of human ingenuity and technological capabilities. No environment is too hot, too cold or too deep for ambitious projects, that defy the odds and leave an indelible mark on the landscape. Builders are literally conquering the harshest […]