Constructive Thinking is Skanska’s thought leadership blog where we share our expertise and highlight innovations in the built environment that help us build for a better society.
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3901 Fairfax finds the balance between work and wellness
In the heart of Arlington, Virginia, the reflective façade of 3901 Fairfax catches the eye and projects a different kind of office. Mirror-like windows wrap the nine-story office tower to seamlessly integrate the development that sits along the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor. Inside this Skanska-led project, nature and versatility take center stage to offer a new, more sustainable, work-meets-wellness space.
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Awareness to action: The importance of supporting those with cancer
I don’t know of anyone in my community or work family who hasn’t been affected by cancer in some way, shape or form. During cancer awareness months such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and “Movember,” the dialogue ramps up around cancer detection, prevention, treatment, advocacy and support for those affected. For those who are living with or have lived with the presence of this disease in their own life or the life of a loved one, the dialogue around this life-altering disease never leaves them.
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Building decarbonization: The importance of circularity, material selection and innovative construction methods
As the global community grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, the construction industry finds itself at a critical juncture. Responsible for approximately 40% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, the industry faces a pressing challenge: decarbonization.
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5 ways decarbonization benefits public health (and 5 ways we can go further)
The construction industry has made substantial progress in reducing its carbon emissions in recent years. With resources like Skanska’s EC3 tool and the AGC’ s Decarbonization and Carbon Reporting Playbook (developed in collaboration with Skanska), our industry is taking accountability for the role we play in protecting environmental health. However, it’s not just the environment that’s affected by carbon emissions. The truth is that climate change exacts a profound toll on public health, as well. Since the built environment accounts for nearly 40 percent of global carbon emissions, we as an industry have a responsibility to address the human impact of climate change.
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Skanska USA Civil installs EV charging stations at their offices, making progress towards our 2045 net-zero goal
From coast to coast, Skanska’s USA Civil teams are installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at their offices and facilities. Installing EV charging stations helps cut USA Civil’s “Scope 1” emissions and contributes towards our 2045 Group-wide carbon neutrality goal.
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From classroom to construction: Skanska employees rebuild their alma maters
Back to school season is here, and to celebrate, we sat down with five of our employees who are currently, or recently completed, working on university school projects where they attended school. From new campus buildings to infrastructure upgrades, see how our employees are improving college campuses across the country.
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An interactive infographic: Celebrating the substantial completion of our L300 project
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Building the future of aviation
The aviation industry drives more than 10 million American jobs and contributes over 5 percent of the U.S. GDP—equivalent to $1.37 trillion in 2023—which underscores its integral role in the health of our economy. In California alone, the airline industry and general aviation contribute $32.7 billion to the state’s economic output.
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Designing for durability: Lessons in water mitigation for mass timber projects
Mass timber has gained popularity as a building material praised for its sustainability and aesthetic appeal. It offers significant environmental benefits because of its reduced carbon footprint, and its biophilic design elements which bring a natural, warm aesthetic that can support cognitive performance, physical health and psychological well-being.
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How AI is revolutionizing productivity, efficiency and knowledge sharing
The industry stands on the brink of a major transformation, yet the question remains: How can construction teams turn the promise of artificial intelligence (AI) into tangible benefits?
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An interactive infographic: Spending a summer at Skanska
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The art of constructing creative spaces
Constructing for the arts is a delicate and complex balancing act requiring front-end coordination with many stakeholders to deliver a successful project. Whether it’s a performing arts center, museum, standalone theatre or recital hall, there are unique challenges and nuances to consider as no two projects will ever be the same. Drawing from past performing arts and theater construction experience is valuable from the onset of design through cost analysis and construction.
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Wake Tech’s new East Campus runs on sustainable energy
The recently completed Central Energy Plant (CEP) at Wake Tech Community College’s new East Campus delivers both a groundbreaking sustainable energy solution, as well as an immersive learning environment for students. The 15,700 square-foot CEP leverages sustainable energy to heat and cool the entire East Campus. In doing so, it achieves exceptional energy savings and efficiency for the college system.
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A look inside North Shore University Hospital Petrocelli Surgical Pavilion
Skanska’s New York team recently completed Petrocelli Surgical Pavilion at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) in Manhasset, Long Island. This $560 million, 288,000 square-foot tower compliments Northwell Health’s cardiac, neurosurgery and transplant programs.
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Shaping communities through partnership and investment in four commercial development markets
In developing and divesting sustainable commercial projects, Skanska USA Commercial Development (CDUS) leads with a community-first approach. Across our CDUS markets, thoughtfully developing alongside the communities where we work shows up in more ways than one.
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Inside the renovation of Nashville’s War Memorial Building and Legislative Plaza
The War Memorial Building, an architectural gem in Nashville, Tennessee, stands as a testament to our nation's history. Recognized on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017, it embodies a rich legacy. This 145,000 square-foot project transcends ordinary portfolio additions.
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On the road to more sustainable asphalt
Well-built roads keep society functioning, allowing us to travel across town – or across the nation. Unfortunately, the construction of asphalt roads has traditionally relied on fossil-fuel products and produced significant carbon emissions. Now, a new approach to producing asphalt is cutting its climate impact.
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60 years of growing and developing communities in Texas
In 2003, Skanska acquired the construction firm BFW Construction Co., Ltd. (BFW), strengthening its position in Texas. BFW was founded in 1964, and we still have employees with our teams today that came from BFW, including Ryan Aalsma and Dennis Yung, our two general managers - executive vice presidents in Texas.
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Preserving the past, building the future: The role of salvaged materials in modern construction
Approximately 25 percent of construction and demolition waste is reusable yet most construction waste goes to the landfill. Lifecycle Building Center has been operating for over 10 years in the Atlanta market as a nonprofit with a mission rooted in construction material reuse. This practice is one of the most effective strategies for reducing Scope 3 emissions in the industry and plays a key part in the success of the first Living Building of its scale in the Southeastern United States: The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Tech.
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An inside look at three net-zero energy schools on the East Coast
According to the World Green Building Council, buildings are responsible for approximately 40 percent of global energy consumption and 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Educational facilities can play a significant role in mitigating climate change due to their size and the sheer number of them across the country.
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Seven Skanska projects that highlight the importance of sustainable water management
Water is a critical resource for the environment, and it’s something that’s relied on to power our everyday life. Here are several Skanska projects that focus on sustainable water management and provide cleaner, safer water for our communities.
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Underwater drones dive deep to enhance efficiency and insight on Skanska construction sites
Over the past seven years, Skanska has incubated a large mature aerial Drone Network. The fleet includes 70 FAA pilots, and 60 advanced sensor drones that service hundreds of construction projects yearly. Leveraging our expertise and experience has led our teams to testing and implementing technology adjacent systems like autonomous robotics, ROVs and other unmanned systems. Simultaneously, the number of waterfront resiliency and marine projects across the U.S. continues to grow. With it, comes an increased need for companies to embrace technologies that enable them to build as safely, efficiently and effectively offshore, as they do on land.
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Women in Construction Week: Why mentorships are key in the construction industry
Ten years ago, Skanska Womens Network (SWN) launched a national mentorship program for employees interested in learning and developing professionally and personally through mentor-mentee relationships. In honor of Women in Construction (WIC Week), we’re highlighting Skanska’s mentorship program, and five pairs of mentors and mentees who have developed professionally through this program.
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1550 on the Green shapes a new skyline for Houston
In Houston, the recently completed 28-story office tower, 1550 on the Green, sets a new standard for sustainable commercial development. Situated across from Discovery Green Park, the 375,000 square-foot Class-A office building is the result of a visionary collaboration between Skanska and architecture firm BIG-Bjarke Ingels Groups (BIG), with interiors by Michael Hsu.
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How an emergency animal hospital benefits the Portland community
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, pet adoptions surged in the U.S. In 2020 alone, 12.6 million American households adopted a pet. In the state of Oregon, over 60 percent of households currently own at least one pet, increasing demand for veterinary services in the state.
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Electric excavation: Piloting the Volvo EC230 in Los Angeles
Could an electric excavator perform just as well as a diesel-powered one on a construction mega project? Is there a future for widespread electrification of construction equipment? These are the questions our Civil team began to answer with a 90-day pilot of the Volvo EC230, the largest electric excavator of its kind.
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Aviation construction: my experience in this rewarding career
Airports are the gateway to new places and opportunities. They allow us to stay connected to family and loved ones, travel to new places and contribute to local economies. Airport construction keeps this connection possible by responding to increased demand, replacing aging infrastructure and improving the passenger experience.
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Renovating, restoring and expanding HBCU campuses across the country
Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are higher education institutions established primarily to serve the African American community in the United States. Founded in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with some dating back to before the Civil War, HBCUs were initially established to provide education for formerly enslaved individuals and free Black Americans who were denied access to predominantly white institutions at the time.
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Digital twins: Shaping a brighter path for construction and higher education
For over 15 years, our work with Houston Community College (HCC) has led to the delivery of projects like San Jacinto Memorial Building Historic Renovation, Missouri City Sienna Plantation Campus and more. Now, part of our partnership with HCC is going virtual. Recently, our team members partnered with HCC students and the school’s Reality Collab to create a digital twin of HCC’s Central Campus. The end result points to an array of possibilities on the horizon for digital twin use in education and beyond.
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Four developments that prioritize health and wellness
Did you know that in a typical year, you will take two million breaths in your office? That’s why it’s important to consider office space that prioritizes fresh air and wellness. From offices that feature efficient ventilation systems and floor-to-ceiling windows to state-of-the-art fitness centers, our USA Commercial Development team is currently working on four developments across the country that put tenants’ health and well-being at the forefront.
