"I think we are really at an inflection point for a couple different reasons, the first being climate change and the fact that buildings are the cause of so much carbon emissions," Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, stated, highlighting the urgent need for transformation in building practices as a response to ecological imperatives. This shift is critical not only for reducing carbon footprints but also for reshaping our interaction with built environments in light of modern challenges.
"The second one, as you sort of referred to, is the pandemic, and our intersection with how we use our residential and commercial buildings is different," McLaughlin noted, emphasizing that COVID-19 has transformed how spaces are utilized, bringing a new perspective to the flexibility and functionality of both residential and work environments. These changes demand a fresh approach to design and use that accommodates evolving needs.
Nearly every aspect of buildings today - the materials they're built from, where they're built, who uses them, how and what people need there, what they cost, how they're financed, what they're inspected and permitted for, and how they are powered - is being evaluated under new criteria in a new economy, with new demands and a new workforce, using the buildings in new ways. This comprehensive reassessment is crucial for ensuring that structures meet contemporary expectations and sustainability goals.
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