Challenges and Progression within Decarbonization in 2026 and Beyond
What’s the biggest decarbonization challenge contractors are facing right now in 2026?
This really depends on the type of contractor. Not everyone is facing the same issues. From a broad perspective, I think embedded carbon is the biggest challenge facing the industry as a whole. However other challenges, such as fleet decarbonization are affecting specific sets of contractors, like my own. The electric vehicles simply haven’t caught up to the needs of the industry in a way that is economically viable.
Where do you think contractors are making real progress - and where are they still struggling?
I think they’re making significant progress in embedded carbon and even more so in building life-cycle emissions, with better design and integrating building management systems, with automation and AI. Though I still think embedded carbon of materials remains the biggest struggle as well.
What are you personally speaking about at this year’s event, and why does it matter right now?
I’m speaking on how Inspection, Service & Maintenance (ISM) can drive Sustainable outcomes, including GHG emissions reductions, and cost savings.
In your view, what should contractors focus on first to reduce carbon without hurting delivery or margins?
This is a million-dollar question. This may take some long-term thinking and investment to really drive significant outcomes, but in the interim, focus on fleet optimization and efficiency. Simple opportunities can be idle reduction and right sizing the fleet. Then they can also plan better to reduce waste and drive resource efficiency. Plan better and use only what you need. Also, the low carbon concrete market is evolving every day. Pay close attention to that as costs come down. Standardizing these practices at scale can also drive down the cost of the change.
What are you most looking forward to discussing or learning from peers at Advancing Construction Decarbonization 2026?
I’m looking to see how other adjacent contractors apart from the GC’s are dealing with their Sustainability challenges, and how pressure has evolved to require more sustainable buildings.
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