A recent McKell Institute Report declared that firms must “innovate or perish” and that executives are faced with a fundamental choice. They can either take “the ‘low-road’ of narrow cost-cutting and an unwinnable ‘race to the bottom’ or they can take the ‘high road’ of innovation to position themselves at the top of the value chain in an increasingly knowledge-based economy. Read more
Rob McKinney talks about a webinar he delivered that focused on a short history describing the evolution of technology in the construction industry. Read more
Looking somewhat like an elegant tent frame, a gracefully curving structure on display at a special show in Toronto is a visual demonstration of the potential of 3-D printing in design and construction, say its creators. Read more
Instead of speculating on how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — or drones — will transform the economy, California’s DroneBase is enlisting construction contractors as early adopters. Read more
The Calgary-based company has developed a reputation for producing precision crafted prefabricated components for interior construction. Barrie Loberg, chief technology officer and co-founder of DIRTT, developed the company’s ICE 3D design and specification software, which allows clients to interactively explore interior design plans using the company’s building products. Read more
Fans of the original Star Trek series know that transparent aluminum was developed by Lieutenant Montgomery “Scotty” Scott for Plexicorp on a time travel trip to 1986. However, science happens to be catching up with science fiction. Read more
Hear from three apprentices and their employers about how the skilled trades have changed over the years and how innovation plays a key role in their industry. See Video
The passive house standard has been with us for a while now, but there remains plenty of skepticism about whether it can be applied to large building, especially in northern climates. Read more
In Nova Scotia, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts in all areas was 6,124 units in July 2015, down 20.4 per cent from June’s revised estimate of 7,695. up 0.9 per cent from the previous month’s revised level of 7,627 (which was the highest since October of 2012). July 2015’s estimate is an increase of 10.1 per cent over a year earlier. For the month, multi-unit urban starts decreased 29.3 per cent while single-detached urban starts increased 15.0 per cent. Read more
The Apprenticeship Board of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency is inviting applications for members of a Construction Electrician Trade Advisory Committee. The Committee is tasked with reviewing and revising the trade regulation and advising the NSAA Board with a multi-year plan for the Construction Electrician trade. It will also serve as the program advisory committee for the trade. The Board is seeking employers and employees who are knowledgeable about the Construction Electrician trade, understand the labour market, and who can commit to attending a number of meetings over a one to two year period. Expenses will be re-imbursed and members will be compensated for meetings attended. If interested (or you know of other interested individuals), please forward resume and cover letter by Aug. 22, 2015, indicating your knowledge of the trade, related certification, if you are an employer or employee, and any other relevant information to:
Vanessa Margueratt, Manager, Industry Relations
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
2021 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2S9
902-424-6098/902-221-0442