17 TRENDS FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES IN 2017

by Janelle Sorensen, Content Director at Elemental Green and Chief Strategist

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Think sustainable home design is just a fad? Think again. Green is growing and
growing and growing. According to the National Association of Home Builders
report, Green and Healthier Homes: Engaging Consumers of All Ages in
Sustainable Living:
Nearly one-third of home builders (31%) report that they are currently doing
more than 60% of their projects green, and over half (51%) expect to be doing that
level of green work by 2020.

The growth of those doing this significant level of green work among
remodelers is very steep, with the percentage who expect to be that highly involved
in green by 2020 being two and a half times greater than the percentage currently
doing green at that level.

Whether youre already on the bandwagon or youre just starting to dip your toes in,
here are 17 trends for sustainable homes in 2017, so you can start planning your
eco-upgrades for the coming year.
#1 HOME AUTOMATION
Have you heard of the Internet of Things? Its the internetworking of physical
devices that allows them to send and receive data. The applications range from
health care and transportation to environmental monitoring and, yes homes.
Smart homes are quickly becoming the norm in sustainable building. The pros
at Pearl Remodeling write, It seems like these days people expect to be able to
turn on their coffee and pre-heat their ovens on the way home. With todays
technology there is almost nothing you CANT control remotely. We dont see any
reason for a decline in that home design trend, in fact, quite the opposite. Expect
to see even more smart devices on the market in 2017, in all price ranges, that
will do things like control and automate heating, lighting, and HVAC systems, and
even appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, washers, and dryers that can use Wi-Fi
for remote control and monitoring.
#2 THE COLOR GREENERY
Each year, the Pantone Color Institute chooses a Color of the Year and 2017s
is Greenery. This is the color of hopefulness, and of our connection to nature,
said Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Sounds perfect to include in a home built with nature in mind! Pantone considers it
natures neutral shade that can be paired up with numerous colors, textures, and
patterns. Try Greenery in your home office for a boost of creativity and
productivity in all of your projects this year.
#3 SMART WINDOWS
Just like other smart home features, smart windows are designed to be intuitive.
As Stephanie Walden writes on Mashable, Imagine a world in which your homes
windows will be controllable via smartphone or even simple gesture, straight Harry
Potter-style. Heat-sensor window treatments will automatically close or open
depending on a homeowners ideal temperature preferences. Not only will you gaze
through your window to the outside world, but youll also be able to virtually
interact with your home environment, pane by translucent pane.
#4 WHOLE HOME WATER FILTRATION
Adding a complete water filtration system to your home is a 2016 trend that will
carry over into 2017, say the talk show hosts of The Real Estate Report. Rising
health concerns and water crises in the news have sparked peoples desire to check
out how their water quality measures up and to take precautions to protect and
improve it. Healthy living is gaining in prominence, too, and clean water is a key
ingredient.
#5 BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN
2017 is about taking notes from nature and incorporating them into your home.
According to the interior design pros at Turn Style, The idea of bringing the
outdoors inside has gained popularity over the last few years. In 2017, we can
expect interior design to take organic inspiration to the next level. Expect wicker
furniture pieces, stone coffee tables, and terracotta walls to take over home
interiors. There will be a movement towards rough edges, natural finishes, and
organic patterns on all pieces of furniture. Straight lines and geometric shapes are
on their way out, so look to the outdoors for inspirations in 2017. Also, be sure not
to forget the real thing! Stock up on vases and pots, because living plants such as
olive trees, aloe vera, and English ivy will complement other design elements for
the upcoming year.
#6 EFFICIENT SPACES
As homeowners increasingly realize that less can be more with a smaller home, the
need for multifunctional design is becoming more important than ever. Turn Styles
pros state that having rooms that are practical yet allow for downtime, aka
escapism, is a big thing this year. Get the most out of your space by turning little
nooks and crannies into a mini hideaway or use convertible furniture to transform a
rooms purpose completely. And, if youre considering putting an addition on your
home, instead of adding to the footprint, remodel with space-efficiency in mind to
be more sustainable.
#7 HEALTHY HOMES
Considering how much time we spend in our homes, a home that is free of harmful
chemicals and toxins should be our first priority. According to the CDC, a healthy
home is sited, designed, built, renovated, and maintained to support health. This
means removing lead paint, keeping smoke out of the home, testing for radon, and
more. You can even go a step further than the CDCs recommendations by selecting
home building materials and products with low or zero VOCs.
#8 DAYLIGHT HARVESTING
American Classic Homes asked some pros what their home trend predictions are
for 2017 and daylight harvesting was high on the list.
One of the biggest trends we see continuing to increase is daylight harvesting.
Daylight harvesting maximizes natural light, helping to enhance efficiency and
productivity, while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your space. Motorized
shades can be a tremendous aid to maximizing how you use (and conserve)
daylight, especially when those shades or blinds are integrated into a smart home
automation system. On a sunny day, the space uses less artificial light. On a cloudy
day, the interior lights will brighten to create the ideal work environment. These
shading systems also protect furniture, fine art, rugs, and even wood surfaces, from
the suns damaging UV rays.
#9 RECLAIMED MATERIALS
Reclaimed materials are rescued from their landfill destiny and given a new life.
As Norton Homes predicts,
Sustainability is gaining popularity everywhere in home design, and what better
way to go green than reusing building materials? Reclaimed wood does more than
help the environment; it gives you an interior look with plenty of character. Every
grain in the wood tells its own story, and older wood has more strength than a
freshly cut piece of lumber. Its not just wood you can reuse old metal trunks can
transform into coffee tables, headlights can become headlamps and nearly anything
cylindrical can be your next pot for flowers. Not only can these items look good,
they are packed with charm you wont necessarily get with a non-custom new buy.

#10 REPURPOSED MATERIALS

Giving old objects a completely new purpose is a quirky design trick that means less
waste and more fun items for your home. Designer Sabrina Smelko writes,
Making things for your home by hand is always in-style, but in particular, Im
seeing more and more re-purposing of existing pieces rather than building things
completely from scratch. It adds character, history, and charm to any space.
Research your area for local actions, flea markets, antique stores and salvage shops
and pay them a visit! And dont think you have to completely transform the pieces
you find. Dont underestimate the power of subtlety. Respect the piece, dont fuss
with it too much, and let it shine. Case in point: The gorgeous sliding barn door
made from a salvaged entry door as seen in Fixer Upper, or the old windows which
were placed behind a bed acting as a headboard.
#11 CORK
Cork may be best known for its history with wine and the office pinboard, but in
reality, it is an incredibly green and versatile product when applied to interiors,
writes Angela Fedele. Today, many design projects are directed by ethical and
sustainable initiatives and architects and designers are choosing cork as a leading
building and interiors material. Aesthetically cork, like hardwood timber floors, has a
raw and timeless appeal as it is sourced from nature itself. No piece is the same,
offering a multitude of grain, texture and color finishes. Cork can be sustainably
produced (since just the outer bark of the trees get harvested) and can earn points
for your Energy Star or LEED building project. Plus, its antimicrobial, absorbs toxins,
and is supportive to your feet, making for an extra healthy home.
#12 SMART APPLIANCES
Smart homes, smart windows, and yes smart appliances. The smart or
connected home was a key theme at IFA 2016 [consumer electronics fair],
writes Alyn Griffiths for Interior Design.
with leading brands demonstrating how products including refrigerators, ovens,
dishwashers, and even coffee makers can be controlled remotely using smartphone
apps.

Novelties presented at the fair included the iQ700 fridge-freezer from Siemens,
which photographs the interior every time the door is closed so users can check
which groceries might be required during their next shopping trip. Sharp unveiled a
series of smart appliances, including an oven with a temperature probe that allows
users to remotely monitor the status of their cooking, and a washing machine that
lets them adjust the temperature and spin cycle.

Buttons and dials are increasingly being replaced by touch-control panels

incorporated into appliances with sleek designs and uninterrupted surfaces. Mieles
ArtLine collection features handleless fronts that open by tapping or touching, while
a knock on the front of LGs Instaview fridge transforms its entire surface from
opaque to translucent so users can monitor contents without opening. The surface
also functions as a touchscreen panel running the Windows 10 operating system.

The health of both people and the environment proved another major trend this
year, with a particular focus on hygiene, nutrition, freshness of foods, and shelf life.
Grundig translated their Respect Food concept into refrigerators that control
temperature, humidity, and lighting to enhance the longevity of foods and reduce
waste.

#13 NATURAL MATERIALS & TEXTURES

Along the same lines as bringing the outdoors in, 2017 will be full of natural
materials and textures. Although we saw some of it in 2016, expect it to continue on
a greater scale. Design Campus sees organic materials like rattan, abaca, and
bamboo becoming the next huge hit for graceful interiors. These textures offer a
whimsical, cozy feel that goes along with the nature-inspired color palettes of the
year.
#14 TINY HOUSE VILLAGES
What happened to the oversized American Dream home? Well, it looks like theyre
being taken over by tiny houses, villages of them. The movement to downsize
drastically is both sustainable and cost-effective and its caught on in a big way.
According to researchers at Kansas State University, tiny house villages are
environmentally friendly, they promote a sense of community, they encourage
healthy lifestyles and habits, and theyre a safe and affordable housing option for
the masses, writes Jessica Mattern for Country Living. For all of these reasons,
the experts are hoping that tiny house villages will spread across the country in the
near future.
#15 SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING
Extend sustainability outside your home this year by making your yard
environmentally friendly. While a perfectly manicured grass lawn was once the
ideal, 2017 is bringing native, drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants to replace
some of that turf, says Borst Landscape & Design. By creating a less rigid
landscape with these types of trees, shrubs, and plants, you can help conserve
water, fertilizer, and pesticides plus help support local wildlife.
#16 SOLAR & WIND POWER
Installing renewable energy systems in your home isnt an anomaly anymore, as
more people opt for solar and wind driven systems over fossil fuels. Falling prices
have given people greater accessibility to these types of alternative energies, plus
numerous PR campaigns have educated us on all of the benefits. Solar panels and
community solar gardens are already huge, but wind is a major upcoming
residential player considering that small wind electric systems are one of the most
cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems, according to the U.S.
Department of Energy.
#17 PREFABS
Prefabs or prefabricated homes were originally popular in the early 1900s when
modern building was first becoming mainstream (Sears sold them in their catalog!),
and now theyre back with a bang. Prefab homes often get a bad rap for being
cheap or tacky, but in recent years, they have started making a comeback, not only
for their affordability but also for their eco-friendly and stylish designs,
writes Brittney Reynolds for Laurel and Wolf Interior Design. Ranging in all
shapes and sizes from traditional to postmodern, sophisticated prefab homes are
available to order on sites such as Landmark Home, Shelter Kit, Vipp Shelter, and
P.A.T.H. Often constructed from recycled materials, todays prefab houses are made
up of modules (a set of standardized parts) that are pieced together one by one to
create the whole picture a home.

As you can see theres a lot to look forward to in regards to sustainable home
design as we move into 2017. We cant wait to reveal even more good news from
the green building scene as the year progresses.

Happily, green building is moving much more into the mainstream and once things
reach a positive tipping point, the wasteful ways of the past will seem as primitive
as a steam locomotive.

Citation:

http://elemental.green/17-trends-for-sustainable-homes-in-2017/

1 0 G r e e n B u i l d i n g M e g a t r e n d s Fo r 2 0 1 7 - Pa r t O n e

November 29, 2016

In my 2016 book, Reinventing Green Building, I identified 10 megatrends that I

believe will shape green building technologies, markets, government rules and
certification systems through 2020 and beyond. And, by the way, I dont think that
the election of Donald Trump will in any way disrupt these trends!

Here are the first five of the ten megatrends! The second five will be in next week's
post.

Five of these 10 trends revolve around energy: energy efficiency, zero-net-energy,

cloud-based (and data-driven) energy management, energy performance
disclosure, and solar power.
These trends are largely impelled by two practical considerations: first, for most
buildings, energy is the largest uncontrollable operating cost and needs to be
reduced; second, the growing understanding of a connection between building
energy use and global climate change means that corporate social responsibility
and local government policies will result in rising demand for building energy
efficiency solutions. This is true regardless of leadership dynamics at the Federal
level.

Ten green building megatrends for 2017 to 2020. From Reinventing Green
Building(New Society Publishers, 2016)

Megatrend #1: Green building certification growth has slowed

dramatically

Green building in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific will
continue to grow in commercial building market segments, especially for larger
office buildings, corporate real estate, and high-end university and government
buildings. But the slowdown in US commercial project certifications since 2012 has
meant that projects outside the US now make up nearly 35% of the annual total
LEED certifications. The new and more costly prerequisites found in the now
required LEEDv4 indicate that nothing will change this picture.

Megatrend #2: Carbon reduction from energy efficiency moves to the

forefront

In many ways, energy efficiency is a stronger trend than green building

certification. There are still huge opportunities in energy efficiency, and most are
concentrated in just 25% of the building stock, according to FirstFuel Software. A
more cost-effective approach to upgrading existing buildings should attempt first to
take advantage of this concentrated nature of efficiency opportunities.

Megatrend #3: Zero-net-energy (ZNE) buildings attract greater interest

Zero-net-energy buildings are become increasingly commonplace. It seems that
everyone wants in on the net zero opportunity, to judge by the number of
specialty conferences around this topic in 2016. If a project wants to be
newsworthy, it needs to incorporate something NEW and net zero seems to be the
ticket.

Megatrend #4: Competition among rating systems heats up

In the U.S., LEED may see heightened competition in existing ratings from the
BREEAM Building in Use rating system, introduced into the US market in June of
2016. There are also new entrants in specialized niches, such as shopping centers
or office interiors. In 2016, the federal General Services Administration once again
affirmed using both LEED and Green Globes for its projects. But the biggest
competitor of all rating and certification systems is the DIY (do-it-yourself) favored
by many owners or the LEED certifiable approach that uses the LEED system for
design guidance but not to bother certifying.

Megatrend #5: Building owners sharpen their focus on efficiency gains.

With new construction certification basically flat, the existing building market is
getting greater attention, particularly with energy-efficiency retrofits and a renewed
focus on using the Energy Star system. More owners of existing buildings will
implement energy efficiency retrofits in 2017 but will pass on LEED-EBOM (or
BREEAM) certification.

For a fuller discussion of these 10 megatrends, see my article in the January 2017
issue of HPAC Engineering, www.hpac.com.

What's your "Top 10" Trends list for green building in 2017?

Citation 2:

https://www.reinventinggreenbuilding.com/news/2016/11/29/10-green-building-
megatrends-for-2017

Citation 3:
http://fidic.org/sites/default/files/World%20Green%20Building%20Trends
%202016%20SmartMarket%20Report%20FINAL.pdf

7 Green Building Technology & Design Trends To Build In Now

Green home building technology and design have evolved beyond being a
luxury and are becoming an intelligent and necessary part of home building
and commercial property development. Which green technologies and design
features should you embrace now?

The New Standard for Construction

Home buyers, business owners, and investors are always looking for more
intelligent, effi cient, and healthy spaces especially ones that meet current
regulations without blowing the bottom line. This is driving the development of
green technology for all types of buildings.

Going green is a worldwide trend. Costa Rica has been running on 100% clean
energy for some time. Norway has debated limiting gas burning cars or
banning them altogether. Santa Monica, California has mandated that all new
homes be Net Zero compliant beginning in 2017, a trend that could potentially
spread to the entire state of California by 2020.

Sustainable properties offer the best long-term value, health and productivity
benefits, while also preserving the environment for the next generation.
Anyone who wants to lead on the environment simply cannot afford not to go
green.

Seven Smart Green Building Technologies To Demand Now

Whether you are designing a new custom home, planning a whole house
remodel, or building a commercial property, here are seven features to
seriously consider.

1. Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Rainwater harvesting systems conserve water and reduce utility bills. With
water control and scarcity a rising issue, this may also be a necessary step for
ensuring self-suffi ciency in the years ahead.
Cost: Costs for rainwater harvesting storage parts and system installation
range from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000.

Return on investment (ROI): The Guardian estimates that with water usage
reduction of 35% to 55%, some people may be able to live exclusively on
harvested rainwater.

2. Solar power

Solar may not be new, but it has become around 90% cheaper than it was
years ago. It is a proven way to generate clean and renewable energy, and
according to the US Solar Resource Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credits
are available. These can make solar even more affordable and profitable to
install.

Cost: Green Tech Media estimates the costs at $12,000 to $37,500.

ROI: According to Green Tech, with a ten-year savings of around $22,500, it

takes 6.5 to 11 years to recoup the investment. Systems that get more sun
and have battery backups could generate more energy faster. These
homeowners may even be paid for excess energy generation.

3. Smart Fridges

The new generation of smart refrigerators offers more than extra energy
effi ciency. They can extended the shelf life for many foods, saving you
shopping time and preventing waste. Plus, they look super cool.

Cost: From around $3,000 to over $30,000.

ROI: Can cut utility costs by $100-$200 per year, with payback in 5 to 10 years
based on energy alone.

4. Glass

Glass is back as a fashionable, strong, and green building material for flooring,
walkways, and walls. New dynamic View Glass is a smart tool for adjusting
light automatically or via a mobile app. Its use in commercial construction has
been growing because it helps boost productivity, increase net operating
income, and lower energy costs.

Cost: Buildings.com estimates the average low-e window replacement cost at

$40-$55 per square foot.
ROI: View Glass estimates it provides 20% plus energy savings.

5. Prefab Construction

Pre-fabricated construction has evolved and rebounded in a huge way. New

technology, manufacturing processes and materials have been enabling
builders and owners to drive down costs, while speeding up construction time
and causing less damage and disruption to the local surroundings.

Cost: Varies widely by what is being built. Prefab buildings can range from
affordable single family homes to luxury custom homes and entire apartment
buildings. Anywhere from $50,000 to over $500,000.

ROI: Assuming equal valuation as a site built home or commercial building,

savings can exceed 50%.

6. Smart Irrigation

Although many homeowners and commercial property landlords are turning to

artificial synthetic grass, fake isnt for everyone, or every location. Smart
irrigation systems help prevent waste, conserve water, and keep the
landscape in great shape. Many provide utility savings.

Cost: HouseLogic estimates the cost of artificial turf at around $5 to $20 per
square foot. Wireless smart controllers for irrigation systems can run a few
hundred dollars each.

ROI: Cost savings on water from a smart system may range from 20% to 70%
depending on the soil and climate. Lawn & Landscape says it is possible to
find solutions which return the investment in 24 months or less.

7. Movable Walls

Movable walls have become a hot design trend in the last year, and an
essential ellement for green building. Flex walls like the NanaWall maximize
space and view, and help optimize floor plans, square footage and energy use.
In commercial properties, movable walls allow business owners to easily
customize their space to changing personnel needs and operational priorities,
without costly renovations.

What happens when you remove and replace drywall to reconfigure your offi ce
space? The old drywall will likely go into a landfill, along with 12% of the new
drywall that is wasted in installation. The EPA estimates that 24% of all
municipal and solid waste is made up of construction and demolition debris.
Movable wall systes not only saves money when renovating your offi ce space,
but keeps discarded sheetrock and building materials out of landfills.

Cost: Varies widely according to space and materials, from less than $100 per
square foot, to much more.

ROI: Can help provide extensive energy savings, as well as reducing the
footprint of a new home or commercial building. Used appropriately, smart
walls should be able to provide 20% plus savings.

Questions?

Kanler is a tech-savvy, design and service focused builder with projects in 7

US states. With a suite of online tools, providing customers the best in
convenience and transparency, Kanler stands out from other general
contractors. Find out more about these new designs, green building
technology, and the Kanler advantage at www.Kanler.com , or call us at (844)
208-9300.

Citation 4:

https://kanler.com/blog/7-green-building-technology-and-design-trends

OFFICE DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2017

OFFICE DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2017
15
FLEXIBLE LAYOUTS

In todays busy environment with ever changing technology, a well

designed workplace should change eff ortlessly according to the task at
hand. Developing areas that can be easily adapted to suit changing
requirements is an essential element of design in 2017. Smart choices in
offi ce furniture and design with fl exibility in mind will see your workplace
buzz along effi ciently into the future.

FUTURE-PROOF DESIGN

Part of designing fl exible layouts is the need for furniture that will adapt
to new and changing requirements. Modular soft seating, modular
workbenches, desk pods, meet point tables, collaborative and breakout
furniture, and acoustic elements are examples of smart offi ce furniture
choices to support a well designed, high functioning and adaptable
workplace.

Examples: Collaborative Furniture Modular Benching Solutions

Power and data is another big consideration when future proofi ng. Soft
wiring is a simple installation method for power and data that saves time,
increases safety and allows rewiring so you can adapt to changes easily in
the future. Re-usable leads and outlets, and simple to add connections
allow for expansion or reconfi guration at minimal cost.

INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY

Workspaces that integrate with technology is a logical design trend that is

on the rise. We can expect to see wireless charging of devices become
commonplace soon likely to be embraced quickly in the workplace if
Apple supports the feature on the next iPhone.

Example: Wireless Charging IKEA

Offi ce furniture with built in power adapters and multimedia capabilities

will be seen in well designed and fl exible work environments.

Examples: Free Box Temptation High Free Wall

DESIGN FOR PRODUCTIVE WELL-BEING

Productive well-being is an aspect of workplace design that has been

embraced by architects and designers more recently. With the health and
well-being of employees being central to design, we see a positive impact
on health, happiness, and productivity in the workplace. With this comes
less staff turnover and decreased employee costs overall. Things like sit-
stand desks , areas for both collaboration and privacy, comfort, airfl ow,
lighting, indoor plant life, accommodating healthy lifestyle options like
starting later in the day, or gym memberships all increase the
productive well-being of your staff .

Related: Sensory Experience Health & Wellness

OUTDOORS IN

Bringing the outdoors inside is an offi ce design trend that wont be going
anywhere fast, and one that coincides with productive well-being. With
offi ce workers spending around eight hours a day inside, we can see the
benefi ts of bringing more natural elements into the workplace. Living
Walls create an element of nature that also helps with air purity, and
lunch, if you incorporate plants for harvest such as lettuces.
Example: Living Walls

Summary: We will see adaptable workplace environments with options for

diff erent working styles and tasks, as well as options for rest and
relaxation. Natural elements and diff erent textures, when executed with
sophistication, will see beautifully designed work spaces for 2017.

Citation 5:

http://fuzeinteriors.co.nz/office-design-trends-2017/

7 Construction-technology trends to watch in 2017

Feb 18, 2017
70

As 2016 comes to an end, construction professionals are beginning to focus their

attention on what the new year will hold for the industry. In todays technology-
driven world, it should come as no surprise that many of the biggest 2017
construction trends revolve around new technologies that improve and enhance the
building design and construction process.
It is important for professionals in construction and related industries to stay up-to-
date on the latest technology trends so that they can stay ahead of the curve and
remain competitive in the new year. Below, we will give a brief overview of the top
technology trends of 2017 and explain more about how they are influencing
individuals in the construction and real estate industries.

2017 CONSTRUCTION TRENDS TO WATCH

With so much to think about in the new year and so many technology trends gaining
traction, where should you focus your energy? Here are seven trends that
construction professionals should watch in 2017 to stay ahead of the game:

1. SMART BUILDINGS

Smart buildings use information technology to stay connected to building systems,

people and the global environment. These buildings use automated processes to
control building operations such as air conditioning, heating, ventilation, lighting,
security and other home systems. Using sensors, microchips, and other
devices, smart buildings collect data and manage it based on the buildings
function. Though some homeowners implement smart building technology in their
homes, this construction-tech trend may be more prevalent in the commercial real
estate industry as it allows business owners and facility managers to optimize their
use of space, reduce energy usage, and minimize environmental impacts.

2. DETAILED 3D BIM MODELING

Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is a 3D model-based process for creating and

managing project information. Though this technology may be most associated with
the design process, 3D BIM modeling can be used before, during, and after
construction. The building information model is a digital description of every aspect
of the build, and objects in the model can be linked to related information such as
photos, specifications or manuals. This technology can benefit construction
professionals by helping them create better plans, produce faster results, and stay
within budget.

3. ENERGY-SAVING BUILDINGS

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 20 percent of all U.S. energy use
goes toward powering commercial buildings. Energy-saving building design and
construction is a powerful way to help businesses save energy and cut costs while
reducing their impact on the environment. Developing these buildings requires a
whole-building design approach where the construction team designs and builds all
the elements so that they work together. This innovative approach to building, along
with corresponding energy-efficient materials and technologies, can produce
buildings that are up to 70 percent more efficient than the average commercial
building.

4. CONNECTED JOB SITES (INTEGRATED MOBILE TECHNOLOGY AND

INFORMATION)

The integration of mobile technology on construction job sites has helped project
teams streamline the entire construction process. Recording job site data on a
mobile device increases efficiency and reduces costs while allowing field offices and
remote team members to gain complete visibility into job-site data. Mobile devices
also help improve communication between contractors, owners, architects and the
construction team. Team members no longer have to slow progress to wait for an
answer to their question or address a pressing concern. Whats more is that video
and photo capabilities allows real-time collaboration and can improve quality
assurance.

5. PREFABRICATION

Though prefabrication has been used for years in the construction industry, new
technologies and construction practices that make prefabrication even more
beneficial are emerging. Building information modeling is changing the way that
teams collaborate on projects, enabling these teams to use prefabrication more
often on larger and more complex projects. The recent growth in green building has
also impacted the use of prefabrication in construction. Using energy simulation and
prefabrication, project teams can design and construct buildings that are more
environmentally friendly.

6. COST AND SCHEDULE MODELING WITH 5D MACRO-BIM

5D BIM links the 3D CAD components of standard building information modeling

with cost-related information and time constraints. This type of modeling can be a
game-changer for the construction industry as it gives everyone involved in the
building project, including the client, a more accurate understanding of conceptual
design as it applies to both the projects budget and schedule. Users can show the
client in real-time how changes to materials, layouts and other design elements
impact the appearance of the building, cost of build, and construction
schedule. Using 5D Macro-BIM for cost and schedule modeling allows the project
team to create a clear and precise project scope while reducing or eliminating costly
design changes later in the construction process.

7. UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS)

In the simplest terms, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that can be
piloted through a remote device or onboard computer. These vehicles can be
automated using predetermined flight paths, or they can be controlled manually
using a mobile device or remote control. UAVs or aerial drones can help construction
professionals conduct site surveys or track project progress in real-time by
generating aerial photos, maps, and 3D images. This technology is also helpful for
ensuring worksite safety and improving productivity.

Citation 6:

https://constructionreviewonline.com/2017/02/7-construction-technology-trends-to-
watch-in-2017/