Sustainability

Modern building facade with geometric shading elements designed for performance and sustainability

Sustainability and the Rise of Practical AI in AEC

The world of façade design has changed over time, and that transformation is taking place faster than ever. In addition, sustainability is no longer a side conversation. It is beginning to shape a vast majority of design decisions. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a component of practical, everyday tools rather than a futuristic idea. Together, these shifts are redefining the way architects and engineers approach their work, particularly in early stages when choices have the greatest impact.

By Todd Weyandt, ago
Digital visualization of a sustainable energy landscape showing wind turbines, data overlays, and environmental analytics.

Turning Sustainability Vision into Action

Sustainability in construction has become both a buzzword and a marketing tagline—but is it working in practice? The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is entering a new era where data, technology, and culture are converging to make sustainability actionable. When carbon, cost, and collaboration are connected, companies can turn good intentions into measurable business and environmental results.

By Todd Weyandt, ago
Aerial view of stacked timber logs arranged in rows, representing the discussion on mass timber’s carbon impact and sustainability in construction.

Mass Timber and Carbon Truths

As debate in the industry about sustainable construction continues, things are not always as they seem. Take mass timber, for example. It has been hailed as a game-changer: a beautiful, renewable material that promises to reduce carbon emissions and help us build a greener future. But as we dig deeper into the data and the practices behind mass timber, the story gets a bit more complicated.

By Todd Weyandt, ago
Portrait of Ryan Gilliam with Bridging the Gap podcast branding, episode 319.

From Cool Tech to Real Change: Grounding Innovation in Reality

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, Todd and Ryan unpack how to move from breakthrough technology to real-world adoption. The discussion explores why being honest about where you really are matters more than hype, how simplicity often beats complexity, and why economics ultimately drive scalability. If you’ve ever wondered how sustainable solutions can shift from pilot projects to global impact, this conversation delivers a grounded look at making change stick. Ryan shares insights on the significance of cement in climate change, the evolution of tech adoption in the industry, and the future of construction. He emphasizes the need for collaboration with traditional cement producers and the importance of financial mechanisms to support innovation.

By Todd Weyandt, ago
Insulated concrete form (ICF) wall section with steel reinforcement at a construction site

Surprising, Resilient Future with Low-Carbon Concrete and ICFs

Companies in the construction industry are no strangers to innovation, and the current shift toward resilience and sustainability is unlike anything we’ve experienced before. As the industry makes strides toward 2030 sustainability goals, one standout achievement has been a measurable reduction in carbon emissions years ahead of schedule. One driver of this progress is the growing use of insulated concrete forms (ICFs) paired with low-carbon or carbon-neutral concrete.

By Todd Weyandt, ago