washington

Sustainability is a standout topic across Cascadia, with Washington (the region’s largest state) and Seattle (its largest city) being no exception.

Seattle has pledged to divest itself from fossil fuels by 2030 and become completely carbon neutral by 2050. Both dates are approaching fast. This urgency represents an opportunity for the construction industry. Buildings will need to be renovated to comply with new laws, while the city will need to invest in things like light-rail and green energy. Contractors with relevant experience are already coming into Seattle from across the country to cash in on these trends, while contractors in Washington are hoping to leverage this experience for future sustainability projects in other parts of the country.

The residential sector makes up more than half of the state’s construction volume, with more than half of that in Seattle. This will likely continue to increase in the coming years as the city (and state) looks to accommodate its growing population while meeting environmental targets and preserving affordable projects. Seattle is also investing in rail transit, with almost $60 billion earmarked for various transit projects in the coming years. Construction labor has grown in order to meet this demand, but the amount of growth has not been enough to keep costs down. Many contractors have begun looking to nearby markets for the labor needed for their projects.

* Other structures include religious buildings, amusement, government communications, and public recreation projects.