Alexis Nicols, Author at Under the Hard Hat

Alexis Nicols

Design

November 28, 2025

Carbon footprint of common construction materials revealed

Alexis Nicols

See how common building materials rank by carbon footprint, from hempcrete to steel.

Construction news

November 28, 2025

6 major construction projects currently underway in Ontario

Alexis Nicols

Ontario is in the middle of a building boom. From Highway 413 and the Ontario Line to Canada’s largest hospital and new green energy projects,…

Close-up of biochar, produced through wood pyrolysis

Construction news

November 27, 2025

Can biochar make cement carbon-negative?

Alexis Nicols

A carbon-rich material made from plant waste is being tested as a cement additive that reduces emissions while boosting strength raising hopes for carbon-negative concrete.

Design

November 26, 2025

The costs to build a school: What builders need to know

Alexis Nicols

Whether planning a small rural school or a large urban campus, construction costs add up quickly. This guide shows average per-square-foot costs, budget ranges, and…

Construction news

November 25, 2025

Townhouse starts hit record amount in 2025 housing market

Alexis Nicols

U.S. townhouse starts hit 45,000 in Q2 2025—17% of single-family construction and the highest share on record since 1985.

Design

November 25, 2025

Reimagining America’s Schools: A conversation with Ron Bogle, Hon. AIA

Alexis Nicols

Discover how the National Design Alliance helps districts rethink learning spaces with flexible, tech-ready, and sustainable designs for greater equity.

Ai tools

November 24, 2025

Komatsu and Pronto launch autonomous trucks for quarries

Alexis Nicols

Autonomous trucks are no longer limited to massive mines. Komatsu and Pronto’s Smart Quarry system retrofits existing haul trucks with AI and sensors, giving quarries…

Construction news

November 24, 2025

DHS launches $4.5B Smart Wall project along U.S. border

Alexis Nicols

With $4.5B in new contracts, the Smart Wall will add 230 miles of barriers, cameras, and patrol systems from California to Texas.

Happy family cooking a healthy dinner recipe together in kitchen. Mother and daughter reading recipe to father and son. Dad and boy chopping green vegetable leaf for salad. Home recreation and food preparation on weekend

Healthy Food Truck

November 22, 2025

8 best healthy dinner recipes to lose weight without feeling hungry

Alexis Nicols

Looking for healthy dinner recipes to lose weight? These 8 dinners are nutrient-packed, high in flavor, and designed to keep you satisfied while reaching your…