California is investing in a $275 million infrastructure project in the Mojave Desert to secure long-term water supply for Southern California. With growing uncertainty around the Colorado River and Northern California imports, the project offers a new local solution that could serve up to 400,000 people.
Source: Cadiz
Led by Cadiz Inc., the Cadiz Water Supply and Storage Project is designed to create a reliable and sustainable water source by tapping into an underutilized aquifer beneath privately held land. The water will be captured and stored during wet years. Once captured it will be delivered through a new 43-mile pipeline connection to the Colorado River Aqueduct during dry spells. Global design and engineering firm Stantec has been brought on to oversee planning and design.
Beyond water security, the project promises significant economic and environmental benefits. Using water with lower salinity than current Colorado River sources will help local providers cut treatment costs. This is estimated to save ratepayers an estimated $400 million over the project’s 50-year lifespan. It also means safer water with less wear on pipes and sewer systems.
The Cadiz project is expected to inject $878 million into the local economy and create nearly 6,000 well-paying jobs, with a majority earmarked for local residents and unions. An ongoing contribution of $6 million annually will support San Bernardino County’s budget, including dedicated funds for local schools.
Environmental concerns have been front and center throughout development. The project has undergone extensive review from independent scientists, state agencies, and courts. The combined parties have concluded it will not harm the desert ecosystem. A strict groundwater management plan is set so the project can be paused if aquifer levels fall below a safe threshold. This decision puts long-term environmental health on equal footing with infrastructure goals.
By combining forward-thinking water storage and strong environmental oversight, the Mojave Desert project offers a future model for water supply in dry regions.
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As the world moves toward greener initiatives, construction companies are embracing sustainability like never before. The construction sector has traditionally been resource-intensive, with significant environmental impacts. However, increasing demands for energy efficiency, reduced waste, and carbon neutrality are reshaping the industry, pushing companies to adopt technologies and methods that align with long-term sustainability goals. Firms like Skanska and Laing O’Rourke are leading the way with innovative techniques and eco-conscious practices that set a benchmark for the industry.
The rise of green building
The construction industry has long been criticized for wasteful practices and high carbon emissions, but things are taking a turn. More companies are now integrating renewable energy, energy-efficient designs, and green materials. Governments and private organizations are setting stricter standards, promoting the adoption of low-carbon building techniques and advanced waste management systems. Technology like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D printing enables companies to optimize resources and reduce waste. As a result, sustainability is becoming a central focus for large-scale projects and smaller developments. This shift meets global environmental goals and addresses consumer demand for greener infrastructure.
Top 10 global companies in sustainable construction
10. Laing O’Rourke
Market cap/revenue: £2.5 billion (2023)
Employees: 12,000+
CEO: Ray O’Rourke
Founded: 1978
Laing O’Rourke prioritizes sustainability through energy-efficient designs and reducing carbon emissions across its projects. The company focuses on modular construction techniques, which minimize material waste and accelerate project timelines. It also emphasizes digital tracking systems to measure and lower emissions on-site. Projects like the Thames Tideway Tunnel highlight its commitment to protecting natural ecosystems while delivering impactful engineering solutions. Through innovative approaches and a focus on sustainability, Laing O’Rourke is setting new standards for construction practices.
9. Skanska
Market cap/revenue: SEK 170 billion (2023)
Employees: 30,000+
CEO: Anders Danielsson
Founded: 1887
Skanska is a global leader in sustainable construction, leveraging renewable energy and cutting-edge design to reduce environmental impacts. The company’s projects frequently achieve LEED certification, highlighting their adherence to stringent environmental standards. Notable initiatives include the development of net-zero energy buildings and advancements in eco-friendly materials. This dedication extends to its supply chain, ensuring all partnerships align with environmental objectives.
8. Turner Construction
Market cap/revenue: $15 billion (2023)
Employees: 10,000+
CEO: Peter J. Davoren
Founded: 1902
Turner Construction excels in green building projects, helping to shape cities with minimal environmental impact. Its expertise spans energy-efficient HVAC systems, solar-powered designs, and extensive use of recycled materials. Turner has contributed to major developments like the Levi’s Stadium, a sustainable sporting venue that meets rigorous environmental standards. The company also prioritizes collaboration with architects and engineers to innovate in energy-saving technologies. Turner’s approach ensures its projects benefit the environment and the communities they serve.
7. Bouygues Construction
Market cap/revenue: €13 billion (2023)
Employees: 58,000+
CEO: Olivier Roussat
Founded: 1952
Bouygues Construction leads in sustainable infrastructure development, with projects focusing on renewable energy and reduced material waste. The company pioneered smart building systems integrating renewable energy sources and intelligent energy management. Its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of large-scale developments are setting benchmarks for the global construction sector. Bouygues also invests in training programs to equip employees with green building expertise.
6. Strabag
Market cap/revenue: €16 billion (2023)
Employees: 75,000+
CEO: Thomas Birtel
Founded: 1835
Strabag’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its renewable energy projects and low-carbon construction methods. It actively invests in research to develop innovative solutions for reducing emissions across its supply chain. The company’s participation in Europe’s largest onshore wind farm project in Austria exemplifies its leadership in sustainable infrastructure. Strabag also works on eco-friendly urban developments, ensuring long-term benefits for communities. The company is paving the way for future-focused construction by embracing green technologies.
5. Acciona
Market cap/revenue: €7 billion (2023)
Employees: 38,000+
CEO: José Manuel Entrecanales
Founded: 1931
Acciona is renowned for its renewable energy and green construction practices. The company is responsible for large-scale projects, including solar power plants and sustainable water treatment facilities. Its buildings integrate geothermal and solar energy systems, making them highly energy-efficient. One of Acciona’s signature projects, the Palma Convention Center, combines eco-conscious design with functional architecture. Acciona also actively reduces water usage across its developments, cementing its position as a pioneer in sustainable construction.
4. WSP Global
Market cap/revenue: CAD 10 billion (2023)
Employees: 65,000+
CEO: Alexandre L’Heureux
Founded: 1959
WSP Global emphasizes sustainability in its engineering and design services. The company collaborates on projects ranging from renewable energy systems to environmentally friendly urban infrastructure. Its work includes net-zero buildings and green urban developments that prioritize long-term efficiency. WSP’s innovative designs ensure minimal environmental disruption while meeting modern architectural needs. By integrating renewable resources into its plans, WSP creates infrastructure that benefits urban growth and natural habitats.
3. Balfour Beatty
Market cap/revenue: £8 billion (2023)
Employees: 25,000+
CEO: Leo Quinn
Founded: 1909
Balfour Beatty excels in creating eco-friendly infrastructure like rail systems, commercial buildings, and renewable energy facilities. The company focuses on reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient designs and waste management systems. Its use of alternative materials and renewable energy has made significant strides toward greener construction. Balfour Beatty also emphasizes stakeholder engagement to align its goals with community sustainability efforts.
2. Foster + Partners
Market cap/revenue: N/A (privately held)
Employees: 1,500+
CEO: Norman Foster
Founded: 1967
Foster + Partners is an architectural firm known for its groundbreaking designs emphasizing sustainability. The firm integrates green materials, renewable energy, and efficient waste management into its buildings. Their projects, such as the Apple Park campus and the Bloomberg London headquarters, are celebrated for reducing carbon footprints while maintaining cutting-edge functionality. Foster + Partners continues to inspire the industry by demonstrating how thoughtful design can merge with environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for innovation in sustainable architecture worldwide.
1. Mighty Buildings
Market cap/revenue: N/A (privately held)
Employees: 100+
CEO: Slava Solonitsyn
Founded: 2017
Mighty Buildings is at the forefront of sustainable construction with its 3D-printed, energy-efficient homes. The company uses innovative materials and automation to reduce waste and accelerate build times. Its modular homes offer cost-effective solutions without compromising environmental standards. Mighty Buildings’ projects focus on achieving net-zero energy consumption while providing stylish and durable housing. This company redefines the potential for sustainable housing worldwide.
Bottom line
These companies demonstrate how the construction industry is advancing toward greener and more resource-efficient practices. From cutting-edge architectural designs to innovative construction methods, they set new benchmarks for sustainable construction. Their efforts reduce environmental impact and inspire others in the industry to follow suit.
Staying informed about these trends is crucial for understanding where construction is headed. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter at Under the Hard Hat for updates on the latest sustainable construction developments and insights into the industry’s future.
It’s well-known that we are in a race against time when it comes to saving our planet from the damaging effects of climate change. The global push to address this crisis has increasingly focused on the construction environment. With nearly 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions linked to buildings, the industry is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. To counteract climate change and decarbonize the construction industry, companies can advocate for policy changes that support sustainable building practices, invest in carbon offset programs, and adopt modular construction.
The link between buildings and climate change
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), building operations and construction are significant drivers of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing almost 40% of the global total. This includes emissions generated from both the construction of buildings and their ongoing operation, such as heating, cooling, and lighting. The construction sector, in particular, is responsible for a large portion of these emissions, driven by the extensive use of energy-intensive materials like steel, cement, and glass.
As urbanization accelerates rapidly around the world, the demand for new construction continues to rise, leading to even greater emissions. Without substantial changes in how buildings are constructed and managed, this sector will continue to be a major contributor to climate change, pushing the world further away from meeting international climate goals.
Decarbonizing the construction industry
Decarbonizing the construction industry is crucial to reducing its environmental impact. But we must consider carbon emissions not only in the construction phase. This effort involves minimizing carbon emissions throughout the building’s entire lifecycle, from material production to demolition.
One of the most effective strategies is the use of low-carbon building materials, such as sustainable timber or recycled steel, which can significantly reduce the carbon footprint compared to traditional materials.
The UNEP’s Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction highlights the importance of shifting towards energy-efficient designs and integrating renewable energy sources. For example, the incorporation of solar panels and wind energy systems can drastically reduce a building’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Additionally, the electrification of construction equipment—replacing diesel-powered machinery with electric alternatives—can reduce emissions during the building process.
Electrification isn’t the only solution, though; optimizing energy efficiency in building design is crucial. Passive design strategies, like natural ventilation, daylighting, and thermal insulation, can reduce a building’s energy demand, thus lowering operational emissions. Over time, this switch can make a big difference in the environment.
Adopting a circular economy approach in construction—where materials are reused and recycled—can minimize waste and reduce the need for new resources, further cutting emissions.
Another promising avenue for decarbonizing construction is the adoption of bio-based materials, such as hempcrete and bamboo. These materials not only sequester carbon during their growth but also require less energy to produce compared to conventional materials. These innovative materials can serve as viable alternatives to energy-intensive options like concrete and steel, further reducing buildings’ carbon footprints.
How construction companies can reduce carbon emissions
Construction companies play an important role in the effort to reduce carbon emissions.
Embracing green building certifications: Certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) can help companies ensure their projects meet high standards of sustainability. These certifications often require the use of energy-efficient technologies, water-saving fixtures, and sustainable materials, all of which contribute to lower emissions.
Adoption of modular construction techniques: These involve prefabricating building components off-site and then assembling them on-site. This method reduces material waste and shortens construction timelines, leading to lower energy use and emissions.
Invest in carbon offset programs: These programs help balance out any remaining emissions from their projects.
Advocate for policy changes that support sustainable construction practices: Governments can incentivize green building through tax breaks, grants, and other financial incentives, making it easier for companies to adopt these practices.
Integrating new technology: Digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) allow for more accurate planning and resource management, helping to reduce waste and optimize energy use. As these technologies continue to evolve, they will play an increasingly important role in helping construction companies achieve their carbon reduction goals.
Green buildings are an essential component in the fight against climate change, offering a way to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the built environment. However, they are not a silver bullet. The construction industry must adopt a holistic approach to decarbonization, encompassing everything from material selection to energy use and waste management.
By embracing sustainable practices and incorporating new technologies, the construction sector can play a leading role in the global effort to combat climate change. The transition to green buildings is not just about meeting regulatory requirements or achieving certification—it is about redefining the way we think about the construction environment and its impact on our planet. As more companies and governments commit to this transition, the potential to make a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change becomes increasingly real.
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