https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business/number-women-construction-hits-all-time-high <span class="field-wrapper">Number Women in Construction Hits an All-Time High</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/87" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">hsauer</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Wed, 11/30/2022 - 11:47</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business/number-women-construction-hits-all-time-high">Number Women in Construction Hits an All-Time High</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p>With inclusion becoming increasingly important to consumers, companies have made an effort to recruit a more diverse workforce. The construction industry is making strides as there are now more women working in U.S. construction than ever before.</p> <p>In August 2022, the number of women construction workers reached an <a href="https://www.constructiondive.com/news/percentage-of-women-construction-higher-than-ever/637033/">all-time high of 14%</a> of the entire industry. A November 2022 analysis by <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/11/11/hispanic-women-construction-trades/">The Washington Post</a> says that the number of women employed as construction workers has been on the rise since 2016, continuously increasing from 12.5% of the industry in August 2016 and spiking to 13.5% during the pandemic in April 2020. That year, one in every 10 construction workers was a woman, accounting for 1.2 million employees, <a href="https://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2022/the-construction-industry-labor-force-2003-to-2020/home.htm">according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>.</p> <p>By the end of 2021, the number of women across the entire industry reached 1,241,000. This number accounts for every role in the industry, including managerial and clerical positions, but <a href="https://iwpr.org/iwpr-publications/briefing-paper/numbers-matter-clarifying-the-data-on-women-working-in-construction/">The Institute for Women’s Policy Research</a> found that 314,223 of these employees were construction tradeswomen.</p> <p>The trend for women in overall construction is higher than in electrical construction. Responses collected in the 2022 <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/sites/default/files/EC_2022_Profile_Topline_08-29-2022_1.pdf">Profile of the Electrical Contractor</a> showed only 4% of respondents were women, consistent with the data from 2020, the last time the survey was conducted.</p> <p>The largest increase in the construction industry comes from Hispanic women. This demographic grew by 117% over the past six years, per <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/11/11/hispanic-women-construction-trades/">The Post’s analysis</a>, which also found that most of this growth derived from work site positions and not back office roles.</p> <p>One of the biggest factors leading to this increase is the pressing nationwide worker shortage. Overall, this has caused labor recruiters to <a href="https://www.constructiondive.com/news/percentage-of-women-construction-higher-than-ever/637033/">look outside their usual hiring pool</a>, according to a November 2022 Construction Dive report. On theme with diversifying the construction workforce, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the <a href="https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2022/10/secretary-raimondo-calls-more-women-construction-industry-nabtu-tradeswomen-build">Million Women in Construction</a> initiative at a North American Building Trades Union conference in October. This initiative plans to continue to promote inclusivity by continuing to recruit more women into these high-paying construction trade roles.</p> <p>“Right now, there are about one million women working in the construction industry,” Raimondo said. “I’m here to tell you that together we are going to double that over the next decade to create opportunity for another million women.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/annabel-rocha" hreflang="en">Annabel Rocha</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business" hreflang="en">Your Business</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/industry-watch" hreflang="en">Industry Watch</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/women-contracting" hreflang="en">Women in Contracting</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/diversity-equity-inclusion" hreflang="en">Diversity, Equity & Inclusion</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/workforce-development" hreflang="en">Workforce Development</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/13940" hreflang="en">contruction_women_females_contractors_iStock-475480066.jpg</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-30T12:00:00Z">Wed, 11/30/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 30 Nov 2022 16:47:53 +0000 hsauer 50630 at https://www.ecmag.com https://www.ecmag.com/section/integrated-systems/increased-use-robots-warehouse-automation-and-more <span class="field-wrapper">Increased Use of Robots for Warehouse Automation and More</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/113" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">cbeaty</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Tue, 11/29/2022 - 09:06</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/integrated-systems/increased-use-robots-warehouse-automation-and-more">Increased Use of Robots for Warehouse Automation and More</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p style="margin-bottom:11px">Research and development in the use of robotics in warehouse and industrial settings is gaining momentum, fueling impressive growth in the market sector.</p> <p>“Warehouse Robotics Market,” a June 2022 <a href="https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/warehouse-robotics-market">report</a> from Future Market Insights (FMI), reveals that the global warehouse robotics market is projected to reach a value of more than $9.5 billion by 2032. In 2022, the market was on pace to exceed $5 billion, rising at a notable 13% compound annual growth rate throughout the forecast period. Robotics leverage digital technologies and computerization with artificial intelligence (A.I.) and machine learning to automate a host of operations.</p> <p>“The market is likely to be driven by the growing trend of industrialization and the implementation of Industry 4.0,” according to the report.</p> <h3>Robotics services</h3> <p>Warehouse robotics are used in a variety of automated systems to bring greater efficiencies to processes in fulfillment, inventory and distribution. Different types of robotics, according to <a href="https://6river.com/what-is-warehouse-robotics/">6 River Systems</a>, include automated guided vehicles for material and supply transport; automated storage and retrieval systems for inventory management; cobots, or collaborative robotics used to assist human personnel in performing tasks in the warehouse; articulated robotic arms that move products within warehouses; and goods-to-person systems that transport items to stationary pick stations.</p> <p>Warehouse robots are applicable to many markets, including food and beverage, automotive, pharmaceuticals, electronics, construction, defense and oil and gas. Companies are investing huge dollars in research and development activities in the warehouse robotics market, especially in developed countries, for product innovation, more advanced automation and pursuit of quality production and manufacturing.</p> <p>According to FMI, Amazon installed almost 15,000 robots in its U.S. warehouses to cut operations costs by one-fifth and meet increasing consumer demand. It used technology developed by Kiva Systems, a robotics company it would later purchase and rename Amazon Robotics. In October 2021, Amazon announced the opening of a new first-of-its-kind robotics manufacturing facility in Westborough, Mass. Amazon also unveiled plans to purchase iRobot in August 2022.</p> <h3>Market drivers and restraints</h3> <p>Important market drivers for the warehouse robotics market, according to FMI, include increasing demand of automation for time savings and cost reductions, increasing number of stock-keeping units, increasing demand and awareness toward quality and safety production, advancement in technology and increased use in various applications and industries such as food and beverage and electronics.</p> <p>Some of the barriers cited in the report as potentially hampering the growth of the warehouse robotics market are the initial high adoption cost related to training and deployment, lack of awareness and difficulty in interacting with robots for some end-users.</p> <p>The digital transformation and Industry 4.0 continue to revolutionize the way companies manufacture, improve and distribute products. Manufacturers are integrating new technologies, including internet of things, cloud computing, analytics, A.I. and machine learning into their production facilities and throughout their operations. That value proposition now includes robotics, for specific tasks and lessening the overall cost burden on the end-user.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-page-title field-name-field-page-title field-type-string field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Page Title </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Increased Use of Robots for Warehouse Automation and More</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/deborah-l-omara" hreflang="en">Deborah L. O'Mara</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Yes</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/integrated-systems" hreflang="en">Integrated Systems</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/robotics" hreflang="en">Robotics</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/robots" hreflang="en">Robots</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/warehouses" hreflang="en">Warehouses</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/automation" hreflang="en">Automation</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/21458" hreflang="en">industrial-robot_Niran-Kasri-pixabay.png</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-29T12:00:00Z">Tue, 11/29/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:06:42 +0000 cbeaty 50629 at https://www.ecmag.com https://www.ecmag.com/section/safety/aggressive-driving-impacts-electrical-contractor-fleets <span class="field-wrapper">Aggressive Driving Impacts Electrical Contractor Fleets</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/87" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">hsauer</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Mon, 11/28/2022 - 10:41</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/safety/aggressive-driving-impacts-electrical-contractor-fleets">Aggressive Driving Impacts Electrical Contractor Fleets</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p style="margin-bottom:11px">Aggressive driving—a term coined in the 1990s—consists of several potentially dangerous behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, changing lanes without signaling and running red lights and stop signs. The <a href="https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/aggdrivingenf/pages/introduction.html" target="_blank">National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA</a>) further defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.”</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px">The National Conference of State Legislatures found that excessive speed was a factor in <a href="https://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/aggressive-driving-and-speed.aspx">27% of all fatal crashes in 2015</a>, with a cost of $40 billion annually. Additionally, if speed increases by 50%, the energy released in a crash more than doubles.</p> <p>Aggressive driving can escalate to “road rage,” a more extreme version of aggressive driving, typified by cursing, obscene gestures, ramming, sideswiping or running other vehicles off the road. It’s important to distinguish between aggressive driving—a traffic violation—and road rage—a criminal offense. Data compiled in 2019 by the <a href="https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/aggressive-driving/">AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety</a> indicated that almost 80% of drivers exhibit aggression, road rage or significant anger while behind the wheel.</p> <p>“Aggressive drivers hurt their fleets,” said Belinda Rueffer, vice president of marketing at <a href="https://www.gpsinsight.com/" target="_blank">GPS Insight</a>, Scottsdale, Ariz. In addition to the obvious safety concern, aggressive driving can increase fuel costs. The <a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/saving-money-gas#:~:text=Drive%20sensibly%20and%20avoid%20aggressive,mph%2C%20gas%20mileage%20drops%20rapidly.">U.S. Department of Energy</a> estimates that aggressive driving can decrease gas mileage by 15%–30% on highways and 10%–40% in cities. This can have a cumulative impact on a fleet’s budget.</p> <p>To counteract the negative effects of aggressive driving, fleet manager can use telematics and smart dash cams to collect data on each of their driver’s behaviors and implement driver coaching. These measures can help fleet managers end aggressive driving, cut expenses, improve efficiency and protect drivers.</p> <p>“Using telematics and dashcams can help reduce aggressive driving by revealing each driver’s behavior,” Rueffer said. “Telematics can monitor a driver’s speeding, harsh braking and other bad habits, identifying coaching—and discipline—opportunities.”</p> <p>Telematics combined with dashcams can also protect drivers by determining if a behavior was warranted in the context of their driving conditions, thereby boosting safety and reducing accidents. </p> <p>Rueffer observed that even experienced, conscientious drivers can lose control when furious or agitated. “On-time delivery or service demands and long hours on the road can make fleet drivers hostile,” she said. “Putting an end to aggressive driving is in the best interest of everyone on the road.”</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/lori-lovely" hreflang="en">Lori Lovely</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/safety" hreflang="en">Safety</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/industry-watch" hreflang="en">Industry Watch</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/distracted-driving" hreflang="en">Distracted Driving</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/fleet-modernization" hreflang="en">Fleet Modernization</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/21457" hreflang="en">fleet-g57c219b8d_1920.jpg</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-28T12:00:00Z">Mon, 11/28/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:41:11 +0000 hsauer 50628 at https://www.ecmag.com https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building/lower-income-households-warming-solar-power <span class="field-wrapper">Lower Income Households Warming Up to Solar Power</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/87" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">hsauer</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Tue, 11/22/2022 - 14:18</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building/lower-income-households-warming-solar-power">Lower Income Households Warming Up to Solar Power</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p style="margin-bottom:11px">Despite its growing popularity, solar power remains a luxury that, typically, only more affluent households can afford, due mostly to the high costs of installation.</p> <p>However, recent statistics show that the technology is not completely exclusive. A greater share of lower-income households and neighborhoods are having rooftop panels installed.<br /> <br /> Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory released the latest edition of its annual report, <a href="https://emp.lbl.gov/projects/solar-demographics-trends-and-analysis/">Residential Solar-Adopter Income and Demographic Trends</a>. This November 2022 edition, updated from its initial <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building/demographics-residential-solar-adoption-are-slowly-shifting">2022 report released in February</a>, is based on address-level data for 2.8 million residential households across the country that have installed solar on-site. The latest update includes data on systems installed through 2021.</p> <p>The report reveals some unsurprising statistics. For example, the median income for solar adopters was $110,000. This is above the national average of $79,000, and confirms that households with solar are more likely to have above-average means.</p> <p>However, a closer look at the results reveals that solar technology is not exclusively for the rich. Several statistics show that the average income is trending downward, indicating that solar is becoming more accessible to those in lower-income tiers.</p> <p>For example, according to the report, the average household income of solar adopters in 2010 was $129,000. This represents a drop of almost $20,000 in 11 years.</p> <p>Also, the median income figure reveals that while half of the nation’s households with solar have incomes above $110,000, an equal number have incomes below that level.</p> <p>Looking at that lower half a little more closely, the report finds that roughly one-third of all households that installed solar in 2021 had incomes between $50,000 and $100,000. Another 15% of households had incomes below $50,000. The most well-represented income category was composed of those households with incomes between $75,000 and $100,000. They comprised roughly 18% of the total number of households that installed solar last year.</p> <p>The report also finds that the share of the solar market in disadvantaged communities has been rising over time. According to Department of Energy figures, the percentage of residential solar installations in these communities has more than doubled from 5% in 2010 to 11% in 2021.</p> <p>Lastly, the report finds that solar markets are also moving into less-affluent states. While roughly half of the nation’s solar adopters are in California, which is a relatively high-income state, the market for solar is growing in states like Texas and Florida, which are considered middle- and low-income states, respectively.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/rick-laezman" hreflang="en">Rick Laezman</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building" hreflang="en">Green Building</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/industry-watch" hreflang="en">Industry Watch</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/rooftop-solar" hreflang="en">Rooftop Solar</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/solar-costs" hreflang="en">Solar costs</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/19280" hreflang="en">rooftop solar.jpg</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-22T12:00:00Z">Tue, 11/22/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 22 Nov 2022 19:18:36 +0000 hsauer 50627 at https://www.ecmag.com https://www.ecmag.com/section/integrated-systems/changes-communications-technologies-affecting-final-acceptance-ahjs <span class="field-wrapper">Changes in Communications Technologies Affecting Final Acceptance by AHJs</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/113" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">cbeaty</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Tue, 11/22/2022 - 10:27</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/integrated-systems/changes-communications-technologies-affecting-final-acceptance-ahjs">Changes in Communications Technologies Affecting Final Acceptance by AHJs</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p style="margin-bottom:8px">Every project comes with large responsibilities, and life safety fire alarm systems most often represent a small portion of the total quote for work in the building. It is most often the last system installed in the building, and the fire alarm system installation often gets overlooked in terms of technology changes and quality control.</p> <p>As stated in Section 901.6.3 of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), “Fire alarm systems required by the provisions of Section 907.2 of this code and Sections 907.2 and 907.9 of the International Fire Code shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with Section 907.6.6 of this code.”</p> <p>Most likely you have been relying on your equipment supplier to ensure the fire alarm system could make the appropriate connections. However, the code and marketplace have made changes that have caused some confusion with the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and systems approvals are hitting a snag due to circumstances beyond our control.</p> <p>Before the breakup of AT&T, the portion of the connection from the fire alarm system to the supervising station was treated as a “black box.” The technical committee had met with AT&T and determined that the phone line connections from the fire alarm system had a 0.99999 reliability factor, and although the code had no jurisdiction regarding the connection between the fire alarm system and the supervising station, the technical committee felt confident of the connection and used a digital alarm communicator transmitter (DACT) to make the necessary connections as required by the IBC and NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.</p> <p>These connections were made over what was called (by the communications industry) plain old telephone service (POTS) through the public switched telephone network (PSTN) interconnection points.</p> <p>Then the breakup of AT&T occurred. We now have communications provided by telephone and cable TV companies, and a new definition of connection to the supervising station.</p> <p>We start with the NFPA 72-2022 definition of a managed facilities-based voice network (MFVN). The code defines the MFVN as “a physical facilities-based network capable of transmitting real time signals with formats unchanged that is managed, operated, and maintained by the service provider to ensure service quality and reliability from the subscriber location to the interconnection point with other MFVN peer networks or the supervising station.”</p> <p>MFVN has replaced PSTN, which was used in the requirements for DACTs in Chapter 26 of NFPA 72-2022.</p> <p>The Annex (A.3.3.161) in NFPA 72-2022 provides the following:</p> <p>“[A] Managed facilities-based voice network service is functionally equivalent to traditional PSTN-based services provided by authorized common carriers (public utility telephone companies or local exchange carriers [LECs]) with respect to dialing, dial plan, call completion, carriage of signals and protocols, and loop voltage treatment and provides all of the following features:</p> <ol> <li> <p>A loop start telephone circuit service interface.</p> </li> <li> <p>Pathway reliability that is assured by proactive management, operation, and maintenance by the MFVN provider.</p> </li> <li> <p>8 hours of standby power supply capacity for MFVN communications equipment either located at the protected premises or field deployed. Industry standards followed by the authorized common carriers (public utility telephone companies), and the other communications service providers that operate MFVNs, specifically engineer the selection of the size of the batteries, or other permanently located standby power source, in order to provide 8 hours of standby power with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Of course, over time, abnormal ambient conditions and battery aging can always have a potentially adverse effect on battery capacity. The MFVN field-deployed equipment typically monitors the condition of the standby battery and signals potential battery failure to permit the communications service provider to take appropriate action.</p> </li> <li> <p>24 hours of standby power supply capacity for MFVN communications equipment located at the communications service provider’s central office.</p> </li> <li> <p>Installation of network equipment at the protected premises with safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to the equipment and its connections. When providing telephone service to a new customer, MFVN providers [must] give notice to the telephone service subscriber of the need to have any connected alarm system tested by authorized fire alarm service personnel in accordance with Chapter 14 to make certain that all signal transmission features have remained operational. These features include the proper functioning of line seizure and the successful transmission of signals to the supervising station. In this way, the MFVN providers assist their new customers in complying with a testing procedure similar to that outlined in 26.2.7 for changes to providers of supervising station service. The evolution of the deployment of telephone service has moved beyond the sole use of metallic conductors connecting a telephone subscriber’s premises with the nearest telephone service provider’s control and routing point (wire center). In the last 25 years, telephone service providers have introduced a variety of technologies to transport multiple, simultaneous telephone calls over shared communication pathways. In order to facilitate the further development of the modernization of the telephone network, the authorized common carriers (public utility telephone companies) have transitioned their equipment into a managed facilities-based voice network (MFVN) capable of providing a variety of communications services in addition to the provision of traditional telephone service.</p> </li> </ol> <p>“Similarly, the evolution of digital communications technology has permitted entities other than the authorized common carriers (public utility telephone companies) to deploy robust communications networks and offer a variety of communications services, including telephone.</p> <p>“These alternate service providers fall into two broad categories: those entities that have emulated the MFVN provided by the authorized common carriers and those entities that offer telephone service using means that do not offer the rigorous quality assurance, operational stability and consistent features provided by an MFVN and are not regulated by the state public utilities commission.</p> <p>“The code intends to only recognize the use of the telephone network transmission of alarm, supervisory, trouble and other emergency signals by means of MFVNs.</p> <p>“For example, the code intends to permit an MFVN to provide facilities-based telephone (voice) service that interfaces with the premises fire alarm or emergency signal control unit through a digital alarm communicator transmitter (DACT) using an emulated loop start telephone circuit and signaling protocols fully compatible with and equivalent to those used in public switched telephone networks. The loop-start telephone circuit and associated signaling can be provided through traditional copper wire telephone service POTS or by means of equipment that emulates the loop start telephone circuit and associated signaling and then transmits the signals over a pathway using packet switched (IP) networks or other communications methods that are part of an MFVN.</p> <p>“Providers of MFVNs must have disaster recovery plans to address individual customer outages and widespread events such as tornados, ice storms, or other natural disasters, which include specific network power restoration procedures equivalent to those of traditional landline telephone services.”</p> <p>The important take-away from this discussion is that the MFVN is not a part of the fire alarm system and is not listed as a fire alarm device.</p> <p>The UL listing of a currently listed MFVN product on the market states that the product is a POTS replacement “that connects to LAN and 4G to provide service to all traditional analog devices. This product acts as a managed facilities-based voice network (MFVN) and is considered part of the communication infrastructure, not the fire alarm system.”</p> <p>Telephone service that is not provided using a traditional POTS line or with an MFVN would not be permitted for connection to a DACT in accordance with NFPA 72, Section 26.6.4.1.</p> <p>MFVN testing and coordination with the building fire alarm interface is the building owner’s responsibility to arrange and coordinate. This last requirement inevitably falls into your lap to ensure compliance.</p> <p>All the above, even with the quotes from NFPA 72, proves troublesome to the AHJ, and this single issue will have an impact on the final approval of your installed fire alarm system. To ensure approval by the AHJ, make sure the MFVN provider is a public utility telephone company or an authorized (by the state public utilities commission) local exchange carrier. Additionally, conduct the necessary tests to ensure the alarm, supervisory and trouble signals are transmitted to the supervising station.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/wayne-d-moore" hreflang="en">Wayne D. Moore</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Yes</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/integrated-systems" hreflang="en">Integrated Systems</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/fire-alarm-systems" hreflang="en">Fire Alarm Systems</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/authority-having-jurisdiction" hreflang="en">Authority Having Jurisdiction</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/communications-systems" hreflang="en">Communications Systems</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/firelife-safety" hreflang="en">Fire/Life Safety</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/21456" hreflang="en">rotary-phone-unsplash.jpg</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-22T12:00:00Z">Tue, 11/22/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 22 Nov 2022 15:27:31 +0000 cbeaty 50626 at https://www.ecmag.com https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building/light-breeze-generates-electricity-new-invention <span class="field-wrapper">A Light Breeze Generates Electricity With New Invention</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/87" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">hsauer</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Mon, 11/21/2022 - 14:08</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building/light-breeze-generates-electricity-new-invention">A Light Breeze Generates Electricity With New Invention</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p style="margin-bottom:11px"><a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/wind/history-of-wind-power.php#:~:text=People%20have%20been%20using%20wind,Persia%20and%20the%20Middle%20East.">Harvesting wind energy</a> is not new, but scientists from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore designed a <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221006092331.htm">new device</a> to harness and store it as electricity. This low-cost device, called a wind harvester, can transform energy from winds with a velocity as low as 2 meters per second (m/s).</p> <p>Announced in a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0888327022003429?via%3Dihub">September 2022 article</a> in the scientific journal Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, the device is currently capable of producing 3V and generating power of up to 290 microwatts, although lab test results indicate the harvester can power 40 LEDs consistently with a wind speed of just 4 m/s.</p> <p>The harvester can also generate enough to power a commercial sensor and send the data to a mobile phone wirelessly or to a battery for storage, demonstrating that it can store enough excess charge to keep the device powered for an extended period, even without available wind.</p> <p>At only 15 cm by 20 cm (or just under 6 inches by 8 inches), the small-sized harvester is easy to mount on the side of buildings. Scientists hope it will eventually replace batteries in the structural health monitoring sensors on buildings and bridges.</p> <p>Made of fiber epoxy—a highly durable polymer—the device features a dynamic design that vibrates in the wind. Its plate, made of inexpensive materials like copper, aluminum foil and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), vibrates during wind flow, causing charges to form on the film. As they flow from the aluminum foil to the copper film, an electrical current is generated.</p> <p>Yang Yaowen, a professor in NTU’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, led the project. One of the study’s purposes was to develop a device able to harness wind energy at low cost, with low wear and tear and requiring only occasional maintenance.</p> <p>In addition, he said, “Our research aims to tackle the lack of a small-scale energy harvester for more targeted functions, such as to power smaller sensors and electronic devices.”</p> <p>An added benefit of this harvester is that it could be an alternative to small lithium-ion batteries that use heavy metals, which can cause environmental issues if not properly disposed of. Widespread use of this not-yet-patented or commercialized device could reduce electronic waste.</p> <p>“Wind energy is a source of renewable energy,” Yang said. In addition to being renewable, it is <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/wind/advantages-and-challenges-wind-energy">clean</a>, producing no greenhouse gases or other pollutants as it generates electricity. “Our invention has been shown to effectively harness this sustainable source of energy to charge batteries and light LEDs, demonstrating its potential as an energy generator to power the next generation of electronics, which are smaller in size and require less power.”</p> <p>NTU scientists continue their research to improve the energy storage functions of the harvester. As part of that research, they are experimenting with materials that might improve its output power.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/lori-lovely" hreflang="en">Lori Lovely</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building" hreflang="en">Green Building</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/industry-watch" hreflang="en">Industry Watch</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/emerging-technology" hreflang="en">Emerging Technology</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/wind-power" hreflang="en">Wind Power</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/batteries" hreflang="en">Batteries</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/18561" hreflang="en">wind turbine_ferdinand-stohr_unsplash.jpg</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-21T12:00:00Z">Mon, 11/21/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 21 Nov 2022 19:08:08 +0000 hsauer 50625 at https://www.ecmag.com https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building/connected-smart-buildings-form-communities-clean-power <span class="field-wrapper">Connected Smart Buildings Form Communities of Clean Power</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/113" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">cbeaty</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Fri, 11/18/2022 - 15:18</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building/connected-smart-buildings-form-communities-clean-power">Connected Smart Buildings Form Communities of Clean Power</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p style="margin-bottom:11px">The role of buildings in advancing clean and efficient energy technology has been well established.</p> <p>Now buildings are getting smarter and are connecting to form their own communities that achieve even greater levels of energy innovation.</p> <p>On Nov. 2, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) <a href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/connected-communities-cohort-kicks-new-era-grid-efficient-buildings">kicked off</a> what it is referring to as a “new era for grid-efficient buildings.” The event marked the launch of the DOE’s Connected Communities cohort. This is a collaboration of nine projects, each of which were awarded funding by the DOE for their own innovation in connected energy-efficient buildings. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is acting as the national coordinator for this cohort.</p> <p>The DOE’s <a href="https://connectedcommunities.lbl.gov/about">Connected Communities</a> is intended to drive innovation in building energy consumption by emphasizing how groups of buildings can work together to maximize the use of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar power, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, battery storage and other state-of-the-art technology.</p> <p>The DOE defines a connected community as a group of grid-interactive efficient buildings with diverse, flexible end-use equipment and other DERs that work collectively to maximize building, community and grid efficiency while still meeting occupants’ needs and comforts.</p> <p>Last year, the department issued a large funding opportunity announcement and selected projects that demonstrate how connected communities can serve as assets to the electrical grid. The cohort that was kicked off earlier this month represents a collaboration of the nine projects that were awarded funding. They will share information, challenges and best practices to achieve greater building energy efficiency through connectivity.</p> <p>One example of an awarded project is The Ohio State University’s cybersecure orchestrated control of DERs across an array of diverse campus buildings.</p> <p>Another cohort is the utility Portland General Electric that is working to achieve 1.4 megawatts (MW) of flexible loads by retrofitting nearly 600 commercial and residential buildings.</p> <p>Similarly, in Spokane, Wash., Edo Energy is striving to achieve between 1 and 2.3 MW of flexible loads by retrofitting heat pumps, water heaters, control systems and other resources in an all-electric virtual power plant that will help defer capital investment for a 55-MW peak substation.</p> <p>In Raleigh, N.C., IBACOS Inc. will connect hundreds of new and existing homes to solar power, battery storage and smart thermostats.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-page-title field-name-field-page-title field-type-string field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Page Title </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Connected Smart Buildings Form Communities of Clean Power</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/rick-laezman" hreflang="en">Rick Laezman</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building" hreflang="en">Green Building</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/industry-watch" hreflang="en">Industry Watch</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/smart-buildings" hreflang="en">Smart Buildings</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/grid-interactive-efficient-buildings" hreflang="en">Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/energy-efficiency" hreflang="en">Energy Efficiency</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/14780" hreflang="en">Connected Metropolis Smart Cities</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-18T12:00:00Z">Fri, 11/18/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 18 Nov 2022 20:18:38 +0000 cbeaty 50624 at https://www.ecmag.com https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business/mobile-light-tower-market-expected-surpass-31-billion-2031 <span class="field-wrapper">Mobile Light Tower Market Expected to Surpass $3.1 Billion by 2031</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/87" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">hsauer</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Thu, 11/17/2022 - 09:23</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business/mobile-light-tower-market-expected-surpass-31-billion-2031">Mobile Light Tower Market Expected to Surpass $3.1 Billion by 2031</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p>The global mobile light tower market, valued at $1.9 billion in 2021, is expected to reach a $3.1 billion valuation by 2031. A September 2022 report <a href="https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/mobile-light-tower-market-A31351">published by Allied Market Research</a> details the causes and trends leading to the expected 5.2% compound annual growth rate from 2022 to 2031.</p> <p>An increase in infrastructure projects is the leading growth factor. Construction applications led the market growth, specifically the highway, railway and bridge construction segments. Mobile light towers are essential on construction sites that lack adequate lighting and for nighttime operations. In addition, using light towers on railway, highway, roadway, sewer, power and other infrastructure projects increases worker safety and productivity.</p> <p>A mobile light tower uses an array of electric lamps affixed to the top of a mast. The tower is positioned on top of a trailer, allowing easy transportation from site to site. A generator at the back of the trailer illuminates the lights using diesel, solar, battery power or hybrid methods.</p> <p>The global light tower market forecast was segmented based on power source, lighting type, technology, application and region. North America accounts for the largest mobile light tower market share, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific.</p> <p>Key findings of the study based on 2021 mobile light tower data include:</p> <ul> <li>Diesel accounted for the largest share of power sources.</li> <li>Metal halide was the leading lighting type used.</li> <li>The leading technology used was manual.</li> <li>Construction was the leading application for use of mobile light towers.</li> </ul> <p>The surge in demand for mobile tower lights has prompted new product development. In 2021, for example, Generac Power Systems Inc., developed an all-in-one mobile lighting tower capable of operating with diesel, battery, hybrid, external power and solar energy as a single machine.</p> <p>While the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic temporarily impacted mobile light tower market growth, the effect has subsided. Vaccine and distancing initiatives, supplemented by increased government infrastructure funding, have allowed once-halted construction operations to move forward.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/brionna-farney" hreflang="en">Brionna Farney</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business" hreflang="en">Your Business</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/industry-watch" hreflang="en">Industry Watch</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/light-towers" hreflang="en">Light Towers</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/worksite-accessories" hreflang="en">Worksite Accessories</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/tool-trends" hreflang="en">Tool Trends</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/17241" hreflang="en">Light Tower</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-17T12:00:00Z">Thu, 11/17/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:23:42 +0000 hsauer 50623 at https://www.ecmag.com https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building/data-analytics-essential-step-current-utility-operations <span class="field-wrapper">Data Analytics Is an Essential Step in Current Utility Operations</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/87" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">hsauer</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Wed, 11/16/2022 - 09:47</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building/data-analytics-essential-step-current-utility-operations">Data Analytics Is an Essential Step in Current Utility Operations</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p>Virtually every industry is becoming increasingly data-driven to keep up with today’s fast-paced business landscape. Big data solutions are essential for modern companies, as they help streamline operations, boost productivity and meet the bottom line.</p> <p>The utility industry is undergoing a major overhaul in terms of digitization. Companies understand they must evolve in the era of big data, which involves adopting new technologies, updating operational processes and keeping up with ever-changing demands. As data analytics becomes more prevalent in utility operations, it will play a vital role in this industry’s growth and can offer important benefits.</p> <p><a name="_j9idx2yv6is4" id="_j9idx2yv6is4"></a></p> <p>Itron, which offers solutions for energy and water resource management, <a href="https://www.itron.com/na/resources-page/resourcefulness-report">released a 2022 report</a> analyzing how utility companies and cities were leveraging data analytics solutions. It discusses key findings from surveys of 600 utility executives and 600 informed customers from five countries, including the United States, Spain, India, the United Kingdom and Australia.</p> <p><a name="_d5fmuddcw3k3" id="_d5fmuddcw3k3"></a>Itron’s report suggests that more than 9 out of 10 survey participants agree that leveraging real-time data analytics insights is very important. Disruptors in the industry are evolving, requiring the latest solutions to keep up and improve C-suite decision-making. For instance, electric companies handling pole inspections and inventories are notoriously siloed, meaning departments <a href="https://ikegps.com/the-importance-of-data-needs-for-an-electric-utility/">often neglect the company’s data needs</a>, according to a March 2022 report from utility software provider Ike. Pole inspection and inventory data must be reformatted to prepare it for new data analytics.</p> <p>This is only one example, but consider the other types of utilities and how many departments could benefit from a more comprehensive data management and analytics solution. Utility executives know that harnessing the power of data for analysis is something they must adapt to in the next few years.</p> <p><a name="_3y0ir41ghpuh" id="_3y0ir41ghpuh"></a></p> <p>Itron’s report also suggests that personalized utility insights for customers could be a major trend in the industry going forward. Companies that offer customers the ability to gain insight into their energy and water systems enable them to make <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/1108684/monthly-utility-costs-usa-state/">better decisions regarding their bills</a> and energy consumption. The report even suggests people are willing to pay more if providers offer personalized insights.</p> <p>Eco-friendly consumers can also choose new electrical, water or heating and cooling systems to improve energy-efficiency and create a more environmentally friendly home or business.</p> <p>Data analytics can also benefit utilities in terms of cybersecurity. Utilities are not immune from cyberattacks—in fact, the <a href="https://www.powermag.com/digitalisation-and-cyber-resilience-why-the-energy-and-utilities-sector-is-a-top-target-for-cybercrime/">energy and utility sector is a major target</a> for cybercrime, according to a July 2022 article in IIOT Power.</p> <p>It’s no surprise that threat actors target these companies as more tech emerges in the field. They see an expanded attack surface and an increased likelihood of making a significant profit from attacking critical infrastructure. Any utility company must therefore understand the importance of cybersecurity as analytics becomes ubiquitous. These solutions must have various preventive security measures to be used effectively, whether water or electric utility data analytics.</p> <p><a name="_yl62rvofdykw" id="_yl62rvofdykw"></a></p> <p>According to the report, in the next five years, utilities will leverage data analytics capabilities, particularly those with compatible edge intelligence devices. The industrial internet of things and other advanced analytics devices will play a crucial role in effective analytics.</p> <p>Leveraging tech investments equipped with <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchbusinessanalytics/definition/edge-analytics">edge computing technologies</a> is a no-brainer for utilities. They can collect massive amounts of operational data while decreasing latency, ultimately speeding up decision-making processes.</p> <p>Operating at the edge could have a major impact on the quality of life of utility customers due to the increasing severity of weather events. Managing extreme conditions is a challenge for utilities, but the edge is a transformational technology expected to increase efficiency and facilitate faster response times to significant events.</p> <p><a name="_n5jrcav8z8su" id="_n5jrcav8z8su"></a>The report further notes that while utility companies might struggle to adopt and implement new data analytics solutions, these tools will become indispensable in the digital age.</p> <p>Now is the time for leaders in the energy and utility industry to stay abreast of current trends, explore opportunities with data analytics vendors and begin the procurement process. The future of utilities will increasingly rely on data analytics solutions and the benefits they provide.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/shannon-flynn" hreflang="en">Shannon Flynn</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/green-building" hreflang="en">Green Building</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/industry-watch" hreflang="en">Industry Watch</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/data-analytics" hreflang="en">Data Analytics</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/utilities" hreflang="en">Utilities</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/17363" hreflang="en">Utility plant.</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-16T12:00:00Z">Wed, 11/16/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 16 Nov 2022 14:47:40 +0000 hsauer 50622 at https://www.ecmag.com https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business/saving-vocational-school-through-529-plans <span class="field-wrapper">Saving for Vocational School Through 529 Plans</span> <span class="field-wrapper"><span lang="" about="https://www.ecmag.com/user/113" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">cbeaty</span></span> <span class="field-wrapper">Tue, 11/15/2022 - 15:39</span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field article-date"><div class="field-items">Nov 15, 2022</div></div> <h4 class="title-field"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business/saving-vocational-school-through-529-plans">Saving for Vocational School Through 529 Plans</a></h4> <div class="field-wrapper body field field-node--body field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><p>Skilled laborers are needed across the nation. The shortage has affected <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business/number-construction-jobs-unemployment-and-costs-rise-according-report">overall construction costs</a> and the <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/residential/record-high-mortgage-rates-and-hurricane-ian-upsetting-home-sales">recovery from Hurricane Ian</a>, among many other localized issues. Increasing the number of vocational school graduates and providing resources to fund these programs may be a long-term solution.</p> <p>A June 2022 <a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/trade-school-cost">assessment conducted by Indeed</a> found that the average cost of trade school ranges from $3,674 to $15,923, which is more affordable than a traditional four-year degree program, but may still be a barrier for many Americans looking to develop trained labor skills.</p> <p>Aside from grants and loans, 529 savings plans are an additional option to help students pay for trade or vocational programs, according to an <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/10/06/2529977/0/en/Closing-the-Gap-Save-for-Trade-School-with-a-529-Education-Savings-Plan.html">October 2022 press</a> release from the Education Trust Board of New Mexico, the organization that administers the state of New Mexico’s 529 education savings plan. A 529 plan is a state-funded savings plan that offers tax advantages and an opportunity to save for future education costs.</p> <p>There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and education savings plans.</p> <p>Under a <a href="https://www.sec.gov/reportspubs/investor-publications/investorpubsintro529htm.html">prepaid tuition plan</a>, the saver or account holder can purchase credits at the current rate for a beneficiary’s future use toward tuition. The contractual terms will vary by state, but most enforce a residency requirement and do not allow the funds to be applied toward room and board.</p> <p>An <a href="https://www.sec.gov/reportspubs/investor-publications/investorpubsintro529htm.html">education savings</a> plan allows a saver to manage an investment account, including various mutual funds or exchange-traded fund portfolios, to fund the beneficiary’s future qualified higher education expenses. This includes tuition, fees and room and board, up to $10,000 per year.</p> <p>According to the Education Trust Board of New Mexico, there is no required minimum contribution amount and savers have flexibility in how often they add to the account.</p> <p>The demand for skilled workers will continue to grow. According to September 2022 data from the <a href="https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm">U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, the demand for construction laborers and electricians is projected to grow by 7% between 2022 and 2030. With no signs of slowing down, saving for trade school may be a promising option for those looking to invest in their or a loved one’s future.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-author field-name-field-author field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Author </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"> <a href="https://www.ecmag.com/contributing-authors/annabel-rocha" hreflang="en">Annabel Rocha</a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-featured-article field-name-field-featured-article field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Featured Article? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-editor-pick field-name-field-editor-pick field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Editor's Pick </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-web-exclusive field-name-field-web-exclusive field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Web Exclusive </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">No</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-magazine-volume field-name-field-magazine-volume field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Magazine Volume </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/magazine/volume/november-2022" hreflang="en">November 2022</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-category field-name-field-article-category field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Category </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/section/your-business" hreflang="en">Your Business</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-tag field-name-field-article-tag field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Tags </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/industry-watch" hreflang="en">Industry Watch</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/education-training" hreflang="en">Education & Training</a></div> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/tags/education" hreflang="en">Education</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-image field-name-field-article-image field-type-entity-reference field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Article Image </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><a href="https://www.ecmag.com/media/21454" hreflang="en">man-training-school.jpg</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-publication-date field-name-field-publication-date field-type-datetime field-label-above"> <div class="field-label">Date of Publications</div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item"><time datetime="2022-11-15T12:00:00Z">Tue, 11/15/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-article-is-sponsored field-name-field-article-is-sponsored field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Is Sponsored? </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-safety-leader field-name-field-safety-leader field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Safety Leader </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-req-form-submit field-name-field-req-form-submit field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Require Form Submission </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> <div class="field-wrapper field field-node--field-line-contractor field-name-field-line-contractor field-type-boolean field-label-above"> <div class="field-label"> Line Contractor Magazine </div> <div class="field-items"> <div class="field-item">Off</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 15 Nov 2022 20:39:41 +0000 cbeaty 50621 at https://www.ecmag.com