Investment in climate-resilient infrastructure is imperative, as climate-related factors contribute to increased droughts, floods, hurricanes and wildfires. In 2022, the United States faced off 18 weather and climate disasters costing at least $1 billion.
research from MIT’s Concrete Sustainability Hub shows that such investments in climate-resilient infrastructure often pay for themselves in just two years in hazard-prone regions. Every dollar spent on resiliency can save up to $11 in long-term repair costs.
With a history of more than 470 water and wastewater projects, PCL Construction integrates climate-resilient construction strategies into its work. Known for bringing innovative solutions to the table and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, PCL is at the forefront of these transformative climate-resilient infrastructure projects gaining momentum across the United States.
Pioneering climate resilient infrastructure solutions in water and wastewater projects
In addressing climate challenges in various civil infrastructure projects, PCL has identified resilient solutions for clients in the water and wastewater markets.
In Arizona, PCL is partnering with the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) to address the state’s pressing water shortage. In 2022, Arizona was asked reduce by 20% the water consumption of the Colorado Rivera response to excessively low water levels that further exacerbated the state’s water crisis. PCL plays a critical role in formulating solutions to address Arizona’s urgent water shortage.
Unlike conventional project processes where clients typically identify a need and then hire a builder, PCL’s involvement with WIFA represents a unique approach. In this case, PCL is part of the ideation phase, providing concepts and strategies to create projects that effectively improve Arizona’s water supply.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to partner with other industry leaders and pioneer, focusing on holistic solutions early on,” said Mauricio Ramos, District Manager of PCL’s Civil Infrastructure Division.
The problem of water scarcity is not unique to Arizona; is a widespread concern affecting numerous regions of North America. Communities face a number of challenges, including droughts, contaminated groundwater and inadequate infrastructure to access water. In response, there is a continuing need for water reuse facilities to reuse wastewater for non-potable and potable uses. PCL has experience building a variety of innovative water reuse and drought resilience projectsincluding advanced water purification systems that are beginning to gain traction in the United States.S.
Visualize sustainability in infrastructure projects
Not only does PCL bring expertise in climate-resilient infrastructure solutions, the company also has expertise in Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) certification. Envision is similar to Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification, but applies to public infrastructure and focuses on impact on communities, while LEED applies to public or private construction and focuses in the comfort of occupation and energy efficiency.
imagine was designed to help infrastructure actors implement more sustainable, resilient and equitable projects.
“There is a growing trend among customers who are increasingly asking for more information about Envision certification. This rating system, relatively new but quickly gaining popularity, is particularly attractive to municipalities seeking to develop sustainable, resilient and equitable civil projects,” said Ramos.
Currently, a prominent project in Salt Lake City is a good example of PCL’s commitment to Envision’s credentials. This project, the second largest public infrastructure project in the city, will have the capacity to process 48 million gallons of wastewater. In its pursuit of Envision certification, this project aims for 25% use of recycled material during construction and a 50% reduction in construction waste. To date, 77,000 tons of material has been recycled and all excavated materials have been responsibly sourced or reused within a five-mile radius of the project site.
Precision technology in weather-resistant construction
When it comes to building climate resilience, technology plays an important role. Software like PCL’s proprietary Job Site Insights™ (JSI™) technology allows crews to monitor humidity and moisture levels during construction with 100% precision and accuracy to maintain quality. This sensor technology monitors heat and moisture tolerances to ensure concrete foundations are at their peak strength and can withstand extreme weather events such as hurricanes.
PCL continues to use JSI™ Concrete Sensors to ensure the proper strength is achieved for the infrastructure they are building.
In addition, PCL uses its JSI™ sensors during the application process of high-performance coatings used in water and wastewater treatment plants. These coatings are applied to the inside of the tanks and JSI ™ sensors help ensure humidity and temperature monitoring so the coatings are applied under the right conditions.
“Not only are we building smarter and stronger, but we are also heeding the call to create an infrastructure that can withstand the challenges of a rapidly changing climate,” Ramos said.
