Author: Peggy Smedley

The smart home certainly isn’t a new concept—it is one contractors and builders have been talking about for decades, as films, books, and industry have been touting the value technology can provide to homeowners. Now, we are seeing the rise of a new subset of smart homes: the smart-energy home. Expect an 18% growth rate between 2023 and 2032 for the global smart-home energy management device market, according to a new report from Market Research Future. The size is expected to reach $4 billion by 2032. As one example, in July, Schneider Electric announced the launch of a new modular,…

Prior to my discussion with Erik Bernal, president and CEO, Elite Water Systems, on Project Sustainability Podcast, I had never really heard about PFAS (perfluorinated alkylated substances). The topic hasn’t really become mainstream until recently. The case he made to me about it on the podcast is that PFAS is in our water and needing to understand it is critical. In fact, now it seems all we talk about is PFAS and how it is in so many things. For those who may not know already, PFAS are chemicals that resist grease, oil, water, and heat. The U.S. FDA (Food…

The road to net zero is a long, continuous one, it seems. Many companies are aiming to meet the net-zero goal by 2030 while others have a more ambitious target of 2025. Still, some have a more realistic target of 2050. The question at hand remains: Are businesses really on track to meet their goals? Sit back, it’s time to really dig into this data here. Global Considerations In July, the United Nations released the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals Report, Special Edition. But first, a primer before we dive into the report. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a…

In my book, Sustainable in a Circular World, I highlight the world’s water crisis. The world needs water. It’s that simple. But our ability as humankind to supply clean freshwater isn’t simple, but there are new solutions for homes that could make a difference. While scientists might disagree about what is happening to the natural landscape, the inextricable truth is that billions of people around the world today still experience water scarcity during their lifetime. Water scarcity can be caused by droughts, lack of rainfall, pollution, overpopulation, or when we simply abuse and consume way too much of it. Did…

Construction deaths are still far too high, especially for those doing work on a road, street, or highway. Statistics suggest 2,103 people were killed at road construction sites between 2003 and 2019. In fact, being a bystander on a road is perhaps one of the most dangerous places to be. The FHWA (Federal Highway Admin.) says 170 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in work zone crashes in 2020, and 117 highway workers died in road construction site accidents in 2020 alone. That is far too many lives lost in one year alone. Research conducted by experts at John Fitch affirms…

What is keeping data-center operators up at night? This is a conversation I recently had with Jen Huffstetler, chief product sustainability officer, Intel, as we discussed the company’s vision to deliver sustainable computing for a sustainable future, something that will balance economic growth, environmental health, as well as social wellbeing to improve the lives of every person on the planet. As we explore how the data center is changing and what technologies can help, perhaps it’s even more important to consider what’s on the minds of data-center managers today. All about AI Like many workers and industries today, data-center operators…

More often, consumers are becoming interested in smart-home technologies to make homes more comfortable, convenient, and secure. Which products are most used in homes across America? And which states are more interested in smart-home technologies? A new study identifies the top 10 states that are most interested in making our homes smart. The answers just might surprise you. Home and tech experts Smarthomestarter.com used Google data to analyze searches for an assortment of smart home related keywords across all 50 states to determine their relative interest in smart-home technology. Let’s break each of these areas down, but here’s a hint.…

Generative AI (artificial intelligence) and ChatGPT are here. MarkNtel Advisors suggests the generative AI market is projected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of around 29.4% between 2023 and 2028. But what exactly does this mean for the construction industry? What value will it provide? And what hurdles will construction companies overcome? Perhaps it’s time we tackle this subject a little more in depth and examine the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to generative AI in the construction industry. The Good Generative AI will bring all types of benefits to the construction industry.…

Here at Connected World, we have long talked about the advantages of industrial 3D printing in manufacturing. Now with sustainability also at the forefront of everyone’s minds, the opportunities are even more advantageous. But first, let’s look back to look forward, as I always like to do. As most of us know from experience, traditional desktop CAD (computer-aided design) and engineering software was developed for traditional manufacturing methods. This has required engineers to have access to an expensive, high-performance workstation in the office. In the past several years, we have seen the rise of 3D printing, which offers new opportunities…

Water costs are climbing, alongside other mounting utility costs. The heat of the summer has pointed a spotlight on concerns about our global water crisis. What can be done? New technology can use up to 40% less water, ultimately saving money on bills. In fact, one company suggests we can start printing our own water. Irrigreen says traditional sprinklers end up wasting tens of thousands of gallons of water each year, which is challenging among water shortages and rising rates. The company offers an all-digital irrigation system that delivers water precisely where you need it, when you need it, guided…