Seattle, WA

Seattle has pledged to divest itself from fossil fuels by 2030 and become completely carbon neutral by 2050. Both dates are approaching fast.

This urgency represents an opportunity for the construction industry. Buildings will need to be renovated to comply with new laws, while the city will need to invest in things like light rail and green energy. Contractors from across the country with relevant experience are already coming here to cash in on these trends, while contractors in Seattle are hoping to leverage this experience for future sustainability projects in other parts of the country.

The residential sector makes up more than half of Seattle’s construction volume – with almost half of the spending within the residential sector going toward renovations. This will likely continue to increase in the coming years as the city looks to accommodate its growing population while meeting environmental targets and preserving affordable projects. Construction labor has grown in order to meet this demand, but it has not been enough to keep costs down. Many contractors have begun looking to nearby cities for the labor needed for their projects.

* Other structures include religious buildings, amusement, government communications, and public recreation projects.