U.S. Factory Production Soars

Throughout the United States, construction spending by manufacturers more than doubled through 2022, according to the Census Bureau. Billions of dollars in subsidies handed out by the government have spiked the EV (electric vehicle), semiconductor, and solar panel industries. 

Not only did production numbers increase, but factories themselves swelled. Compared to $90 billion in June 2022, the annual rate soared to almost $190 billion by April 2023. Roughly 13 percent of non-governmental construction consisted of manufacturing. 

According to the World Bank, China accounts for approximately 30 percent of global manufacturing value, almost double the United States. Approximately 800,000 jobs have been added to the United States manufacturing industry to compete with overseas countries such as China. Amid rising costs and political tensions, a few Chinese companies have pushed their manufacturing to India, Thailand, and Vietnam in response to the 2018 trade war with China. 

Since 2021, the United States has employed about 13 million workers and added around 800,000 manufacturing jobs. The manufacturing skills gap highlights the market’s struggle to find qualified workers and could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030.

In the past year, 96 percent of American companies are evaluating reshoring operations or outright shifting production to the United States. This percentage was a spike from 2021, when a mere 78 percent of businesses were looking to reshore or bring operations home. 

The Inflation Reduction Act was instated in August 2022 with the hopes of creating new jobs in manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy fields. It is estimated that up to 1.5 million jobs will be created by 2030. 

Another factor of the manufacturing boom is the CHIPS and Science Act, which provided $280 billion in funding to increase semiconductor manufacturing starting in July 2022. 

While factory manufacturing increased, office, healthcare, and educational construction plummeted. Residential construction has also waned after a housing market cooldown. 

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Inspirational Kitchen Remodel Designs

Remodeling your kitchen may seem overwhelming, and the options for you to choose from may add to this daunting sense. Before you get started, keep in mind the primary functions of your kitchen: to cook, to eat and drink, to store food and supplies, and fellowship. Determine what you must have (storage, a double sink, etc.) and what you want (a work desk, a super-sized island for making noodles.) A great remodel job incorporates functionality with an appealing design that feeds the aesthetic taste of most individuals.

Pay attention to how things will blend together, from the lighting to the flooring, and showcase certain select details that will unearth your style. Read on to learn some tips for making your kitchen remodel a success:

Function
How will your kitchen function? Will it be more of a culinary area with a few bar stools, or will there be more of a seating area? If a dining room is also a part of your floor plan, ensure your layout between both spaces is complementary rather than incongruent. 

Storage
Added storage is a must in kitchen design. Extra plates and small appliances can be hidden under drawers and cabinets, and pantry items can be stored behind doors. Large drawers can be placed at a lower level to help with access, and pull-out drawers are great for heavy or bulkier items. 

Cabinets
From transparent glass-front to opaque solid wood, cabinets are a crucial part of kitchen design. If you have some fine china to display or, rather, grubby little handprints you want to be less-noticeable, consider all the pros and cons when choosing.  

Lighting
The latest lighting trend includes a mix of styles such as pendants, chandeliers, or recessed lights. All of these options – and more – provide different settings based on mood and functionality. Consider under-cabinet lighting for more accessibility. 

Hardware
Brass, silver, chrome, brushed stainless, etc., are all common finishes in a kitchen design. Matte black can be striking and bold, while warm-toned metals such as gold can be inviting. Ensure your hardware matches the faucets so everything is consistent. 

Countertops
While white marble is difficult to maintain, stainless steel can bow or scratch. Quartz is durable, and granite can withstand high heat. Natural stone can contrast with quartz, as well. The options are endless, but with so many selections come different advantages and disadvantages. Be aware of what each countertop can withstand before making a final decision. 

Flooring
The latest trend is to use the same flooring as the surrounding living area to create a more open feel. Carpeting, however, is not sought after in kitchens, so be mindful of how your new floor will connect with the surrounding area. 

Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Look no farther; JFC Remodeling specializes in home renovations of all types!

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call or email us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

IT Health Directly Linked to Long-Term Business Success

Technological challenges can be hefty in terms of cost and business impact. Information Technology (IT) concerns can affect security, continuity, and overall productivity despite the overall company size. Businesses must consider IT an essential aspect of their overall health.

Especially in today’s age, where the United States government is warning businesses to prepare themselves against hackers amid spyware, ransomware, viruses, etc., it is crucial to ensure companies have strong IT resources for use. IT challenges can impact business success and should be considered an indispensable part of their sustainability. 

Downtime
Network downtime costs American businesses roughly $26.5 billion in lost revenue, with small- to medium-sized companies losing an average of $42,000 per hour. Some studies estimate that lost revenue was closer to $5,600 per minute. The average business downtime is roughly 87 hours a year in total. 

Equipment
Aging equipment and unpatched devices are especially susceptible to crashes, cyberattacks, and much more. Hackers focus on finding value (financial information) rather than targeting specific corporations.  

Education
Teaching employees about cybersecurity and their role in establishing a safe, secure IT environment is crucial for success. If employees are serious about private information and securely use technology, the chances of breaches are drastically minimized. 

Proactivity
Ideally, rather than being proactive, businesses should focus on continuity planning, which ensures critical business functions are prepared to recover from potential down time. Roughly 40- to 60 percent of businesses that were unprepared for disasters never reopen. 

Solutions
To form a solid IT plan, focus on resources available. If your team is unable to handle the load in-house, outsource the networking, anti-virus, troubleshooting, password management, server setup, backups, etc., with a reliable vendor such as Creative Programs and Systems!

Creative Programs and Systems (CPS) provides IT services for small and large businesses in all industries. We specialize in boosting productivity, streamlining business practices, and much more. Contact us today to set up a consultation with our IT specialists. 

Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Preventing Forest Fires

Across America, roughly nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans, wreaking havoc on properties and natural resources, and threatening lives. These preventable disasters are unplanned, accidental fires that start in forests or vegetative areas. Also known as wildfires, bushfires, forest fires, grass fires, and wetland fires, they all refer to the occurrence of uncontrolled fire that spreads and destroys everything in its path. 

Officials in many areas throughout North America now consider forest fires to be regular incidents. However, they don’t have to be. Since most forest fires are preventable, it is crucial for outdoor folks to understand their responsibilities, roles, and how to prevent fires. 

Fires start with a combination of three things: fuel, heat, and oxygen. Without all three of these components, a fire cannot ignite. Most forest fires start almost effortlessly since forests consist of dried, decaying wood, leaves, and other natural oxygenic combustibles. Humans unintentionally ignite forest fires through campfires, cigarettes, and other fuel sources. Combustibles like wood or leaves heat up from the sun or other heat sources. 

Fires started from lightning account for about 2.1 million acres burned, according to a 10-year average of United States forest fires. In contrast, human-started fires were responsible for burning 1.9 million acres. According to researchers, there are roughly ten times more human-caused forest fires than lightning-caused ones. The numbers of the 10-year average show 88 percent of United States forest fires are human-caused (accidental), and the remaining 12 percent are attributed to lightning strikes. 

To prevent forest fires, keep the following in mind: 

  • Never leave a fire unattended
  • Check weather and drought conditions 
  • Be cautious with heat and fire
  • Consider wind patterns
  • Carry/pack a fire extinguisher
  • Watch a fire extinguish before leaving by dousing it with water until it’s cold
  • Choose battery options over a fire
  • Consider safer alternatives to fireworks
  • Be a responsible smoker or, better yet, quit
  • Clean the burn area
  • Build your campfire in an open location, far from flammables
  • Call 911 if the fire has gotten even slightly out of hand

Since humans are the leading cause of fires, they can also pave the way for prevention. It is imperative that we all respect Mother Nature and be respectful of our actions. 

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Implementing Promotional Products for Business

Glance around and notice how many promotional products are within eyesight. Chances are, there are probably a few. Quite common in today’s society, promotional products offer a way for businesses to gain valuable impressions at a small cost. 

Thanks to Jasper Meeks, promotional products first came to the United States in the late 1800s. A newspaperman who wanted to keep his presses running in lulls, he began printing burlap bags with messages. Soon after, a local shoe store handed out printed bags to promote its company. As the industry grew, sales were $124 million by 1947. 

As businesses discovered how to implement promotional items, they realized that this marketing method gave them a great return on investment. Today, the promotional products industry has multiplied exponentially, with a whopping $23 billion in annual sales recorded, according to Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).

Generally, promotional products consist of branded, customized items used by customers and other parties. Apparel, office products, kitchen tools, gadgets, water bottles, etc., are typical promotional items companies use to promote their business. Products range in varying sizes, shapes, and weights. For example, t-shirts from live events, swag bags, notebooks, hats, phone chargers, pens, etc., can all be used as promotional material.  

These seemingly unremarkable items create lasting impressions since they allow potential customers to familiarize themselves with the company’s brand. Moreover, promotional products are almost always an essential object that most people would use anyway. 

Promotional products come from suppliers and distributors. Suppliers manufacture and customize promotional products centered on the customer base. Distributors advertise and promote the products focused on customer needs. 

Once a company decides to purchase promotional products, they find a distributor and examine the options. After choosing what they are looking for, companies place an order with the distributor, which sends the order to the supplier. The supplier then creates the product(s), and the distributor sends the finished product to the customer. 

Promotional products can increase your brand awareness, create buying incentives and sales, generate new referrals, raise customer appreciation, heighten corporate culture and help employee retention, improve investor relations, and more. As a highly effective marketing tool, promotional products can help a company achieve numerous goals.

Looking to create Promotional Products specific to your company? Check out our items here!

At Econo Print, we strive to deliver the highest-quality printed products possible. We produce top-rated goods in a timely fashion at a competitive price. Listening to our clients and helping them achieve their business goals is our top priority. We are proud of the strong roots we’ve built in the community and pride ourselves on using cutting-edge technology. Our products, commitment to service, and level of expertise exceed our clients’ expectations. Contact us today to learn how we can help launch your business to the next level.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Prostate Cancer Treatment Vastly Improved

Cutting-edge technology and nuclear medicine are massively improving prostate cancer treatments, especially over the past two decades. Before 2000, prostate cancer was detected through manual palpation, a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, and an ultrasound. Notably, prostate cancer is not visible in ultrasounds, so urologists would have to sample random prostate areas to discover the cancer. 

In the early 2000s, prostate MRI emerged and progressed through the 2010s. This technology allowed radiologists to discover whether prostate tumors were present. 

Brett Mollard, MD, a diagnostic radiologist in Michigan, said, “They could now see and target the tumors rather than randomly sampling the prostate and hoping to biopsy the tumor. We’re actively witnessing a second revolution thanks to new imaging agents, known as radiotracers or radiopharmaceuticals, for PET.”

In 2012, Positron Emission Technology (PET) radiotracers received approval, with better ones emerging in 2016. In 2021, Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) was introduced, which helped to diagnose with lightning speed compared to previous methods. 

Andres Correa, MD, assistant professor at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, said, “While MRI has significantly reduced the rate of negative biopsies and the diagnosis of low-risk prostate cancer, the imaging modality remains limited. Up to 50 percent of patients with prostate imaging-reporting and data system (PI-RADS) 4 and 25 percent of patients with PI-RADS 5 will have benign findings on targeted biopsy. I believe that the incorporation of PSMA agents into MRI screening will allow us to better define patients who need a prostate biopsy and further reduce the number of unnecessary prostate biopsies.” 

Avenda Health’s new AI-backed prostate cancer technology, cleared by the FDA, is emerging in Los Angeles with promising results. Using machine learning, the Unfold AI platform gives physicians the most accurate picture of prostate cancer to date. 

Wayne Brisbane, MD, assistant professor of urology at UCLA Health, said, “With a wide breadth of ablative options available, Unfold AI represents the first technology to improve tumor localization and patient selection. I am hopeful that Unfold AI will be intraprostatic staging what prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT has been for extraprostatic staging. Additionally, there are potential applications for surgery, radiation therapy, and patient decision-making.”

Mollard said, “Prostate cancer treatment is already at a great place, especially for local and regional disease, where five-year survival rates are already over 98 percent. Over the next 10 years, I think the focus will remain on earlier and more accurate diagnosis/detection and discovering new drugs to treat metastatic prostate cancer.”  

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RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost components and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at  877-704-3838 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Pool Plastering Timeline

Pool plastering can be fairly intimidating if the homeowner does not know what to expect. Read on to learn the steps of pool plastering and discover how easy this project can be.

  1. Choose a color: A variety of plastering color options are available for swimming pools. Colors can vary based on water depth, so it is important to keep that in mind.  
  1. Drain the pool: One of the first steps for the pool crew is to drain the pool with submersible pumps. 
  1. Remove hydrostatic pressure: A crucial step in the replastering process, this ensures the pool will not pop or move while plastering occurs. The pool can expand outward without water to create pressure on the walls.  
  1. Prepare for plastering: This step is accomplished by undercutting waterline tiles and pool fittings such as jets, lights, drains, and returns.
  1. Inspect for damage: Cracks, hollows, and other issues might be brought to light during this time and must be remedied to avoid future complications. Hollows are created when calcium nodules mature, creating a hollow space beneath the pool’s surface that resembles bubbles or overall deterioration. 
  1. Muriatic acid wash: This process helps to remove stubborn stains, calcium deposits, etc., by removing a thin layer of the surface. It also allows the bonding materials to adhere in the next step.
  1. Bonding agent: Bond Kote is an acrylic-modified cement and sand mixture consisting of one part resin and one part bonding cement. Once they are mixed, they can be rolled or sprayed onto the pool walls or flooring. This step ensures proper adhesion between the old and new pool surfaces.
  • Plaster layers: Pool plaster is applied over a scratch coat with a thickness of ⅜ to ½ an inch. The finish will be smoothed with a trowel, and all hollows will be filled.
  • Hand wash: Any uneven surfaces that might have occurred during the application process can be smoothed out to ensure pool plaster is not too rough. The finish will be smoothed with a trowel, and all hollows will be filled.
  1. Refilling with water: Sequestering agents are added to the pool water to prevent staining the new plaster. Maintaining the proper pH is crucial to ensure the pool’s chemistry is correct and that the new plaster will last for years to come. 

Are you looking for pool plastering services? Look no further – Pound Pool Plastering can handle all your pool plastering needs. Contact us today to learn more. 

Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Commercial Landscape Maintenance

Your business’s exterior landscape is often your customer’s initial encounter when they visit – and this visual first impression carries significance. Is your landscaping aesthetically appealing by exhibiting neatness and beauty, or does it showcase a collection of weeds and rodent damage?

At T&T Property, we keep commercial properties in Livingston and Oakland Counties in tip-top shape with services ranging from lawn maintenance, fertilization, weed and pest control, and irrigation set up and repair.

What is Commercial Landscape Maintenance?

Commercial landscape maintenance involves the strategic planning, designing, and ongoing care of a business’s outdoor environment, ensuring its appeal and welcoming ambiance. The process not only maintains the curb appeal of a commercial building but also promotes the safety and usability of the property. It encompasses the removal of debris, like fallen leaves and branches, and keeps the area immaculate throughout the year.

Standard packages typically include mowing and ornamental care. Plans are customizable to cater to customer needs, such as periodic fertilization, weed control applications, and applying seasonal pest control measures.

What Are the Benefits of a Commercial Landscape Maintenance Program?

Maintaining any landscape, particularly a large one, can become a manageable task with a structured commercial landscaping plan. Considering this, we list the advantages of implementing a comprehensive commercial landscape maintenance program:

  • The promise of lush, green grass that visually pleases and feels soft.
  • Flourishing and healthy flower beds that add vibrance.
  • Tidy and weed-free planting zones that enhance neatness.
  • Shapely and well-tended shrubs and greenery.
  • Creating welcoming, tranquil outdoor spaces for the enjoyment of your clients, visitors, and employees.
  • A pest-free area using wildlife pest control management.

Commercial landscape maintenance programs cater to a property’s landscaping requirements, saving valuable time for business proprietors and administrators.

What Does a Commercial Landscape Maintenance Program Include?            

Most landscaping firms customize their commercial offerings to match the individual requirements of their customers. However, most packages commonly incorporate the following services:

  • Trimming and pruning trees and hedges ensure they are safe, healthy, robust, and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Mowing and edging regularly as scheduled to maintain your lawn’s tidiness, health, and greenery.
  • Weed management by frequently treating and eliminating harmful and invasive weeds.
  • Mulching and fertilizing regularly to help retain moisture, keeping your landscape green and lively throughout the seasons.
  • Irrigation, drainage inspection, and repair, which may involve implementing a new irrigation system or adding drainage to avert flooding.
  • Tree care ensures that your trees remain healthy and robust, providing shade and enhancing the beauty of your landscape. 
  • Removing leaves, branches, and other debris throughout the year, providing a clean and clutter-free landscape.
  • Setting up preventive measures against pests such as moles and gophers to keep your lawn lump free and avert damage to landscapes, lawns, and flower beds.
  • And much more.

How Much Does a Commercial Landscape Maintenance Plan Cost?

It depends on the size of your property, the number of garden areas you have, and the specific services included in the package. Below are a few factors that will determine the cost:

  • Maintenance Frequency: The overall cost will escalate based on the frequency of maintenance services required.
  • Property Size: The acreage or square footage for property maintenance will determine the cost. Obviously, the larger an area, the more expensive it will be to maintain, as an increase in the workforce and equipment are necessary.
  • Required Services: Full-suite maintenance programs will be more costly than basic moving services. Premium services like ornamental plant care and irrigation may carry a higher price tag than base care. 

Looking to set up a commercial landscape maintenance plan? Contact T&T Property Maintenance to schedule a free estimate today!

T&T Property Maintenance has been visualizing, creating, and maintaining commercial properties since 1997. We offer a vast number of services for our clients, including lawn and landscape maintenance, irrigation set up and repair, fertilization, weed and pest control, snow plowing and salting, and tree trimming and stump grinding. We are licensed with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, so you can rest assured we will do the job right – every time. We work with commercial businesses of any size and offer our services in seasonal or yearly packages, and a la carte. For over 20 years, we believe a satisfied customer is the only kind of customer. Call or e-mail us to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Removing PFAS From Your Drinking Water – Farmington Hills, MI

PFAS in Drinking Water: Analyzing Health Risks and Methods for Elimination

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, comprise a family of synthetic chemicals in production and have been utilized across various industries since the 1940s. These chemicals are frequently incorporated into products such as Teflon, water and stain-repellent fabrics, paints, waxes, and firefighting foams. The latter being a significant contributor to groundwater contamination near airports, military bases, and firefighter training facilities. There is a growing concern as these chemicals have been identified in alarming concentrations in drinking water sources throughout the United States.

PFAS chemicals, particularly PFOA and PFOS, have been the most widely manufactured and studied. They persist in the environment due to their long half-lives and can accumulate in the human body over time. Studies indicate that exposure to these substances can harm human health. In response to these findings, production of these chemicals has ceased in the United States. However, they are still manufactured in other nations, and products containing these chemicals could be imported into the U.S.

Considering the potential health risks associated with PFAS, it is vital to consider strategies for eliminating or reducing their presence in drinking water sources. Various filtration methods can be effective in removing these chemicals from water. Understanding the gravity of the issue and adopting effective measures can contribute to safeguarding public health.

Health Impacts of PFAS Contamination in Water

Exposure to PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, has been linked to various adverse health effects in humans. When humans or animals consume these chemicals, whether through food or water, they are absorbed and can build up in the body. Since PFAS has a protracted presence in the human body, continuous exposure from various sources can cause levels to escalate. Over time, this can reach a critical point where individuals experience detrimental health consequences.

Research has demonstrated that two specific PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, have the potential to induce a variety of adverse effects. In laboratory animals, these substances have been shown to affect reproductive and developmental processes negatively, cause damage to the liver and kidneys, and impair the immune system. Additionally, PFOA and PFOS have been associated with animal tumor development.

In human studies, the most consistent outcome associated with PFAS exposure is elevated cholesterol levels among those exposed. There are also more limited findings linking exposure to changes in infant birth weights. Specifically, for PFOA, there is some evidence of a correlation with cancer, while PFOS has been connected with disruptions to thyroid hormone levels.

Given the potential ramifications on health, it is vital to be vigilant about PFAS exposure, mainly through drinking water, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the risks associated with these chemicals.

Removing PFAS From Drinking Water

Several technologies can be employed to effectively eliminate PFAS, particularly Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), from drinking water. Among these, ion exchange, activated carbon adsorption, and reverse osmosis have proven highly effective. For residential settings requiring whole-house filtration, ion exchange systems with a dual-tank design are emerging as a superior option due to their enhanced safety and effectiveness. This involves exchanging ions between the contaminants and a medium. At the same time, activated carbon adsorption traps contaminants on carbon particles, and reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter out PFAS.

Reverse Osmosis: A Filtration System to Remove PFAS in Water

Reverse osmosis, a technology that employs a membrane for filtration, can be effectively utilized as a point-of-use system for purifying water from PFAS. This can be set up at specific water outlets, such as kitchen sinks, where it directly feeds a designated drinking water tap and appliances like ice makers or refrigerator water dispensers. The reverse osmosis system can be conveniently installed under the kitchen sink or in the basement beneath it, with a pipeline running up to supply the dedicated faucet.

To learn more about PFSAs, visit www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained

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Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Green Building Trends to Watch

The Center on Global Energy Policy reported that the worldwide buildings sector uses roughly 30 percent of energy for natural gas, electricity, heating, cooling, lighting, equipment, cooking, and more. Decarbonization is an important factor when it comes to the construction sector. With global warming on the rise, eco-friendly commercial buildings are in high demand, especially considering the large amount of non-renewable resources used for energy. Several environmental trends are on the rise; keep reading to learn more about them. 

Water Conservation
Rainwater capture and other water-conservation methods are being tapped into by cities, hoping to lower their burden on supplies. Decades of drought have forced reclamation facilities to examine below-normal water storage, so onsite water reuse systems have been gaining popularity worldwide. These treatment techniques collect water from stormwater, wastewater, and rainwater. Moreover, the non-potable water is reused for outdoor irrigation and flushing toilets. Smart water systems also inform property managers about water consumption, leaks, malfunctions, or other issues. Electric water heaters are also on the rise, as these help decrease fossil fuel dependence.

Renewable Energy Generation
Photovoltaic systems and solar panels are used for renewable energy generation and energy storage, lowering s a building’s carbon footprint and utility bills. Between January 2022 and January 2023, the price of energy rose almost 13 percent. Ultra-large batteries store electricity so buildings can use it as a reserve when necessary. Energy-efficient heat pumps and solar panels benefit builders, as they can provide sizable savings for electricity usage.

Inflation Reduction Act
The United States’ largest climate investment initiative of all time, dubbed The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), was signed into law in August 2022. Millions of dollars of rebates and tax credits for greener and more energy-efficient building upgrades are being set by the IRA. With more energy-efficient HVAC systems, electric ovens, water heaters, etc., IRA incentives will be more attainable.

Energy-Efficient Equipment
Environmentally friendly equipment is on the rise as many buildings switch to all-electric Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology, zoning, and smarter system controls. VRF technology allows a building to be split into several zones for heating and air conditioning, depending on what is needed. Zoning is based on smart controls that improve energy usage for architects, builders, engineers, and building owners. 

Building Materials
The IRA denotes funding to the General Services Administrator (GSA), as listed in Section 60503, for construction materials and low-embodied carbon rates for governmental construction projects. As these energy tactics expand, the market is expected to grow. Window glazing can reduce a building’s energy usage, as can photovoltaic windows, which can lend solar power to the building and reduce carbon emissions by up to 40 percent. 

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State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge of renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/