Welcome to the world of extreme weather. With it comes accelerating damage and destruction of buildings and infrastructure that weren’t designed and constructed for the current reality. Climate-related natural disasters worldwide caused $210 billion in damage in 2020, about a third more than the year before, according to Reuters. Moving forward, the construction industry plays a crucial role in ensuring resilience in the built environment to curtail costs, save lives and protect development and communities.
One country that got a jump start on adapting to climate change in the building sector was Canada. The National Research Council (NRC) launched the five-year Climate Resilient Buildings and Core Public Infrastructure (CRBCPI) initiative in 2016. That venture and its follow-on, the $35 million Climate Resilient Built Environment (CRBE) initiative, promote resilience through collaboration across the construction sector. The outcome is guidance and practical tools to help the Canadian construction industry meet climate challenges.
Building for the future climate
“In 2016, it was a new mindset to think about climate change adaptation and the built environment,” said Marianne Armstrong, initiative leader – CRBE, NRC Canada. “The NRC selected five sectors with knowledge gaps related to resilience: buildings, bridges, roads, water and wastewater, and urban transit. We prepared a review of each area looking at the standards or guidance being used and how we could improve that for climate change.”
Too often, building codes rely on historical climate information—but it’s essential to translate future-focused climate science into actionable data. A foundational success of CRBCPI was understanding how Canada’s climate is changing. “We locked climate scientists and engineers in one room so they could start speaking the same language and come up with the data needed to inform how we design buildings and bridges,” Armstrong said. “That information is now making its way into the national codes.”
Mitigating the impacts of changing climate
The NRC is also addressing weather extremes, from flooding and hailstorms to fierce winds and arctic cold. By sharing solutions now, the construction industry can design, engineer and build in a more resilient way and prepare for these events.
For example, a series of workshops across the country during CRBCPI brought together practitioners in the electrical space. The group shared best practices for managing issues from permafrost melt to icing on lines to drought. The workshops resulted in proposed changes to the Canadian Electrical Code, many of which have been implemented.
Another program delved into coastal resilience, beginning with risk assessments along the Arctic, Great Lakes and eastern and western Canadian coastlines. Consideration of possible mitigation measures followed.
“One interesting line of work is using nature-based solutions to prevent coastal erosion,” Armstrong explained. “We’re now embarking on more pilot studies.” According to the Vancouver Sun, an NRC design to prevent erosion in Mud Bay took shape as the first living dike, constructed of sediment and natural barriers including oyster shells and salt marsh vegetation.
Collaborating on guidance for wildfire resilience
Canada has no shortage of hazards to address, but wildfire resilience is critical. The team brought guidance from other countries, including the United States, Australia and Italy, into a Canadian context to address pivotal issues.
“We worked with experts across Canada—firefighters, forestry scientists and builders—to develop the first national guideline,” Armstrong said. “The Wildland Urban Interface Design Guide looks at how we can better design buildings to prevent wildfire spread. The guide also looks at community design and measures we can introduce at that level.”
The Government of Canada has used the Design Guide as a basis for rebuilding the village of Lytton, British Columbia, which was destroyed by fire in 2021. The $5 million Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild Program provides grants for the design and construction of fire-resilient and net zero homes that will hopefully withstand another blaze.
Prioritizing areas critical to address
Which climate challenges to focus on first remains a daunting question for the NRC. For instance, the finance and insurance industries are intent on reducing damages and the cost and risk of extreme events. That’s led to metrics like the Building Resilient Index, developed by the World Bank, to measure a structure’s exposure to natural hazards and to factor in upgrades that would mitigate these risks.
But other areas, like the health effects of extreme events, also deserve attention. As an example, a large heat dome in British Columbia in 2021 killed more than 500 people, according to Human Rights Watch. Senior citizens and people with disabilities are at particular risk of heat-related illness and death, and social isolation and poverty make their odds worse. NRC is developing solutions to protect these vulnerable populations and prevent future tragedies.
Sharing best practices and processes worldwide
The information, knowledge, resources and best practices for resilience change from one locality to the next. But the Global Building Resilience Guidelines presented at the 27th UN Conference of the Parties (COP27) provide a framework that organizations worldwide can use. Led by the International Code Council, the joint Global Resiliency Dialogue advances codes—including building, fire, energy, electrical and plumbing—that draw on the best construction and climate science to increase resilience of structures and communities. Jurisdictions everywhere can implement the guidelines as they adapt building codes and standards for new climate data. “The most important takeaway is to all work together with the best information available, share the best practices and help everyone to adapt,” Armstrong said.
The construction industry is undeniably a crucial pillar of Canada’s economy and society. However, in the 21st century, it faces a multitude of challenges and opportunities, including workforce shortages, climate change concerns, evolving customer expectations, and fierce global competition. In this context, digital technology emerges as a key driver and enabler of innovation and transformation within the construction sector.
While digital transformation is sweeping through the industry, not all construction companies have embraced it with equal fervor. Some have emerged as early adopters, blazing the trail, while others have been more cautious, following suit at their own pace. Additionally, the adoption of digital technology varies across different regions and segments of the construction industry. In this blog post, we will explore how the Canadian construction industry compares to its global counterparts in terms of digital technology adoption and delve into the underlying reasons. We will also discuss how proper custom training and implementation can address the technology adoption challenge, as well as why construction companies should move away from Excel and emails. Finally, we will discuss the way forward for the Canadian construction industry in the digital era.
How does the Canadian construction industry compare to the rest of the world in terms of adopting digital technology and why?
According to a report by McKinsey & Company, the global construction industry has been one of the least digitized sectors, ranking only above agriculture and hunting. The report estimated that if the global construction industry fully embraced digital technology, it could increase its value added by $1.6 trillion per year, or 2 percent of global GDP.
But the report also noted that there are significant variations in the level of digitization across regions and segments of the construction industry. For instance, Europe and North America have been more advanced than Asia and Africa in terms of adopting digital technology in design and engineering. However, Asia has been leading in terms of adopting digital technology in construction and operations. Moreover, some segments of the construction industry, such as infrastructure and industrial projects, have been more digitized than others, such as residential and commercial projects.
According to a survey conducted by KPMG in Canada and the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) in 2020, the Canadian construction industry has been lagging behind other industries in Canada, as well as other regions in the world, in terms of adopting digital technology. The survey found that only 25 percent of Canadian construction companies felt like they were in a considerable or great position relative to their competitors in terms of technology or digital implementation, compared to 47 percent globally. The survey also found that only 23 percent of Canadian construction companies said their decisions were supported by and based on data to a considerable or great degree, compared to 36 percent globally.
The survey identified several challenges and barriers that prevent Canadian construction companies from adopting digital technology more quickly, such as lack of skills or talent, lack of budget or funding, lack of leadership or vision, resistance to change, lack of awareness or understanding, and lack of collaboration or integration. The survey also highlighted some drivers and benefits of digital transformation in the Canadian construction industry, such as improving productivity, increasing efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, reducing costs, increasing profitability, and improving quality.
One of the indicators of digital adoption in the construction industry is the use of software tools for project management and collaboration. Here’s a little treat for you for reading this post so far. In a lighthearted twist, I turned to an AI model to generate a prediction based on the adoption of Excel compared to popular alternatives like Procore and Autodesk. Although the AI’s prediction may not fully satisfy the parameters and assumptions required for an accurate projection, let’s take it in good spirits and have some fun exploring its findings.
The attached graph shows the adoption scale of Excel, Procore, and Autodesk Construction Cloud among Canadian construction companies from 1985 to 2025 (projected):
*Projected values based on current trends and assumptions.
The graph shows that Excel has been the dominant tool for construction companies since its introduction in the mid-1980s, and has steadily increased its adoption rate over the years. But it also shows that Procore and Autodesk Construction Cloud have emerged as viable alternatives in the past decade, and have gained some market share from Excel. It’s worth noting that Autodesk Construction Cloud as we know it, has evolved over the years and many may know this platform by Plangrid, Bim 360 Build or Build. The graph also projects that by 2025, Procore and Autodesk construction cloud will have increased their adoption rates by another 10%, while Excel will have reached a plateau at around 80%. This suggests that construction companies are becoming more aware of the benefits and limitations of Excel, and are exploring other digital solutions that can offer more integration, collaboration, and innovation.
“I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been. – Wayne Gretzky”
Disclaimer: My AI friend claims that the data for this graph was obtained from various sources, such as industry reports, surveys, interviews, and websites, and that the assumptions for the projections were based on the current trends and growth rates of the software tools, as well as the expected changes in the market and customer preferences, but I digress.
How can proper custom training and implementation address the technology adoption challenges?
One of the main challenges that Canadian construction companies face when adopting digital technology is the lack of skills or talent to use or implement the technology effectively. Going back to the survey by KPMG and CCA, 49 percent of respondents said that finding or developing people with the right skills or expertise was a major challenge for their company.
To overcome this challenge, construction companies need to invest in proper custom training and implementation programs that can help their employees learn and adopt the technology in a smooth and efficient manner. Some of the best practices for successful construction technology implementation include:
Getting buy-in from the entire team, from executives to end-users, by showcasing how the technology will drive value for them and addressing their concerns or feedback.
Setting a clear timeline and milestones for the implementation process, and assigning roles and responsibilities to each team member involved.
Understanding the existing workflows and company structures that will be impacted by the technology, and customizing the solution to fit the specific needs and goals of each project or division.
Involving employees in the training process, and providing them with continuous support, feedback, and resources to help them apply their knowledge in the field.
Measuring and communicating the success and outcomes of the implementation process, and celebrating the achievements and improvements along the way.
By following these best practices, companies can ensure that their employees are well-equipped and motivated to use and implement digital technology effectively and that they can maximize the return on investment of their technology solutions.
Why should construction companies move away from Excel and Emails?
Another challenge that Canadian construction companies face when adopting digital technology is the resistance to change from internal stakeholders who are used to working with traditional tools such as Excel and emails. Why fix something that’s not broken? Looking back at the survey by KPMG and CCA, 50 percent of respondents said that overcoming resistance to change was a major barrier for their company.
Internal development is never easy. The growth of a company can be compared to the growth of people on a personal level as well. This reminds me of the famous analogy of lobsters by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson. Stay with me here! So, lobsters, they grow by molting. Picture this: they struggle and break free from their old shells, all the while absorbing water that expands their body size. Talk about a transformation! Now, this molting process happens around 25 times in the first 5-7 years of a lobster’s life. And it’s no walk in the park. But guess what? It’s absolutely necessary for their growth.
You see, as company owners, the weight of leadership falls on your shoulders. It’s up to you or your leadership team to ensure that your team members understand the rewards that come with staying up-to-date in our ever-evolving industry. When the benefits become crystal clear, the cost of keeping pace is no longer a concern.
There are actually many reasons why construction companies should move away from Excel and emails, and adopt more advanced and specialized software tools for project management and collaboration- even if that means going through temporary pain. Some of these reasons include:
Excel and emails are prone to errors, inconsistencies and duplication, which can lead to inaccurate data, miscommunication and rework.
Excel and emails are not designed for collaboration, which can result in silos, delays, and conflicts among project stakeholders.
Excel and emails are not scalable or adaptable, which can limit the growth, innovation, and efficiency of construction companies.
Excel and emails are not secure or compliant, which can expose construction companies to data breaches, cyberattacks, and legal risks.
By moving away from Excel and emails, construction companies can benefit from software tools that are specifically designed for construction project management and collaboration. These tools can offer features such as:
Real-time data capture, analysis, and visualization, which can improve decision-making, transparency, and accountability.
Cloud-based storage, access, and sharing, which can enhance mobility, flexibility, and connectivity.
Workflow automation, integration, and standardization, which can increase productivity, quality, and consistency.
Data protection, encryption, and backup, which can ensure security, compliance, and reliability.
By adopting these software tools, construction companies can improve their performance, efficiency, quality, and safety on their projects, as well as create a competitive edge in the market.
What is the way forward for the Canadian construction industry in the digital era?
The Canadian construction industry is keen on promoting innovation and driving digital transformation. Advances in technology, like artificial intelligence, drones, and 3D modeling, along with improved project delivery models, are reducing waste, boosting productivity, and enhancing sustainability. The industry calls for increased investment in research and development, education and training, and collaboration to accelerate this transformation.
To thrive in the digital era, the Canadian construction industry should focus on these key areas:
Building a digital culture: Foster an innovative and digitally-ready mindset across the organization, from top management to frontline workers.
Developing digital skills: Invest in training and upskilling programs to equip the workforce with the necessary expertise in digital tools, data analysis, digital workflows, and cybersecurity.
Embracing collaborative platforms: Adopt collaborative platforms and project management tools to streamline communication and enhance project coordination.
Implementing advanced technologies: Embrace technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, robotics, and IoT for better project visualization, data-driven decision-making, automation, and safety.
Leveraging data analytics: Utilize data analytics to gain insights, optimize operations, and make informed decisions by analyzing data from sensors and construction management software.
Prioritizing cybersecurity: Protect sensitive project data, intellectual property, and client information through robust cybersecurity measures and employee education.
Collaborating with technology providers: Partner with technology providers, startups, and research institutions to access innovative solutions and industry insights.
Promoting industry-wide standards and best practices: Standardize processes and adopt best practices to facilitate interoperability, data exchange, and collaboration among stakeholders.
By embracing digital technology and implementing these strategies, the Canadian construction industry can overcome barriers, drive digital transformation, and achieve improved productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. This will contribute to the industry’s growth and success in the digital era. And here at SolidCAD, we can help.
A lot of people are still estimating on paper plan to quote their job on a project. So, why should they use Bluebeam for doing it? In fact, we’ve got the answer from the same people; faster, direct export to Excel, more precise than ever with the calibration integrated in the document (from Bluebeam or directly from the drawing software where the plan came from) and finally (maybe the most important) no printing.
So, what do you need to know about Bluebeam to start estimating?
In this article, we will see tools to be used in order to give you the basic knowledge to begin quoting on your PDF plans within Bluebeam.
(1) Calibrate your plan
The first step is to calibrate your plan. In order to be able to quote lengths and areas, you need to make sure your plan has been calibrated correctly and accurately to avoid any mistake (or at least, limit those mistakes)
For this purpose, we will have to set the calibration by selecting Measurements and then, Calibrate.
Then, we will use a measure already indicated in the drawing to calibrate our plan by using the side line as our guide.
Then, we will use a measure already indicated in the drawing to calibrate our plan by using the side line as our guide.
When you finish tracing your calibration line between the 2 extremities of the side line, click again and a Calibrate menu will appear. Now, write the same length as indicated in your side line and you’re done. Your plan has been calibrated. Pretty simple, isn’t it?
You are now ready to start.
Note from the author: I always double check after calibration by measuring another sideline length to be sure the date I used was correct. It could happen a drawer changed manually a length to have a rounded number in place of the real length.
Most user rather use the calibration within Bluebeam instead of the scale indicated on plan because it’s more accurate.
(2 ) The Measurement tools and their purpose
Bluebeam has 13 default tools to do measurement. It’s more than what we need to estimate. I am personally selecting 3 of them to create my own tools set for estimating. You are free to choose depending of your need. In addition to those 3 tools, I also often use Dynamic Fill, but we will see that later.
Linear estimates (imperial / metric)
To be able to do precise estimates, we’ve got 2 choices: Length and Polylength.
I prefer to use Polylength for 2 reasons: I’ve got more custom choices that I can apply to my length and, above all, I can take of sidelines in extremities to be more readable and smooth (and you can’t do that with the regular Length tool)
Now that we choose our estimating tool for measuring length, we will need to think about what we need to quote. Usually, an estimator doesn’t quote on a single product or job. So we will use our Polylength standard tool to create our different custom tools set of products/jobs we will need to quote on.
On this purpose, trace a standard Polylength on your plan (picture below).
Then, in the customization quick menu above your drawing, you will be able to change color, width, line type… and finally, give a name to your custom Polylength and save it in a custom Tool Chest (you should have created before, obviously or select an existing one). For example, in steel estimating, people use to call their length as the type of beam they need to quote. This allows them to estimate on measurements AND count them at the same time. MEP sub-contractor are doing the same for HVAC duct or general pipping.
Once you finish customizing, save your custom tools by clicking on Add to Tool Chest and select the one you have been created.
You can now use the same line to create all products / jobs you need to quote and populate your tool chest by changing name, color, type of Polylength and add it to the right Tool Chest. It will not overwrite your first custom tool already created.
Note from the author : This stage can be a bit long but once you’ve created all needed tools, your job will be really more easier than ever. The more developed your tools are, the less time you will spend after to organize your data and get your result. But, if it is your first bunch of tool, don’t overthink it too much. The more time you will use Revu, the more you will know and the more custom your tools will be.
3. Area Estimate (square feet / square meters)
For this part, we will use exactly the same process than previously done for Ploylength but we will do it by using Area standard tool.
On a similar way, we will create areas to represent what we want to quote and name them. For example: Floor, Concrete Slab…
Then we will customize them with different colors, fills and even being able to include hatch in them. Finally, we will save them in a tool chest the same way you did with Polylength.
This is the conclusion of the first part of Estimating with Bluebeam. In the next post, we will see how to create layers and how to use them smartly and how to create, customize and use columns in Markup List to create quick and easy estimates.
SolidCAD, Canada’s largest Autodesk Platinum Reseller, has been awarded the new construction specialization allowing them to provide clients with industry leading construction and data management tools.
In case you didn’t know, SolidCAD earned its Autodesk Construction Specialization.
What does this mean?
SolidCAD successfully passed all of Autodesk’s industry-specific certification exams and can now offer consulting services and expert training related to with the BIM 360 platform:
BIM 360 Field
BIM 360 Glue
BIM 360 Document Management
BIM 360 Team
Collaboration for Revit
BIM 360 Plan
BIM 360 Ops
The company is dedicated to answering client demands to digitize the construction industry, help address challenges and provide solutions that optimize collaboration and data management.
