Construction Institute Boston Chapter
Edward Breed, ENV SP, Project Manager, Skanska USA Civil Northeast, Inc., and Construction Institute Boston Chapter Chair
Welcome to the latest issue of BSCESNews, featuring the Construction Institute (CI) Boston Chapter! We’re excited to share the most recent updates, events, and construction industry news with you. As always, we value your involvement and look forward to continuing to serve the needs of our construction and civil engineering community.
The construction industry in Boston had a transformative year in 2024, marked by remarkable growth, significant infrastructure advancements, and efforts to meet the evolving demands of a bustling urban environment. From large-scale commercial projects to residential developments, the city’s construction sector has been at the forefront of reshaping its skyline and infrastructure, despite facing several challenges. In this article, we take a closer look at the trends, innovations, and obstacles that shaped Boston's construction landscape in 2024 and how members of the CI Boston Chapter have played an integral part in the region’s transformation!
Our Chapter’s mission is to advance the state of construction technology, equipment and techniques. We encourage the advancement of education and research in construction engineering and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas particularly between designers, contractors, owners and other professionals associated in the construction industry.
2024 Key Trends in Boston's Construction Industry:
Sustainability and Green Building Initiatives: As the Greater Boston area continues its efforts to become a leader in sustainability, 2024 saw a notable surge in green construction projects. The city has set ambitious goals for reducing its carbon footprint, and developers have responded with eco-friendly design and energy-efficient building materials. Projects like Tower One and the redevelopment of the South Station area incorporated state-of-the-art sustainable technologies, such as solar panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and green rooftop, contributing to their LEED Gold Certification. The Boston Green Building Council has also played a vital role in promoting the importance of sustainable construction practices throughout the city.
Project Spotlight: The Harvard Enterprise Research Campus Project, developed in collaboration with Tishman Speyer and Consigli Construction, is committed to sustainability across every phase of its design, construction, and operation. The project embraces innovative green building practices, incorporating energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and green technologies to reduce its environmental footprint. The campus is designed to achieve LEED certification, ensuring that it meets rigorous environmental standards while promoting the health and well-being of its occupants. In addition to minimizing energy consumption and water use, the project prioritizes the integration of renewable energy sources and smart building technologies. With an emphasis on sustainability, the Harvard Enterprise Research Campus Project is poised to create a forward-thinking, eco-conscious hub for research and innovation, supporting both academic excellence and environmental responsibility.
The CI Boston Chapter sponsored a tour of the on-going construction of Harvard’s
Enterprise Research Campus Project that transforms a historically underutilized
section of Allston into an urban district designed to nurture and inspire
creativity and exploration for all.
Infrastructure Revitalization: Boston's ongoing infrastructure revitalization is another major theme in 2024. The city continues to upgrade and expand its aging infrastructure, from roads and bridges to public transit systems. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) invested heavily in modernizing its subway lines and commuter rail stations, improving the overall efficiency of Boston's transit network. Additionally, key streetscapes in neighborhoods like Downtown Crossing and Fenway have been redesigned to accommodate the growing population while enhancing walkability and access.
Project Spotlight: The I-90/I-95 Bridge Replacement Project focuses on replacing aging infrastructure over the Charles River, located in Newton and Weston, with a state-of-the-art, modern structure designed to meet current and future transportation needs. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), along with their Design-Build Contractor (SPS-Walsh JV) and Designer (Jacobs), have been hard at work on this essential project, which is designed to improve the safety, longevity, and efficiency of the critical bridge system that connects these two dynamic communities in addition to two of the state’s busiest highways.
The I-90/I-95 interchange in the City of Newton and Town of Weston is a critical
location for Massachusetts infrastructure, connecting two of the state’s busiest
highways. CI Boston Chapter co-sponsored this event with SEI Boston Chapter last month.
Residential Development Boom: The demand for residential spaces in Boston remains high, spurred by an influx of young professionals and families seeking to live in the city’s vibrant urban core. In 2024, luxury condominium projects such as The Kensington and the Nexa development dominated the real estate market. However, developers have also focused on creating affordable housing solutions to balance the rising cost of living. The city has implemented new zoning regulations to encourage mixed-use developments that blend residential, commercial, and public spaces, thus fostering vibrant neighborhoods while promoting affordability.
Technological Innovations: Technology continues to play a critical role in Boston’s construction industry. In 2024, the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and robotics expanded, allowing developers to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and address labor shortages. Construction companies also explored 3D printing for creating building components, and autonomous vehicles for material transport on job sites. The integration of smart technologies in buildings, including AI-driven systems for project design and execution, energy management, and predictive maintenance, has also gained momentum.
The CI Boston Chapter sponsored a plant tour of Boston Sand & Gravel,
a recognized leader in the New England Ready Mixed Concrete and Aggregate industry.
Challenges in 2024:
Labor Shortage: The construction industry in Boston, like many other regions, faced a significant labor shortage in 2024. Despite efforts to recruit and train workers, the demand for skilled labor continued to outpace supply. This shortage has been particularly challenging for large-scale projects, with many owners and developers turning to innovative solutions like prefabrication and modular construction to streamline the building process and reduce dependency on the local workforce.
Rising Material Costs: Another challenge impacting Boston’s construction industry in 2024 was the rising cost of construction materials. Global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures led to increased prices for everything from steel to lumber. These cost hikes have forced owners and developers to adjust their budgets and timelines, sometimes impacting the feasibility of smaller projects. The industry continues to search for alternatives and more cost-effective materials to mitigate these financial strains.
Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the city's complex regulatory environment remains a significant challenge for construction companies. Lengthy approval processes, zoning restrictions, and building codes can slow project timelines. However, city officials have taken steps to streamline permitting processes and collaborate more closely with owners and developers to overcome bureaucratic hurdles.
Looking Ahead: As Boston’s construction industry continues to evolve, it is poised for another year of growth and innovation in 2025. With the ongoing focus on sustainability, technological advancement, and infrastructure improvement, the greater Boston area will likely see more smart, eco-friendly developments emerge. The future of Boston’s construction sector will depend on its ability to overcome challenges like the labor shortage and rising material costs while embracing new technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Upcoming Events:
- I-95/90 Interchange Improvements Site Tour – March 27, 2025
- One Simmons Project Site Tour – April 17, 2025
- 2025 CI Day – May 2, 2025
- South Station Tower One Site Tour - TBD
We have several events planned over the next few months, so be sure to keep an eye on the BSCES events page to register for upcoming tours, presentations, and gatherings hosted by the Boston Chapter of the Construction Institute. We are always looking for passionate individuals to help organize events, contribute during our monthly meetings, and simply further enhance the activities of our chapter. If you have any interest in joining, please contact me at ed.breed@skanska.com.
On behalf of the CI Boston Chapter, thank you for joining us in this year’s construction industry recap. Stay tuned for more updates and insights in the months to come!