Continuum Capital

Broadband Bottleneck: An Urgent Need for Workers! A few months ago, Continuum Capital released a new study revealing that 180,000 additional workers are needed to meet the growing demands of federal and state-funded broadband projects. An estimated $80 billion in federal and state funding is expected to be injected into the broadband market over the next 5-7 years. This significant investment is creating multiple disruptive forces in the broadband sector, including a workforce bottleneck, the formation of state-level broadband offices in all 50 states, and challenges for unprepared rural broadband and electric cooperatives. The influx of spending is driving demand for workers across all construction and technician trades, leaving many organizations ill-equipped to respond. To find the estimated workforce needs for your state, read the study below: https://lnkd.in/esEqHdpy Follow Continuum Capital to learn how to address current demands and manage workforce hiring to avoid delays. #Broadband #BroadbandForAll #Internet #Connected #Continuum

🚀 Transforming Data Centers: Construction Innovations for a Sustainable Future🌱 As the demand for AI-powered applications skyrockets, the data center industry faces unprecedented challenges in balancing power demands with sustainability goals. Recent reports from the Department of Energy highlight that electricity consumption in data centers could double within the next three years—equating to the power needs of an entire country like Germany! 🌍⚡ To tackle these challenges, the industry is adopting innovative strategies in both construction and operation, focusing on: Sustainable Materials & Energy Sources: The shift towards renewable energy and low-emission materials is crucial. For instance, using hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) as a renewable diesel fuel is a step forward in reducing reliance on petroleum-based products. Adaptive Reuse: With many office buildings vacant, there’s a unique opportunity to repurpose these spaces into data centers. This approach not only optimizes resources but also minimizes environmental impact. Advanced Cooling Techniques: The move from air to liquid cooling systems is helping improve energy efficiency, especially with the rise of AI workloads that generate more heat. Liquid cooling can use energy more effectively, allowing for higher power densities without excessive waste. Innovation in Materials: Exploring alternatives like cross-laminated timber and green concrete is essential for reducing the embodied carbon footprint of data center construction. While traditional materials dominate, the industry is pushing for greener options to mitigate environmental impacts. AI & Automation: Implementing AI-driven systems to optimize energy use, particularly in HVAC, is critical. By measuring and reducing CO2 output through automation, we can enhance efficiency and sustainability. The road to a sustainable future for data centers is complex, but with collaborative efforts across the industry, we can make significant strides toward a greener tomorrow. 🌱💡 #Construction #Sustainability #DataCenters #CleanEnergy #Innovation #ContinuumCapital

America’s Aging Infrastructure: Is It Time for a Major Overhaul? Over the past year, events like the Baltimore Bridge collapse and damage to Interstate 95, have spotlighted a growing issue: the U.S. infrastructure system is aging fast. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers, the average U.S. bridge is 44 years old, pipers are 45 years old, and dams average 57 years—many are near or past their life span. Addressing the significant backlog of underfunded projects in the US: Funding Gap: In 2023 alone, $45B was spent by the federal government and $82B by states. Despite this, there's a massive backlog of underfunded projects. What’s Next? The Infrastructure and Jobs Act plans to invest $1.25 trillion over the next decade, but the question remains: will it be enough to address the crumbling systems? As we look to the future, engineers, construction professionals, and heavy machinery operators will see a surge in demand as governments prioritize updates. Follow Continuum Capital to stay updated on the distribution of the IIJA funding and its impact on aging infrastructure. #Infrastructure #PublicSafety #Engineering #Construction #Innovation #Investment #Bridges #Sustainability

Broadband for all! 🏡🌐 It's exciting to see fiber companies investing in broadband—Gateway Fiber is setting a great example! Last week, they announced plans to bring high-speed, 100% fiber-optic internet to Pittsfield, MA, marking a continued push to connect residents and businesses in western Massachusetts. “Pittsfield residents and businesses will soon have access to an ultra-fast, ultra-reliable fiber-optic infrastructure like they’ve never seen before.” This is just the beginning of broadband accessibility across the US! Learn more from the link below, and follow Power & Communication Contractors Association and Continuum Capital for similar projects and news. #Broadband #Infrastructure #Construction #FiberBroadband #BroadbandForAll #BroadbandInternet #HighSpeedInternet #Connectivity #Fiber #CriticalInfrastructure #PCCA #ContinuumCapital

Fiber-Fed Broadband is Boosting Rural Economies! A study conducted by the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) reveals the significant impact of fiber broadband on the economic development of rural communities. The research presents compelling evidence that fiber-fed broadband, supplied by local providers, significantly boosts income, entrepreneurship, and business investment. The analysis focuses on three types of rural communities: 1. Underserved Communities 2. Communities with basic broadband services 3. Communities served by smaller fiber broadband providers Don’t miss the discussion on this report in the insightful Fiber for Breakfast podcast featuring Gary Bolton, President and CEO of Fiber Broadband! Be sure to check it out along with his other podcasts for more valuable insights!➡️https://lnkd.in/dcXD2Rdy

💧 What are the biggest challenges in Water and Wastewater Construction Projects??? 💧 🚧 Archis Ambulkar, MS, PE, SME from Water Online defines the Top 10 Challenges in water and wastewater infrastructure projects: 1. Anomalies in construction documents 2. Permitting delays 3. Bid-pricing challenges 4. Handling of shop drawing submittals 5. Traffic management and mobilization needs 6. Unexpected subsurface conditions 7. Construction sequence difficulties 8. Commissioning complexities 9. Coordination and communication issues 10. Change order disputes At Continuum Capital, we are identifying AI innovations that can help mitigate these challenges, enhance workforce productivity, and improve project outcomes. 💬 What other challenges have you encountered in water infrastructure projects? Comment below! https://lnkd.in/gKaVb3M

🚨 Did You Miss Out on Future Insights for the Gas Industry? Continuum Capital’s own Mark Bridgers recently spoke at the Society of Gas Operators meeting in New York, where he shared valuable insights on the economic, political, and market outlook for the next 1-2 years. He also offered a 10-year forecast for the gas distribution and pipeline sectors. A special thanks to the Society of Gas Operators and the GILD of Ancient Supplers for providing Mark Bridgers the opportunity to share his perspectives on the future of the gas industry. Next time, don’t miss out! To stay updated on Continuum’s presentations and the conferences we're attending, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn! #Gas #Distribution #Pipeline #ContinuumCapital

It is great to see contractors improving productivity by using underground construction methods! Energy utilities have started undergrounding power cables to enhance grid reliability and mitigate environmental threats. Transitioning to underground helps reduce power outages and improve grid resilience against extreme weather conditions like wildfires and hurricanes. This upcoming Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative webinar on October 29th at 2 PM EST will explore case studies from Texas and California. Join Mike Beehler, Condux International, and industry contractors for an informative discussion on overcoming challenges and boosting productivity with undergrounding. Click the link below to register! 💡💪 #UndergroundConstruction #PowerDistribution #UtilityInnovation #Webinar #PDi2 #Undergrounding

🚰 Big News for Clean Water in America! 🚰 Drinking water systems nationwide are now required to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. This is a crucial step toward providing clean, safe water for all. Alongside this, the EPA has announced $116 million in funding to New York to support clean water initiatives in schools and homes as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Key Highlights: Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI): Stricter testing and lower action levels for lead in drinking water. $116M in funding to NY: Prioritizing disadvantaged communities to ensure everyone has access to clean water. Environmental Justice: Aimed at protecting communities disproportionately affected by lead contamination. The Water Supply sector has grown 7.9% to $29.6 billion (as of Q2 2024) due to new regulations to improve water quality standards. At Continuum Capital, we're thrilled to see these significant investments that not only safeguard public health but also create jobs in local communities. Investing in clean water infrastructure is a win for both our environment and our economy! 🌍💧 #Construction #CleanWater #LeadPipeReplacement #InvestingInAmerica #EnvironmentalJustice #ContinuumCapital #SustainableInvesting #EPARule #Infrastructure

🌟 Join Us at the Scenic Symposium! 🌟 Don't miss the opportunity to attend the Scenic Symposium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from November 18-20, 2024! Continuum Capital is excited to participate in a panel on “Strategic Undergrounding,” where we will explore ways to enhance the reliability and resiliency of our electric grid. During the session, we will also debunk common myths about the costs of undergrounding by showcasing its ability to prevent damages, generate a strong return on investment, and save on operating and maintenance expenses. Join Scenic America and Scenic Pittsburgh for a three-day exploration of how we can create scenic beauty through advocacy, legislation, and community action. For more information and to register, click the link below: Early bird registration has been extended to October 23!