Archive for June, 2023

Shaping the Future Workforce

Thursday, June 29th, 2023

The future of today’s workforce: students. Younger generations of students represent the hope and potential of tomorrow’s world. They possess fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and an inherent drive to make a difference. As such, Egan Company believes that teaching them about opportunities in the trades is a critical endeavor. 

The involvement with students has been bountiful this school year with construction career fairs, including one for students who attend schools along the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) construction corridor.

SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

Over the course of the past year, the Egan team has also continued its relationship with the Osseo Public School district. Through a variety of connections, we’ve been able to work alongside the Osseo High School Track and Field team in a number of ways including:

  • Participating in career panels for construction, manufacturing, and business career paths
  • Attending career fairs
  • Performing mock interviews
  • Welcoming students to our Champlin facility for tours
  • Sponsoring the Track and Field team

“As a company you are first class and I am so impressed with EVERY SINGLE interaction and effort by Egan.  Thank you for the many contributions to the next generation within the Osseo Senior community. I know that  you have already left a huge impact on some of the kids, and my son is one of those!” – J. Rundquist, Osseo High School Track & Field Coach

WORKFORCE PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP

Expanding our involvement, Egan has partnered with Lake Street Works (LSW), a local organization that provides juniors and seniors in high school with the opportunity to learn more about construction trades and general life skills. By partnering with LSW, we are helping to ensure that the next generation of the workforce is prepared for the demands of the construction job market.

The LSW program is rigorous and comprehensive; students who complete it graduate ready to be an apprentice and enter the trades. In addition to learning about construction, students also gain valuable life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

We are proud to support LSW’s mission of providing young people with the opportunity to learn valuable skills and build a bright future for themselves. We believe that by investing in our community, we are investing in our future. In this last school year, Egan has been actively involved through:

  • Participating in trades fairs with hands-on exercises
  • Providing PPE (work shirts, vest, hard hats, and gloves)
  • Supplying guest speakers to discuss various career paths and trades
  • Senior Leadership Team joining students to work through project exercises
  • Providing interview and resume skills lessons, with mock interviews
  • Hosting students for pre-graduation dinner and tour of Egan’s facility
  • Consulting on the build-out of LSW training space
  • Financial donations

Investing in the growth of students at any age will benefit the greater trades industry in years to come. Purpose in action. With passion and pride, we build better lives and communities – together.

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HOW DO COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS GET LEED CERTIFICATION?

Wednesday, June 7th, 2023

In today’s world, sustainable practices and green building initiatives have gained significant importance. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a green building certification program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED certification is awarded to buildings that meet certain standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation.

As businesses and individuals strive to reduce their environmental footprint, earning LEED  certification has emerged as a notable accomplishment. Simply put, LEED certification validates a building’s commitment to sustainability and offers a roadmap to eco-friendly construction.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LEED RATING SYSTEM

Commercial building projects can pursue different LEED rating systems based on their unique characteristics and goals. The available options include LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C), LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C), and LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M). Each rating system caters to specific stages of a building’s life cycle, ensuring comprehensive sustainability practices from inception to operation.

THE LEED CERTIFICATION PROCESS:

  1. Project Registration: Developers register their commercial building project with the USGBC and select the appropriate LEED rating system.
  2. Documentation and Compliance: Detailed documentation and evidence must be provided to demonstrate compliance with LEED prerequisites and credits. This may include architectural plans, material specifications, energy models, and sustainability reports.
  3. LEED Certification Levels: Buildings can earn different levels of certification based on the number of points accumulated. These levels include Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), and Platinum (80+ points). The more points earned, the higher the level of certification achieved.
  4. Verification and Review: The USGBC reviews the documentation and conducts an on-site inspection to verify the building’s compliance with LEED requirements. This rigorous process ensures the integrity and credibility of LEED-certified buildings.

CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS: 

Maintaining LEED certification is an ongoing commitment. This maintenance includes monitoring energy usage, water consumption, indoor air quality, and other key performance indicators to ensure continued compliance with LEED standards. 

By earning LEED certification, commercial buildings demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, reaping the benefits of reduced operational costs, improved occupant satisfaction, and a positive impact on the environment. As the world moves towards a greener future, LEED certification remains a beacon of excellence for the built environment.

If considering pursuing LEED certification for a commercial building, there are a number of resources available; check out the USGBC website which has resources as well as detailed information about LEED certification.

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