# The New Frontier of Decarbonization with Built Environments and the City of Tomorrow: Part 2

By Ron Stefanski · Published 2023-08-29 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Engineering & Construction on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/engineering-and-construction/decarbonization-with-built-environments
Creator hub: DisruptED

> Building America's sustainable future hinges on solving a critical shortage of skilled workers in construction

## Key points

- A critical shortage of skilled construction workers threatens America's ability to build sustainable, decarbonized infrastructure.
- Green building practices and energy-efficient design are essential components of the city of tomorrow.
- Workforce development and training pipelines must be prioritized alongside technological innovation in the built environment.

Block Field

In an era where America is experiencing a construction boom, from new suburban developments to [city revitalizations](https://sachseconstruction.com/city-of-detroit-begins-6m-remake-of-roosevelt-park-in-front-of-michigan-central-station/), there's a hidden challenge in built environments we can't afford to overlook: a glaring shortage of skilled tradespeople. As cities like San Francisco witness the top global construction cost at [$440 per square foot](https://therealdeal.com/sanfrancisco/2022/08/26/san-francisco-has-worlds-highest-construction-costs-cbre/), the stakes are incredibly high. With much of the labor force in construction aging out or moving to more stable markets, the industry faces an existential dilemma.

> The industry faces an existential dilemma.

So, what led us to this tipping point of a talent shortage in construction, and how can we stem the tide amongst a construction boom?

Welcome to this week's second of a two-part series on decarbonization and built environments on [*DisruptED*](https://marketscale.com/shows/disrupted/), hosted by [Ron Stefanski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronjstefanski/). Our guest today is [**Ron Henry**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-henry/), the Senior Vice President of [**Sachse Construction**](https://sachseconstruction.com/), and together they delve into the intricacies of the talent pool crisis facing the construction industry.

Stefanski and Henry also touch on:

- How the Great Recession of 2008 caused a talent drain from Northern states like Michigan to more stable markets in the South, creating a long-term deficit in skilled trades.
- Why a generational disconnect has also played a role in the talent pool crisis in the construction industry.
- How the scarcity of skilled labor contributes to a dramatic rise in construction costs, impacting project timelines and overall budgets.

### About the Guest

**Ron Henry** is the Senior Vice President of **Sachse Construction**. With years of industry experience and a focus on community engagement, Ron and his team have spearheaded initiatives like the Sachse Construction Academy, aiming to draw more young people into the skilled trades.

Tags: architecture, construction, engineering, skilled trades, talent shortage

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