Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 27 J U LY 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G procurement processes, and with a goal of seeing mass timber manufacturing come to the state for the first time. Faster builds with a smaller carbon footprint Fabricated panels and beams are custom- designed to fit each project. ey're delivered almost like a kit with holes for electrical components pre-drilled, and they go together more quickly — therefore less expensively — than construction with traditional materials. And because the wood in mass timber builds is valued for the warmth it lends to buildings, it's not usually covered with surface finishes such as paint, allowing for further cost savings. Mass timber's inherent ability to sequester carbon gives it another advantage. Becker explains that trees embody carbon whereas steel and concrete are energy intensive to produce and not sustainable. Higher ed has been an early adopter e product's low environmental impact has been a primary reason higher educa- tion institutions are bullish on it. Another factor is the phenomenon known as C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Larry Grondin has big plans. Business • Employee Benefits • Bonding • Home • Auto That's why he trusts us to deliver R.J. Grondin & Sons an employee benefits package that attracts and retains great people. UnitedInsurance.net/Grondin Scan here to learn more. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F C O N S I G L I C O N S T R U C T I O N F O C U S The GEM (Green Energy and Materials) building, under construction now in Orono, is on the University of Maine campus. Consigli Construction, of Portland, is the general contractor.

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