By Christopher Giffin, RRC, AIA, President
As I write this month’s president’s message, I am thinking about the various items that fill our current news headlines. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge today’s uncertain economic climate. We are seeing inflation like we have not experienced since the 1980s, a jittery stock market, and supply chain disruptions for all types of products from baby formula to roofing materials. Finding qualified workers has also affected everything from the business hours at local fast-food restaurants to the execution of contracts in our industry. These economic struggles are real, and they challenge us to draw upon our strengths.
On a more optimistic note, the size of the building enclosure industry has been increasing exponentially in the past decades, and the industry seems poised for another explosion in growth. Estimates from the internet suggest that the US construction industry is worth US$1.36 trillion, with Canada’s being worth about US$300 billion. The value of the building enclosure sector for both countries arguably represents approximately 20% of the total, or a staggering US$330 billion. There are opportunities out there!
To help our members take advantage of these opportunities, IIBEC is investigating our current and future influence on the construction industry. In February, several members of the IIBEC Executive Committee and staff met with representatives of Silva Brand, a marketing firm that IIBEC has retained, to discuss how IIBEC can better market the institute’s services and the services that IIBEC members provide. At our March board meeting, the firm presented the strengths and weaknesses of our current efforts. In the coming months, IIBEC members can expect to hear more about their recommendations to increase industry awareness of IIBEC as the leading building enclosure authority. I also anticipate that we’ll be seeing some of these efforts next March at the 40th anniversary IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show in Houston.
Although we don’t yet know Silva’s recommendations, I can confidently predict that they will emphasize that IIBEC members have the education and experience needed to evaluate the particular limitations and strengths of various roofing, waterproofing, and exterior wall and fenestration systems.
Our expertise helps us and our clients navigate around today’s economic landmines. Because we’re well informed, active, and engaged, we can think outside the box. If a supply chain issue is holding up access to one material, innovative and educated IIBEC members may be able to recommend a different solution that is available and will be as effective as the original. Similarly, if a workforce shortage threatens a project schedule, experienced building enclosure consultants are ready to advise on alternate sequencing, product, or coordination methods. And IIBEC members have the further advantage of belonging to the IIBEC community—our ongoing exchange of ideas, advice, and best practices discussed in our events makes us all stronger.
There is untapped potential for our profession and our industry. We should also be anticipating how these times will impact our future, and what issues we will be facing both in the near term and several years from now. Our continued success as individuals and as an industry depends on lifelong learning and the exploration of new products, technologies, methods, and strategies. IIBEC educational programs can help by providing the most up-to-date education so that our members can best rise above economic challenges and seize opportunities for career and business growth. Check out the “Education” and “Credentials” sections of iibec.org to see what’s being offered.
One upcoming IIBEC event I’m excited about is the IIBEC/AEI 2022 Building Enclosure Symposium, which will be held November 14–15 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cosponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI), the symposium will feature two full days of educational sessions on a wide range of topics, plus an exhibition hall. I hope you’ll join me there!
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