July 2024 City Scoop: Albany
City Grill
Beth DiBattista
Vice President & Regional Operations Manager
Turner Construction Co.
DiBattista says energy efficient buildings designed “toward a goal of net zero are trends we continue to see in the area. This includes incorporating renewable energy into design,” in a move that is “influenced by governing codes, energy incentives/rebates and by company social and environmental policies driving corporate responsibility to combat climate change.”
Frontloaded costs associated with implementing energy efficiencies are challenging. “Owners are working with limited upfront budgets that sometimes take precedence over the long-term savings and payback,” DiBattista says. “We work with owners to create a balance that meets their needs.” She adds that “subcontractors’ local knowledge and experience with new equipment, materials and technologies can also be limited.”
With the public sector thriving and several private projects in design, work should start to increase in 2025, DiBattista says. “Advanced technology projects are receiving funding from the state and federal levels,” she says, adding that the local market should benefit from these investments.
