Housing-Market Collapse Touches Firms But Some Find New Sectors

摘要

The collapsing housing market in the U.S. is hitting some environmental firms, particularly those working in sectors such as water and wastewater services. But those in the nuclear-waste and hazardous-materials sectors have more breathing room as interest continues to grow in environmental cleanup and sustainability projects. Even with weakening demand for some traditional environmental services, firms are expanding into new areas beyond the normal remediation models. "Our role has shifted from cleanup of past sins to helping with the business model," says Lee McIn-tire, chief operating officer of CH2M Hill Cos. Environmental concerns are now encroaching on more traditional areas of construction, he explains. "To site a factory, the issue is not just the cost of steel but where you are going to get the energy and water. The pace of change is breathtaking," he says.