Sustainable Building in Action: Q&A with Nigro Construction
Sands Corporate Office
Sustainability continues to shape the future of commercial construction. From reducing carbon footprints to meeting client demand for greener spaces, the industry is evolving—fast. Companies are now expected to build not just with strength but with purpose. At Nigro Construction, sustainability is built into how the organization does business. Here's how Nigro Construction balances green building practices with a commitment to quality, timelines, and budgets.
Q: How do you prioritize sustainability while still delivering projects on time and on budget?
We believe sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand. The key is integrating green goals from the very beginning—during pre-construction and design phases—so they’re not seen as add-ons. By selecting smart materials, optimizing systems, and working with experienced partners, we’re able to stay on schedule and avoid surprise costs. When sustainability is part of the plan, it doesn’t disrupt—it enhances.
Q2: What are some tips for integrating sustainability into construction projects?
Start early, stay aligned, and communicate clearly. Sustainability works best when it's embedded into the project’s DNA. We recommend involving your construction team early so sustainable choices are made with the full project picture in mind. Small decisions—like material selection or layout planning—can make a big impact when approached thoughtfully. It’s also important to educate the entire team so everyone is aligned on the why, not just the how.
Q3: What sustainability trends are shaping commercial construction right now?
We're seeing increased interest in energy-efficient systems, solar-ready infrastructure, and smart technologies that monitor building performance. There’s also a shift toward adaptive reuse and minimizing embodied carbon through low-impact materials. Clients want buildings that not only perform well today but remain efficient and cost-effective for years to come.
Q4: What types of eco-friendly materials does Nigro Construction use?
We use materials that support both performance and sustainability—like recycled steel, reclaimed wood, low-VOC paints, and composite materials made from renewable resources. These materials help reduce environmental impact while meeting design and durability standards. We also work with local suppliers whenever possible, which helps lower transportation emissions and supports our community.
Q5: How do you integrate energy efficiency into your designs?
We collaborate closely with architects and engineers to ensure buildings are optimized for performance. That means designing for natural light, maximizing insulation, choosing high-efficiency HVAC systems, and incorporating smart controls. These design choices lead to long-term cost savings and improved comfort, making them a win for both the environment and the end user.
Q6: What steps do you take to reduce construction waste?
Our team is proactive about material management. We order with precision to avoid excess, recycle wherever possible, and partner with local waste diversion services. We also reuse materials on-site when appropriate and keep the entire team informed about waste reduction goals. These steps help us keep sites clean, reduce landfill impact, and lower costs.
Q7: Can you share a recent project that highlights your sustainability efforts?
A prominent project utilized low-VOC paints, high-recycled-content materials, and composite materials to enhance sustainability and indoor air quality. We worked with the client early on to align sustainability with their operational goals. As a result, we delivered a space that was efficient, beautiful, and built to support long-term environmental performance—on time and within budget.
Q8: How does Nigro plan to enhance its sustainability efforts going forward?
We’re committed to continuous learning and improvement. That includes exploring carbon-neutral construction practices, investing in training for our teams, and keeping up with evolving green building standards. As new technologies and methods emerge, we’ll continue refining our approach to ensure we’re building smarter, greener, and more responsibly in every project.
