“The changes are very fast out there,” he says, “whether it's virtual modeling—which has taken a huge leap in the last five to 10 years—in construction, there are new waves of building methods and even scaffolding that are more economical and safer. For example, we're seeing modular construction start to take hold [Editor's Note: this method is being used at Atlantic Yards] and there's more people-friendly types of scaffolding that have signage with a utilitarian purpose and that have a reduced likelihood of debris.”

Scarangello plans to research methods used elsewhere—including other countries. “We have the resources to do the studying. I'm going to add a working committee to do the outreach to the design, construction and real estate industries to talk about how to identify, validate and advocate for what I'm calling innovation but really is best practice in all aspects of the building industry. Then, eventually we would want to make things codified.”

But members shouldn't have unrealistic expectations for the timing of this initiative, he notes. “If I can get this up and running in my two-year term, I'll have reached this goal. I'm hoping within first year to have this in place, identify and drive innovation in the second year, becoming a leader that other cities look to for best practices.”

Scarangello also intends to work to grow NYBC's membership, he says. “We always want to grow membership, not just for the membership but because the more people that are in the conversation, the better. The issues will continue to change so if we don't continue to grow and advocate, we won't be able to keep up. Those are the table stakes: bigger and stronger.”