- Survey compares global and US
multigenerational responses on how to plan for water,
transportation, housing, climate and technology needs
- Compares responses from residents in
California, Florida, New York and Texas
GHD, a global professional services company operating in the
markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and
buildings, and transportation, released CROSSROADS, a comprehensive
report that explores perspectives on intergenerational equity and
its pivotal role in shaping future communities. In the report, GHD
explores the important role that infrastructure plays in meeting
the diverse needs of current and future generations, both globally
and in the US.
Globally, 13,000 people were surveyed, including 4,000 in the
US, with a focus on responses from California, Florida, New York
and Texas. CROSSROADS presents a comprehensive and nuanced
understanding of intergenerational equity — which is focused on
creating fair and just places and spaces that prioritize people of
all generations, both now and in the future — all through an
infrastructure lens.
The study found that a majority of Americans are pessimistic
about the country’s future. Generational differences are also
evident. Across all markets, the younger generations are more
optimistic than older generations, with Gen X the most pessimistic
overall.
When asked about their opinion of the future, only 36 percent of
US respondents had a positive view and 46 percent had a negative
view. Residents in California and Texas were the most optimistic
(both at 45 percent), while just 35 percent of Floridians surveyed
were optimistic.
“CROSSROADS brings diverse and multigenerational voices into the
conversation to help lead us to better decision-making when it
comes to infrastructure decisions,” said Maria Lehman, GHD US
Infrastructure Lead. “We must understand infrastructure needs for
the next 50 years. With the $1.2-trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law (BIL) supporting more durable and sustainable infrastructure,
we’re at the beginning of a level of reinvestment that hasn’t been
enacted since before World War II. We want to make sure this work
is engineered in a way that meets current and future needs for both
the useful and financial life of the improved asset.”
As societal needs evolve, the resilience and adaptability of
infrastructure becomes vital in mitigating the impact of climate
change, population growth and economic fluctuations. CROSSROADS can
serve as a benchmark, incorporating perspectives from multiple
generations to ensure infrastructure is adaptable to evolving
societal demands and environmental challenges.
“The investments we make today in robust infrastructure will
shape our quality of life, safety and prosperity for the next 50
years. Making this investment will never be more cost-effective
than it is right now,” said Lehman. “According to industry
standards, for every dollar deployed from the BIL and other sources
on infrastructure improvements today, the return is between $6 and
$11 versus the exorbitant cost of new construction and repairs in
the future.”
CROSSROADS reveals that climate change is a pressing concern,
with half the US market having experienced its impact. In response,
Americans are adopting various eco-friendly practices such as
recycling, composting, water conservation and opting for product
repairs over replacement. Californians and Texans are most
receptive to drinking treated water, and Californians are most
willing to pay more for household water.
Smart systems and technologies elicit both hope and concern
among Americans. Although there are apprehensions about
internet-connected devices, residents recognize the potential of
small solutions to enhance traffic flow, improve resource
management and boost quality of life through public Wi-Fi.
State-specific findings also reveal disparities on these themes
as well as generational differences:
California
California stands out as a state with a progressive mindset
regarding sustainability and a willingness to embrace new
technologies and lifestyles. However, a high cost of living is a
significant concern.
- Residents are more optimistic about the future than the
national average.
- 57 percent are open to drinking treated or recycled water in
the wake of freshwater scarcity and population growth.
- 72 percent believe the switch to clean energy will create jobs
for their community.
- Californians are strong advocates for sustainability and are
willing to pay more for sustainable products and services.
- While more likely to live further away from their workplace
than those in other states, Californians are less likely to buy
gas-powered cars and prefer hybrid or electric vehicles.
Florida
Florida reveals a complex picture with concerns about the future
and a high cost of living. However, focus on environmental issues,
particularly among younger generations, suggests a growing
awareness and commitment to sustainability.
- Unlike the other three states, Florida mirrors the national
trend of pessimism toward the future, with Baby Boomers being more
pessimistic than their counterparts in other states.
- Floridians prioritize environmental concerns with a focus on
building a sustainable economy and protecting natural
waterways.
- 67 percent of Floridians are committed to making sustainable
choices and practicing more eco-friendly habits to reduce the
impact of climate change.
- They also face a comparatively high cost of living, with a
significant portion of their income allocated to housing
costs.
New York
New York demonstrates a forward-looking attitude, particularly
towards clean energy and sustainable living. The preference for
traditional work models and a higher rate of home ownership
suggests a focus on stability and established norms.
- New Yorkers are more optimistic about the future compared to
the national average.
- 72 percent say the government should do more to teach
communities about the importance of clean energy.
- 64 percent believe the switch to clean energy will create new
industries and jobs for their community.
- While they claim to experience lower impact from climate change
compared to other states, they are still willing to pay more for
sustainable products and services and are most optimistic about the
shift towards clean energy.
- New Yorkers have a higher likelihood of owning homes without a
mortgage compared to other states and, hence, are less likely to
feel that housing cost increases have impacted their ability to
afford other necessities.
Texas
Texas exhibits a strong sense of community and a proactive
approach to issues like climate change and clean energy. They
embrace remote work, which signifies adaptability and a focus on
work-life balance.
- Texans are more optimistic about the future than the national
average.
- 56 percent of Texans are open to drinking treated or recycled
water.
- Texans experience the highest impact of climate change compared
to other states and are more open to government spending on
community protection.
- They are also strong proponents of clean energy and believe it
will lead to job creation.
- Texans commute longer distances (11-20 miles) to their work or
study locations and are more likely to spend a significant portion
of their time working from home but are also more likely to accept
jobs that don’t offer that option.
Overall, there are high levels of agreement in the US
that there should be strong commitment to action across a range of
issues including:
- Government should focus on making roads safer – 66 percent
- Being aware of water usage and actively trying to use less – 66
percent
- Government should do more to teach about clean energy – 73
percent
- Need a varied and cheaper housing in one’s area – 64
percent
- Worries about privacy and safety of internet connected devices
gathering data – 71 percent
- Government needs to do more to curb transport emissions – 65
percent
About GHD
GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the
global markets of water, energy and resources, environment,
property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision
to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations
to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture,
environmental and construction solutions to public and private
sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its
people, GHD’s network of 11,000+ professionals are connected across
160 offices located on five continents. www.ghd.com. To find
a local office, click here.
GHD in the Americas
GHD has long-standing client relationships, a significant
project and economic footprint in the Americas and represents 40
percent of GHD’s global workforce with nearly 4,500 professionals
in over 130 offices in the US, Canada, and Chile. In 2023, our
Canadian business was named one of Canada’s Top 100 employers and
ranks #6 in international design firms operating in Canada
according to Engineering News-Record’s 2023 annual survey of key
market segments. GHD’s US operations were named as a 2024 Best
Places To Work for disability inclusion by Disability:IN. To find a
local office, click here.
Notes to editors: Research methodology and a list of global
key findings available upon request
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240722135555/en/
Sarah Howell GHD, Communications and Media Manager
Sarah.howell@ghd.com 224.234.6389
Glenn Oswald Marx Layne & Company goswald@marxlayne.com
313.418.1635