News

On November 5, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published in the Federal Register a direct final rulemaking to formally stay the numeric limit and associated monitoring requirements for turbidity in the “effluent limitation guidelines” rule (ELG) for stormwater runoff from “construction and development” (C&D) because of an error in the way the Agency calculated the limit.
McGraw-Hill Construction forecast predicts an 8 percent increase in the value of new construction projects for 2011.
Chief Economist for Reed Construction Data, Jim Haughey, reports that more stimulus spending will eventually result in a 100 basic point cut in the real cost of capital. Haughey reports that this is likely to spur investment, which will include construction spending.
With this strategic guide to building information modeling (BIM), you'll learn how to implement this new technology as part of a comprehensive systems approach to the design, construction, management, operation, maintenance, and use of buildings.
AGC’s latest BIMForum meeting had near-record attendance, with nearly 300 architects, engineers and contractors on site in Atlanta.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) have released a draft Accounting Standards Update to create a single revenue recognition standard across multiple industries, including construction.
November 30, 2010, 2:00pm - 3:30pm ET "Lean Construction is a set of ideas based in the pursuit of continuous improvements aimed at minimizing costs and maximizing value to clients in all dimensions of the built and natural environment."In today's market, with less work and thin profit margins, construction companies are looking for ways to streamline their operations, operate more reliably, and reduce costs to improve their bottom-line.Lean processes are essential to accomplishing these goals. There is certainly room for improved practices in the construction industry and Lean Construction is a path toward delivering greater reliability and better project delivery.Don't miss this opportunity to learn how you can begin to implement Lean Construction processes within your firm. Register online now!

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) have released a draft Accounting Standards Update to create a single revenue recognition standard across multiple industries, including construction.  The new standard could have significant impacts on construction contractors, including increased administrative costs and effects on surety credit.  By introducing considerable subjectivity into the process, the new standard also will open the door to financial manipulation leading to less consistency and transparency in the financial reporting process in the industry.Although the October 22 comment period has passed, information about the proposal can be found here.  To read AGC's comments to FASB click here.

LEED Gold certification, the the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program's second highest rating, is becoming the new standard for all federal building projects. This is one level up from the previous LEED Silver certification requirements.  GSA reports that more efficient government buildings can have a significant impact on the environment. To read more about the LEED system and GSA's green mission, click here.

Construction professionals are familiar with commercial green building projects and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system.  But what some contractors may not know is that "green" is growing to encompass other critical infrastructure projects - including highway and local road construction, site selection, utility installation, and community planning on the whole.  There is more to LEED beyond offices, and there are green programs and resources beyond LEED.  This article provides a snapshot of the key green programs that may eventually influence all aspects of construction.  Click here for the complete article.