Stronger Growth Projected in 2013 for Nonresidential Construction Spending

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Even with many obstacles preventing a full-scale recovery for the overall U.S. economy, the design and construction industry appears to have reasons to be at least modestly optimistic in the coming months and into next year. A sharp spike in demand for industrial facilities so far this year, along with sustained demand for hotels and retail projects factors into what projects to be a 4.4 percent rise in spending this year for nonresidential construction projects — up from a projection of a 2.1 percent increase in the January Consensus Forecast. The American Institute of Architects semi-annual Consensus … Read more

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McCarthy Raises the Bar on Employee Health Builder is recognized as Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., one of the nation’s largest employee-owned construction companies, was recently recognized as a Platinum-level Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association, improved from the firm’s Gold-level recognition in 2011. McCarthy was recognized recently during the Association’s 2012 Metro St. Louis Heart Walk opening festivities at Busch Stadium, and the award was personally presented on June 26 in McCarthy’s St. Louis headquarters. Fit-Friendly Companies are recognized by the Association as employers who go above and beyond when it comes to employee health. “McCarthy recognizes the importance of a healthy workplace for its employees … Read more

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State-of-the-Art Facility Highlights Construction Leader’s Project Management, Regulatory Expertise

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MOUNT AIRY & DURHAM N.C. — John S Clark Company, LLC (JS Clark) has successfully completed construction of a state-of-the-art, 151,000 square foot, middle school in Durham, North Carolina which is seeking LEED certification. Lucas Middle School is Durham Public Schools’ newest facility and is slated to open in August 2012 with capacity for 640 students, providing eight classrooms per grade level. “The LEED certification process definitely brings challenges to projects like this one,” Nathan Long, JS Clark’s project manager for the build, said. “There is a ton of documentation involved and you have to carefully pay attention to the … Read more

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New Study Reveals Top 10 Most-Used PPE Products

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3M recently released its new market study, which offers safety and health professionals a lens on the use of PPE globally. The survey of 298 safety professionals in 10 countries, representing the Americas, Europe and Asia, covered a spectrum of industries, including construction. The study cites that the top ten PPE products most commonly specified by safety professionals include : Safety gloves Shoes Ear plugs Goggles Helmets/hard hats Non-prescription eyewear Face shields Disposable respirators Earmuffs Welding protection shields. Safety gloves are the most commonly used safety product worldwide, with 91 percent of respondents indicating its usage. Use of PPE varies widely … Read more

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ASHRAE Funds 22 Undergraduate Projects; Creation of ‘Shack’ to Study Energy Efficiency

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ATLANTA, Ga. — Design and construction of a “shack” to demonstrate renewable and HVAC technologies, including solar thermal heating, photovoltaic power generation, high efficiency and green insulation options and wood pellet stoves, is being developed by undergraduate students in an ASHRAE Undergraduate Senior Project Grant. This year, 22 schools from around the world were awarded grants. The grants, totaling some $100,000, are awarded by ASHRAE to colleges and universities worldwide to promote the study and teaching of HVAC&R, encouraging senior undergraduate students to pursue related careers. The grants are used to design and construct projects, such as Minnesota State University … Read more

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