Partnering on Environmental Compliance

Pitfalls, best practices for project success By Michelle Logut One of the most critical decisions to project success comes before designs are developed or shovels break ground — and that is the selection of the complete project team, including environmental consultants, subcontractors and everything in between. From economic and pricing uncertainty to continued supply chain and labor issues, construction teams have their fair share of challenges keeping schedules and budgets intact for projects of every size. Navigating environmental compliance regulations poses another challenge. And while project teams can get creative in some parts of the job, such as trade sequencing … Read more

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WELL Building 101: Health, Productivity + Satisfaction

3 ways superintendents can lead the way  By Ken Osmun For many years, building “green” has been at the forefront of construction for many building projects but — more recently — a new focus has emerged: the impact those structures have on the well-being of the people who build and eventually use them. That’s where WELL comes in. While Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards address sustainability, WELL Building Standards promote the health, productivity and workplace satisfaction of those in and around built spaces. The result: buildings with higher property values that command higher rents, in addition to better … Read more

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Field Notes: People-First Planning

Lean-driven tools to drive on-time project delivery By Paul Studley Over the past three decades I’ve spent in the field, I’ve learned some incredibly valuable lessons. One: a toolbox says a lot about the person carrying it. Two: in this fast-paced, high-risk industry where change is the only constant, you need more than blueprints, Bobcats and boots on the ground to be successful. To get the job done right and delivered on time, you need the best tools at your disposal — from sophisticated, Lean planning resources, to emotionally intelligent operations leadership and a project-first team culture. Like any industry … Read more

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3 Considerations to Take Your Crane Planning to New Heights

By: Josh Farr Respected and feared — that’s the general sentiment about cranes on jobsites. We need them, but few types of construction equipment require as much detailed planning and safety consideration. Regardless of class or size, the very nature of cranes demands careful evaluation in the earliest stages of the project, ensuring effective budgeting and reducing the possibility of coordination obstacles later in the project. The big lift: preconstruction A successful project begins with successful preconstruction. One key element to accurate planning and estimation is ensuring the superintendent is engaged in the preconstruction phase. Being able to share experience … Read more

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Beyond Seasonal Surges

Year-round internships to mentor next-gen superintendents in real-world settings By Miguel Arguelles The construction industry has been facing a well-known crisis — a shortage of qualified workers that continues to grow. Last year, Associated Builders and Contractors projected the industry needs to hire over a half-million workers to meet the growing demand — assuming the pace of work doesn’t slow down. While hiring more workers seems simple, there often isn’t enough education or awareness about the diverse roles within the construction industry and the viable career opportunities it offers. Internships play a crucial role in bridging this knowledge gap and … Read more

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