Safety Ties Together Construction Industry

WORCESTER, Pa. – More than 50 national and global construction firms have joined forces for the annual Safety Week, a construction industry-wide education and awareness event. Safety Week 2016 will be held May 2-6 to align with what the Occupational Safety & Health Administration and other federal agencies have set as the National Safety Stand-Down focusing on fall prevention on the job. Safety Week is an opportunity for people and companies – even competitors – to work together and rally around a common cause. During Safety Week, construction companies will take the opportunity to thank their employees for the commitment … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Ends the First Quarter on Upswing

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – The Architecture Billings Index reflects consecutive months of increasing demand for design activity at architecture firms. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the March ABI score was 51.9, up from the mark of 50.3 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.1, down from a reading of 59.5 the previous month. “The first quarter was somewhat disappointing … Read more

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Upgraded Asta Powerproject BIM Syncs Cost Estimating Data for 5-D Construction Planning

DENVER, Colo. – Elecosoft just launched the latest version of Asta Powerproject BIM, which brings exciting new improvements in 4-D planning to help customers improve efficiency and win more business. This third iteration of the BIM product also boasts enriched cost estimation capabilities – working more closely with cost estimation systems to enable contractors to build a 5-D integrated project view. All changes were based on user requests and feedback, proving once again the company’s long-standing commitment to optimizing its products to align with user needs. “Our aim is to make sure our products continue to support our customers’ ability … Read more

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100+ Companies Salute Signing of Paris Agreement, Call For Action On Clean Power Plan

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – More than 100 companies, including leading global giants, expressed their support recently for the Paris Agreement on climate change and called for swift action on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan, a proposal aimed at significantly cutting carbon pollution in the United States. The 110 companies, including IKEA, Mars Incorporated, PG&E, Salesforce, General Mills, Kellogg Company, HP and Starbucks, released a statement organized by a coalition of groups, including the nonprofit sustainability organization Ceres and World Wildlife Fund, during a teleconference. The statement comes two days before 150 world leaders gather at the United … Read more

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Skanska Converts Commercial Building in San Francisco into Hotel

ÖSTERSUND, Sweden – Skanska has signed a contract with 1095 Market Street Owner to renovate 1095 Market St. in San Francisco, California, converting the historic structure into a hotel. The contract is worth $38 million. The project consists of rehabilitation of a historic commercial office building originally built in 1904. The existing eight story, approximately 22,000-square-foot building will receive a top-to-bottom renovation, including seismic structural upgrades. Additionally, a new story will be inserted within the ground floor level, resulting in a nine-story 25,600-square-foot high-rise building. The hotel that will occupy the building will include more than 200 rooms. The property … Read more

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