Associated General Contractors of America Names Des Moines, Iowa-based Chapter its Best Chapter of 2009, Citing Policy Work, Program Development and Service OfferingsThe Master Builders of Iowa was the best large chapter among the network of 95 chapters that make up the Associated General Contractors of America, the national trade association announced today. The statewide contractors’ group was selected in large part because of its policy, program and service successes during 2009, association officials noted. “This chapter essentially wrote the book on how to perform under pressure last year,” said Ted Aadland, the association’s president. “Despite all the challenges our … Read more

The Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) has a special offer for Construction Superintendent subscribers as a result of the Construction Superintendent and SIA partnering media alliance. We have agreed to collaborate, to gather, develop and disseminate safety information; develop and conduct educational programs; and work with government entities at all levels to develop more effective safety standards. Scaffold Industry Association Northeast Spring Meeting When: Friday, May 21, 2010 Where: Doubletree Hotel Washington DC — Crystal City300 Army Navy DriveArlington, VA 22202703.416.4100 Cost:     Construction Superintendent Subscribers $60.00 Schedule of Events:7:30am – 4:30pm: Competent Person Training for Suspended Scaffold**Additional registration and … Read more

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Green building renovations are defying the downward spiral seen in the general market for renovation work. As a result, green building retrofits that promote efficient energy usage are anticipated to increase substantially through 2015 and emerge as the “new normal” in the building industry, according to leading market research firm SBI Energy in the recently released report Global Green Building Materials and Construction, 2nd Edition. Green renovations currently account for about 7% of the total renovation market and are anticipated to grow to 13% of the market by 2015. Much of the sector’s growth can be … Read more

Johnson Controls annual Energy Efficiency Indicator points to rising costs, public image as drivers MILWAUKEE — Those looking for signs that the U.S. economy is rebounding can find encouragement in the fourth annual Energy Efficiency Indicator released today by Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in delivering products, services and solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings. A survey of more than 1,400 North American executives and managers responsible for making investments and managing energy in commercial buildings found that planned investment in energy efficiency is expected to rebound in 2010. Following a decline last year, the survey found … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Every day, about 14 Americans fail to come home from work to their families.   Tens of thousands die from workplace disease and more than 4.6 million workers are seriously injured on the job annually. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in an effort to address urgent safety and health problems facing Americans in the workplace, is implementing a new Severe Violator Enforcement Program and increasing civil penalty amounts.   “For many employers, investing in job safety happens only when they have adequate incentives to comply with OSHA’s requirements,” said Assistant Secretary of … Read more