When “Green Construction” is discussed the focus inevitably turns to cost. How much additional will the green project cost? Some organizations are opposed to any additional first costs while others have some tolerance for additional expenditures. The most prominent standard for green buildings is the USGBC (US Green Building Council). The USGBC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program has four levels of green certification: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. These levels represent increasing levels of sustainability. There have been numerous studies aimed at comparing the cost of a USGBC LEED certified building to traditional designs. The average additional … Read more

WESTWOOD, Mass. — LoJack Corporation (Nasdaq: LOJN) announced the results of its eighth annual Construction Equipment Theft Study in a report that provides valuable information on the ongoing issue of equipment theft — a problem that costs construction companies up to $1 billion per year in lost assets.* According to the study, which analyzed LoJack stolen vehicle recovery reports for the calendar year 2008, construction theft continued at a steady pace with organized crime driving theft and loaders being the number one theft target. For the calendar year 2008, LoJack recovered more than $15.5 million in stolen construction equipment. Since … Read more

Washington, D.C. – March 12 —  Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Feb. 28 recognized two contractors from ABC member firms for their dedication to advancing careers in construction. The fifth annual “Supportive Contractor” Awards were presented during ABC's 2009 National Convention in Honolulu.     The awards are sponsored by ABC’s educational affiliate, the Trimmer Education Foundation, and recognize ABC contractor members who have championed careers in construction.     Chuck Goodrich of Gaylor, Inc., Noblesville, Ind., a member of ABC's Indiana chapter, was recognized for his support of the ABC student chapter at Purdue University. Goodrich's guidance and leadership … Read more

Crystal Lake, Ill. — March  — Knaack L.L.C. recently announced its new limited lifetime warranty for all WEATHER GUARD truck and van products purchased as of January 1, 2009. The new limited lifetime warranty ensures that WEATHER GUARD products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for the expected lifetime of the product for as long as the original purchaser owns the product. The warranty will not be transferable to another owner. The new warranty improves upon Knaack's prior warranty, which was three years. Knaack will correct defects in materials or workmanship by repairing or replacing the defective … Read more

San Diego, CA — March 6 — Tempe-based J. Banicki Construction, Inc.; Tempe-based PCL Construction Inc.; and Prescott Valley-based Asphalt Paving and Supply, Inc., were named today as some of the safest construction companies in America this year. The companies won the Construction Safety Excellence Award from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), placing in the top three of their respective divisions. They were recognized for the strength of their safety programs and overall safety performance during 2008. “There’s no better measure of the strength of a company than its ability to keep its workers safe and healthy,” said … Read more