The International Code Council, American Institute of Architects and ASTM-International Launch Development of Safe and Sustainable Green Code The International Code Council recently launched its International Green Construction Code (IGCC) initiative, which will reduce energy usage and the carbon footprint of commercial buildings. Entitled “IGCC: Safe and Sustainable By the Book,” the initiative is committed to develop a model code focused on new and existing commercial buildings. It will focus on building design and performance. Buildings consume approximately 40 percent of energy used and produce about the same amount of the nation's carbon emissions. The Code Council included a number … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Those hot, hazy days of summer are approaching. The heat can be especially harmful for those who work outdoors in direct sunlight or in hot environments, making them susceptible to heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion or the more serious heat stroke. “Working in extreme temperatures is not only uncomfortable, it can be life-threatening,” said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. “As we move into the summer months, it is important for workers and their employers to minimize the chances of heat-induced illnesses, and imperative that they recognize the signs of heat … Read more

In June, ABC released a Construction Industry Crane Safety Summit Report compiling best practices and recommendations determined during the Crane Safety Summit held Sept. 25-26, 2008 in Houston.     The Crane Safety Summit brought together 90 representatives from more than 60 commercial and industrial construction contractors, construction industry trade associations, employee groups, crane manufacturers, rental companies and insurers to discuss recent crane incidents and practical solutions often overlooked in the regulatory process.     The Construction Industry Crane Safety Summit Report compiles general policies and positions based on individual participants" knowledge and experience.   Some of the guidelines include : … Read more

Business Planning for Growth and Profitability a Missing Link for Construction Contractors Lake Success, NY — June 24 /PRNewswire/ — Grassi & Co., CPAs, one of the region’s leading accounting, tax and consulting firms with the largest national construction practice, released its 2009 Construction Industry Survey results and report. This industry-wide survey, The State of Your Business 2009, was conducted in partnership with McGraw Hill Construction’s New York Construction. The survey queried construction companies in seven different information areas: organizational structure, contract types, training and technology, profitability and access to capital, financial tools, business development and future vision. The results … Read more

Pennsylvania Facility Receives Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification; Becomes Company’s Sixth LEED-Certified Facility Breinigsville, PA. — Nestle Waters North America’s Nestle(R) Pure Life(R) water bottling facility in Breinigsville, Penn., officially received the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(R) (LEED) Gold certification on June 5. This is the first food manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania to receive LEED Gold status. LEED is an internationally recognized certification system that measures how well a building performs across various sustainability metrics, including energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, and stewardship of resources. Nestle Waters North America is … Read more