GBCI Begins Testing for New LEED Credentials

Registered Candidates Can Test for New LEED Green Associate and LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Credentials Washtington, DC — May 29 – The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) this week began testing candidates who wish to pursue the new LEED Green Associate credential or the new LEED Accredited Professional (AP) Operations and Maintenance (O+M) credential.   The LEED Green Associate credential is intended for individuals seeking to propel their professional journey into the green building industry. It represents the demonstrable knowledge and skills needed in the allied professions and non-technical fields of practice related to green design, construction and operations. … Read more

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U.S. Labor Department’s OSHA Strengthens Integrity of Outreach Training Program

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in an effort to crack down on fraudulent trainers, is strengthening the integrity of its 36-year-old Outreach Training Program by improving how trainers become authorized to teach and ensuring these trainers are in compliance with OSHA program guidelines. This voluntary program has grown to a national network of more than 16,000 independent trainers eligible to teach workers and employers about workplace hazards and to provide OSHA 10-hour course completion cards. However, some trainers have fraudulently not provided the appropriate training in accordance with the program. “The … Read more

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Trading Helmets for Hardhats, Veterans Find Construction Jobs Despite Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — While the nation pauses this Memorial Day to remember its fallen soldiers, at least one group remains on active duty to help our veterans find work during these tough economic times. High unemployment rates have made it harder for recently discharged servicemen and women to transition into civilian careers. And with homebuilding down, the construction industry would seem to offer slim opportunities for our returning heroes. Yet despite these challenges, Helmets to Hardhats has been able to launch nearly 2,000 veterans into careers in the building and construction trades last year alone. Helmets to Hardhats is a … Read more

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Air Concrete Chain Saw with New Airforce F4 Diamond Chain for Deep Cutting and Maximum Life

CS Unitec has introduced a pneumatic concrete chain saw with a new AirFORCE F4(TM) Diamond Chain to meet the industry’s need to cut up to 15″ deep in concrete. Ideal for cutting reinforced concrete, brick, block, concrete pipe and natural stone. The CS 536163-2 air saw plunge cuts up to 15″ deep in one pass and quickly cuts mechanical openings, irregular shapes and square corners up to 14″ with no overcuts. Its powerful 6.5 HP air motor has a no load speed of 5700 RPM. The saw can be used hand-held or with the optional SpeedHook(R) guide to make straight … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Points to Possible Economic Improvement

Unfavorable business conditions remain, but inquiries by potential clients continue to grow Washington, D.C. — May 20 — After an eight-point jump in March, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell less than a full point in April. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the April ABI rating was 42.8, down from the 43.7 mark in March. This was the first time since August and September 2008 that the index was above 40 for consecutive … Read more

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