Growing Number of Metro Areas – 120 Out Of 337 – Added Construction Jobs between November 2009 & 2010

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Phoenix, Ariz. and Hanford-Corcoran, Calif. Top List of Metro Areas Adding Jobs while Chicago and Napa, Calif. Lose Most Jobs for the Year Construction employment either increased or remained steady in a growing number of metropolitan areas — 120 of 337 — between November 2009 and November 2010 according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction employment is improving slightly thanks in large part to temporary federal funding for stimulus and military construction. “It is good to see the construction industry finishing the year on a … Read more

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US Labor Department’s OSHA Certifies Philadelphia Construction Company as ‘Star’ Site for Workplace Safety and Health

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PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has certified L.F. Driscoll LLC’s construction site at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a “star” worksite, the highest honor in its Voluntary Protection Programs. “L.F. Driscoll’s commitment to ensuring a safe and healthful work environment for employees makes it most deserving of this honor,” said John Hermanson, OSHA’s regional administrator in Philadelphia, who attended the ceremony. L.F. Driscoll employs 115 workers and completes building construction projects ranging from very small renovations to major building expansion projects. The Voluntary Protection Programs recognize employers and workers in private industry … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Reaches Highest Score Since 2007

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Business conditions continue to vary by sector and region Washington, D.C. — After stepping back in October reversing into the negative territory, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) rose more than three points in November to reach its highest mark since December 2007.   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 November ABI score was 52.0, up from a reading of 48.7 the previous month.   This score reflects an increase in demand for … Read more

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ASHRAE: Standard 189.1 Adopted as Part of Army Sustainability Policy

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ATLANTA, Ga. — ASHRAE leaders recently met with U.S. Army officials regarding a new sustainable design and development policy that incorporates requirements of the green building standard developed by the Society, USGBC and IES. The U.S. Army has made it a matter of policy to promote sustainability and improve green building standards for its facilities. On Oct. 27, 2010, Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and the environment (IE&E), issued a policy memorandum that incorporates ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2009, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. The Army's policy sets a new … Read more

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Hallmark Construction Wins Fifth Consecutive Safety Award

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Hallmark Construction has won the prestigious Excellence in Safety Award for five consecutive years. Santa Clara, Calif. — Precipitous cost cutting by contractors has shrunk safety programs and ballooned risk to property owners and managers. Hallmark Construction of Santa Clara, CA has demonstrated its commitment to investing in safety, employees, and clients with its fifth consecutive Excellence in Safety Award from the Construction Employers" Association (CEA). In receiving the CEA Award, Hallmark Construction continues to meet the strictest standards of a total incident and lost workday rate of 50% below the industry average, and an Experience Modification Rating (EMR) well … Read more

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