Rhode Island is the First State to Adopt IGCC

Rhode Island is the first state to adopt the International Green Construction Code (IGCC). The Rhode Island Green Buildings Act identifies the IGCC as an equivalent standard in compliance with requirements that all public agency major facility projects be designed and constructed as green buildings. The Rules and Regulations to implement the Act take effect in October. “It's very exciting to me as building code commissioner to see that we are the first,” John P. Leyden, C.B.O., and Rhode Island State Building Code Commissioner said. “I think that we are very fortunate in being a smaller state in that we … Read more

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56 Out of 337 Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs Between August 2009 & 2010, Highest Number Adding Jobs Since September 2008

Hanford—Corcoran, California and Kansas City, Kansas Top List of Metro Areas Adding Jobs while Chicago and Napa, California Lose Most Jobs for the Year Construction employment expanded in 56 out of 337 metropolitan areas between August 2009 and August 2010 according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. More cities added construction jobs during the past year than at any point since September 2008, indicating that the worst of the industry's job losses may be over, association officials noted. “With construction employment on the mend in an increasing number of … Read more

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Turner School of Construction Management Graduates 48 Minority and Women-Owned Businesses in Chicago

CHICAGO — Turner Construction Company recently held a graduation ceremony for 48 graduates of the 22nd Turner School of Construction Management Program for minority and women-owned business enterprises held in Chicago. Sponsors of the program this year included The City of Chicago’s Department of Procurement, Chicago Minority Business Development Council, Exelon Corporation, Federation of Women Contractors, Riteway-Huggins Construction, Gale Construction of IL, People Space, Ltd. and Taylor Made Industries. The Turner School of Construction Management is designed to provide minority- and women-owned businesses with the tools necessary to pursue work in the private and public sectors.   Participants learn the … Read more

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OSHA Seeks Members to Serve on Committee Protecting Construction Workers’ Safety, Health

WASHINGTON, D.C. — OSHA is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). The committee advises the Secretary of Labor on developing standards and policies that affect the safety and health of construction workers. Established as a continuing advisory committee under the Construction Safety Act of 1969, ACCSH and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA have consulted for nearly 40 years on construction safety issues such as women in construction, recordkeeping, crane safety, and safety and health resources for Latino construction workers. OSHA seeks nominees with experience and expertise in construction-related … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Shows Modest Improvement

Washington, D.C. — Still not entering into the positive phase, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) increased for the third straight month in August. 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 August ABI score was 48.2, up slightly from a reading of 47.9 the previous month. This score reflects a continued decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was also up, moving … Read more

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