| November 13, 2009 | News for contractors and the construction industry |
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| Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Bridge repair gets small share of earmarks
Just 11% of the earmarks included in the last transportation spending bill were designated for bridge repair and maintenance, according to a report by U.S. Public Interest Research Group. The report found that most of the remaining earmarks funded highway and construction projects. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation has found that one of every eight bridges in the U.S. is structurally deficient. EENews.net (subscription required)
(11/12)
, SeattlePI.com/Blogs
(11/12)
     
- Rock slides create hazards on Tennessee roads
Rock slides continue to pose threats to drivers on Tennessee's mountain roads, experts say. A small slide on Thursday forced officials to close a major road, and local crews twice this week removed boulders from a state highway. State officials note that poor weather and earthquake tremors are contributing to the problem. They have instructed workers to remove rocks that may eventually pose a problem. Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tenn.)
(11/13)
| Market Update | | |
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- China poised to become dominant construction market
By the end of 2020, China will be the biggest construction market in the world, pushing the U.S. into second place, according to a new forecast. The Global Construction 2020 forecast predicts the U.S. market will increase at an annual rate of 6.3% for the next five years. Meanwhile, global construction output will grow by 70% by 2020, according to the report. Engineering News-Record
(11/12)
, Reuters
(11/12)
- Contractors ask insurers to reduce collateral requirements
Some contractors are looking for ways to lower their insurance costs as they face the ongoing downturn in the construction market. Carriers, brokers and contractors recently discussed contractors' need for reductions in retained funds used to cover deductibles at a Risk Management Institute construction conference. Engineering News-Record
(11/11)
- New York, Texas lead in declining carbon emissions
Carbon emissions in Texas declined by 2% between 2004 and 2007, according to a recent report by the nonprofit group Environment Texas. Texas produces more emissions than any other state. The drop, which was related to a decline of natural gas consumption, was second only to New York state during that time period. Meanwhile, emissions rose by 19% between 1990 and 2007 in the U.S, according to an Environment America analysis. However, the report also found that the emissions growth rate has slowed. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires
(11/12)
, Environment News Service
(11/12)
| Product Innovation & Technology | | |
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- Sustainability center will feature unique array
A unique solar array planned for the Oregon Sustainability Center will produce up to 39% of the energy needed by the building. The array will be located on a "hat" above the roof. The array's tilt will allow it to capture as much sunlight as possible, noted Jill Sherman of Gerding Edlen Development. "That tilt requires the panels to be above the top of what would otherwise be the roof," Sherman said. Daily Journal of Commerce (Portland, Ore.)
(11/12)
- Sloping green roof tops Vancouver Convention center
There are no flat areas on the largest living roof in Canada. In fact, the roof of the Vancouver Convention Center, which hopes for LEED certification, slopes up to 53% in some areas. Other green features include on-site water treatment and deep seawater cooling and heating. However, the roof, which uses a computer system to detect leaks, may be its most innovative feature, observers say. Daily Commercial News
(11/13)
| News From Washington | | |
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- Local climate deals spur adoption of clean tech
A global climate deal may still be some way off, but local governments in the U.S., China and other countries are teaming up to boost clean technology and reduce emissions. California officials are already working with their counterparts in China's Jiangsu province to spur the growth of the region's solar industry, and similar deals are likely to be brokered at next month's international climate talks, writes Cassandra Sweet. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires
(11/12)
| Association News | | |
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ConsensusDOCS 310 Green Building Addendum now available
On Nov. 10, ConsensusDOCS released the construction industry's first and only comprehensive standard contract document addressing the unique risks and responsibilities associated with building green projects -- the ConsensusDOCS 310 Green Building Addendum. The Addendum incorporates contractual best practices to identify the project participants' roles and responsibilities, as well as the implementation and coordination efforts critical to achieving a successful project using green building elements, particularly those seeking third-party green building rating certification. It was drafted to work well not only with the other ConsensusDOCS contract documents, but also with other form contracts. Please visit www.ConsensusDOCS.org.
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Construction Estimating & Bidding: Theory/Principles/Process
This edition covers the entire estimating process, from an introduction to the art to post-bid follow-up. Well-written, logically sequenced and easy to understand, it has become the benchmark by which other such texts are judged. Construction Estimating & Bidding has been accepted as THE primary textbook by top instructors at many major university construction degree programs. Among other improvements, the Second Edition clarifies several examples, expands the scope of "Cost of Work," and updates the extensive Glossary. Approximately 235 pages, 2005. To purchase copies, visit www.agc.org/Bookstore, item #3506.
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Army Corps of Engineers Safety & Health Requirements
This manual (EM385-1-1) prescribes safety and health requirements for all Corps of Engineers activities and operations, including Naval Facilities Engineering Command construction contracts. This manual will help all contractors working on Department of Defense projects meet all the necessary safety requirements to ensure success on all their current and future Federal projects. To purchase copies, visit www.agc.org/bookstore, keyword "EM385."
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