On Center Software Academic Program Offers Scholarship

On Center Software announced its 2011 Academic Program Scholarship is now open to applicants. The scholarship will be awarded to a university student currently enrolled in a construction-engineering program at an accredited U.S. school.

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one student during both the fall and spring semesters of each academic year. To apply for the upcoming fall semester, students must complete a case study using On Center Software’s Quick Bid and/or On-Screen Takeoff programs, and submit it before May 31, 2011. Free trial software licenses are available for students who wish to participate, because it is On Center Software’s goal to provide the next generation of construction professionals with the tools they need to succeed in the industry.

Scholarship recipients will be determined based on the following criteria:
· Professionalism of case study
· Content
· Industry knowledge and standards
· Level of software usage
· Grammar
· Format.

Possible case study topics include:
· Electronic plans and bidding
· The cost and effect of change orders on a project
· Rapid takeoff with several methods of organization
· Takeoff ideas and concepts for customers using software.

The winner of the On Center Software Academic Program Scholarship will have his/her case study published on www.oncenter.com, and it will be showcased within universities across the United States. For a complete list of rules and requirements, please contact On Center Software’s Academic Program representatives at educator@oncenter.com, or call at 800.880.8254.

Boral Bricks Announces Cradle to Cradle Certification

Boral Bricks Inc.’s clay facing bricks produced in Salisbury, N.C., are Cradle to Cradle Certified – Silver. Boral says it has become a leader in sustainable manufacturing in the building products industry.

“We like to say brick is the original green building material and certifications like Cradle to Cradle help back that statement up,” says Bob Kepford, president of Boral Bricks. “This landmark certification adds credibility to the important work we’re doing to ensure our brick products are sustainable and have a positive impact on society, economics and the environment.”

The bricks achieved Cradle to Cradle Certification after an audit of all the materials used in their formulation down to 100 parts per million, and the processes used to manufacture them. The certification awarded by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry is a multi-attribute, eco-label that assesses a product’s safety to humans and the environment and design for future life cycles. Unlike single-attribute, eco-labels, the Cradle to Cradle Certification program takes a comprehensive approach to evaluating the sustainability of a product and the practices employed in manufacturing the product. The materials and manufacturing practices of each product are assessed in five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social responsibility.

Building projects seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council can use Cradle to Cradle Certified products to earn points for Environmentally Preferable Products in the LEED for Homes rating system or in the “Innovation in Design” category in all rating systems.

NCMCA Recognizes LaVene With Association Award

During an April 2011 Myrtle Beach Convention and Business Meeting, the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA) recognized Paul A. LaVene, awarding him the association's Eleanor F. Upton Outstanding Associate Member award. LaVene retired as president of the Carolinas Concrete Masonry Association in October 2010, after 20 years of service to the Carolinas masonry industries. Pictured are, left to right, previous Upton Award recipients, who were on hand to make the presentation: Jimmy Wall, Oldcastle Adams Products, 1999; Paul LaVene, current winner; Freddie McMahan, McMahan Insurance & Employee Benefits, 2005; Danny Batten, Lafarge North America 2001; and John Cramer, TriSure Corporation, 1997. The award, named for NCMCA's first executive director, is made in recognition of individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to NCMCA and to the masonry industry over an extended period. LaVene's award is only the eighth Upton Award to have been presented since it was created by the NCMCA leadership in 1981.

Denver Excelling in LEED Green Building Development

The Mile High City has a decidedly green tinge. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) says nearly 30 projects in Denver have achieved LEED green building certification since 2010, and two of these developments achieved LEED’s highest rating, Platinum.

Colorado'’s culture of sustainability and conservation are part of its DNA; individual cities like Denver clearly understand the importance of green building as a part of that culture,” says Deb Kleinman, executive director of USGBC Colorado Chapter. “From the largest commercial buildings to schools and universities, and individual homes, Denver is embracing LEED and its comprehensive approach and process for green building.”

There are about 230 LEED-certified and -registered projects in Denver. Notable newly certified projects in 2010 include the Wells Fargo Center; Legacy Plaza, home of Gates’ Corporation’'s world headquarters; the Colorado Convention Center; and Denver Public Schools’ Evie Garrett Dennis E-12 Campus. Xcel Energy’'s new headquarters, 1800 Larimer, and the Group14 (formerly Enermodal Reilly) office both achieved LEED Platinum.

In the first month of 2011, three buildings in the Denver Metro Area were certified, including the Auraria Science Building, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment building and Colorado Center Tower Two.

The LEED green building program sets the benchmark for what is possible with high-performing buildings,” says Scot Horst, senior VP of LEED, USGBC. “Denver has been a pioneer in the green building efforts, setting examples and showcasing new innovation with its many LEED projects.”

Denver has been a longtime supporter of green building initiatives and legislation. In 2006, it was the host of the USGBC'”s annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and the following year, then Mayor John W. Hickenlooper enacted Executive Order 123, requiring new municipal building construction over 5,000 square feet to earn LEED Silver. Mayor Hickenlooper also was a member of the USGBC'’s Mayors’ Alliance for Green Schools, a coalition of mayors seeking to promote the benefits of green schools in their cities and towns.

Seeing former Mayor Hickenlooper now in the Governor’s chair is a testament to his leadership,” added Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO & founding chair, USGBC. “He continues to be a supporter and leader in green building initiatives.”

USGBC'’s LEED green building certification system is the foremost program for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of green buildings. More than 40,000 projects are currently participating in the commercial and institutional LEED rating systems, comprising over 7.9 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and 117 countries. In addition, nearly 10,000 homes have been certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, with nearly 45,000 more homes registere.

By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. For the full list of LEED-certified projects nationally visit: www.usgbc.org/press.

For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

Fall Protection Directive Upheld

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit rejected a challenge by the National Roofing Contractors Association to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s December 2010 directive on the use of fall protection in residential construction. The directive withdrew an earlier one that allowed certain residential construction employers to bypass some fall protection requirements.

Data from the department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that an average of 40 workers are killed each year as a result of falls from residential roofs. One-third of those deaths represent Latino workers, who often lack sufficient access to safety information and protections. Latino workers comprise more than one-third of all construction employees.

OSHA’s new directive, Standard 03-11-002, rescinded the Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction, Standard 03-00-001. Prior to the issuance of this new directive, Standard 03-00-001 allowed employers engaged in certain residential construction activities to use specified alternative methods of fall protection rather than the conventional fall protection required by the residential construction fall protection standard. With the issuance of the new directive, all residential construction employers must comply with 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1926.501(b)(13). Where residential builders can demonstrate that traditional fall protection is not feasible, 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(13) still allows for alternative means of providing protection.

The case was litigated by Lauren Goodman and Heather Phillips from the Division of Occupational Safety and Health in the department’s Office of the Solicitor.

Construction and roofing companies have until June 16 to comply with the new directive. OSHA has developed training and compliance assistance materials for small employers and will host a webinar for parties interested in learning more about complying with the standard. To view the directive and for more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/doc/residential_fall_protection.html.

BIM to be Required on Some Federal Projects

Following in the footsteps of the GSA (General Services Administration) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Air Force is now requiring a Building Information Modeling-based (BIM) design approach for all vertical military construction projects in fiscal year 2011 and beyond.

This week, the U.S. Air Force announced it has signed a blanket purchase agreement with DLT Solutions, Herndon, Va., for access to the complete portfolio of Autodesk, San Rafael, Calif., products.

Today, nearly every civil engineering squadron in the Air Force is using some combination of Autodesk products. The products also are standard for engineering design across the architectural, engineering, and contractor community.

With between 100 and 150 unique projects valued at more than $250 billion, the technology helps operate and maintain the mission-critical portfolio of sustainable assets.

The technology will help connect the entire team working on the project. For example, Air Force personnel dealing with managing building construction, operations, and maintenance will have access to the 3D building models that are being delivered to design contractors.

From the GSA, to the Army, to the Air Force, several arms of government are using technology today to enable improved workflows across construction projects and facilities operations.

Organizations working with the government also find technology can help save a significant amount of time on typical facility-management tasks. Take for example, the Navy Federal Credit Union, Vienna, Va., a personal credit union, which serves all Dept. of Defense military and civilian personnel and their families.

The company had previously tracked activities using disparate spreadsheets, which made analysis and planning of future branches challenging. As the Navy Federal began to grow, it knew it needed a system to help share information between all the various construction and maintenance groups.

The company selected facility-management software from Skire, Menlo Park, Calif. Using in-house resources, the Navy Federal was able to go live in just 14 weeks.

The software has a time savings of more than 80 percent. Rent projection reports that used to take four days now only takes four hours, and lease reports that used to take one to two weeks now only take four hours. The company is also able to audit and control the use of space in the branches and reduce the number of help desk calls since the information is available readily online.

The government is typically on the leading-edge when it comes to technology adoption, and those working with the government will find using technology can provide a competitive advantage. Not only that, but in some cases modeling and other technologies are becoming required on government construction projects.

This article first appeared at www.constructech.com.

SWRInstitute Releases Air Barrier Technical Bulletin

The Sealant, Waterproofing & Restoration Institute (SWRInstitute) released the latest addition to its Technical Bulletin Series about air barriers.

Like the other bulletins in the Technical Series, this issue outlines basic principles to help the end-user understand each component involved in various sealant, waterproofing and restoration systems. Specifically, Technical Bulletin #16: Air Barriers describes:

• How drainage water can move between a building’s exterior and interior components.

• Components of an air barrier system and how they impact a building’s health.

• Types of air barriers and how they work.

• Vapor retarders and the impact/role of vapor diffusion.

• Water-resistive barriers and their critical placement.

• Proper placement of air barriers, vapor retarders and water-resistive barriers.

• Construction considerations.

Each bulletin uses easy-to-understand language and incorporates tables and photos to explain details. To purchase copies of Technical Bulletin #16: Air Barriers (or any others in the SWRInstitute’s Technical Bulletin series), contact the Institute at www.swrionline.org, or call 816.472.7974.

Hilti receives prestigious GOOD DESIGN Award

Eight Hilti products have received the prestigious GOOD DESIGN Award presented by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.

The eight Hilti products receiving the award consist of the PRE 3 Rotating Laser, DSH 700 & 900 Gas Saws, TE 1000-AVR and TE 1500-AVR Breakers, WSR 18-A Cordless Reciprocating Saw, SF 18-A Cordless Drill Driver and the SFH 18-A Cordless Hammer Drill Driver.

Founded in Chicago, GOOD DESIGN bestows international recognition upon the world’s most prominent designers and manufacturers for advancing new, visionary and innovative product concepts, inventions and originality, and for stretching the envelope beyond what is considered ordinary product and consumer design.

“We are proud of this achievement, especially since this was the first time we submitted products to GOOD DESIGN." says Stephan Niehaus, corporate chief designer based in Schaan, Liechtenstein. “We continually invest in research and development in order to provide our customers with the most innovative and enthusing products in the industry.”

“Our customers in North America consistently ask for products that increase worker comfort, safety and productivity,” stated David Schimmel, senior director, Electric Tools and Accessories based in Tulsa, Okla. “By working together with our team in Liechtenstein, we are able to provide the type of tools our customers need to work more efficiently.”

For more information on Hilti products, please contact Hilti Customer Service, 800-879-8000, or visit www.us.hilti.com.

Terex Names Saxelby as VP, North American Sales

Terex Aerial Work Platforms named Tom Saxelby as VP, North American Sales, Terex AWP. In this role, Saxelby will lead North American initiatives for the sales and customer service functions. The position reports directly to Matt Fearon, VP and general manager, Terex AWP Americas.

In his new position, Saxelby will lead strategic programs and the development of the sales team. He also will assume the primary sales leadership role with customers and will focus on delivering the quality, solutions and support that customers have come to expect of the Genie brand and of Terex. Providing support in these objectives will be a team of regional VPs.

Survey Shows Shifts in Hospital Construction Projects

America’s hospitals and health systems are focusing more on renovation or expansion than new construction, according to a new survey conducted by Health Facilities Management magazine and the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE). In fact, renovation or expansion accounted for 73 percent of construction projects at hospitals responding to the survey. The findings show that hospitals have been working to update or replace their infrastructure to better serve patients and help transition to greater use of information technology (IT). In addition, hospitals are focusing on being environmental stewards through greater use of “green” construction.

Overall, slightly more than one in four respondents (26.1 percent) reported that their organizations have building projects currently under construction. About 15 percent of this total involved new construction, 11.6 percent involved replacement facilities and the remainder covered expansion and renovation. In this latter category, many of the additions or modernization projects were for emergency departments, imaging, surgery areas or cancer centers.

“There’s a lot of ambiguity out there,” says George A. “Skip” Smith, CHFM, SASHE, 2011 ASHE president and interim vice president of supply chain/clinical engineering at Catholic Health Initiatives in Hilliard, Ohio. “As we look towards the future, everybody’s trying to figure it out, but nobody knows how it will all play out.”

While the construction increases aren’t dramatic, experts say there’s a clear shift in priorities that characterized previous construction trends to more emphasis on IT and other infrastructure improvements. More than one out of four hospitals were building service systems to accommodate the needs of electronic health records. A third of the 598 responding hospitals reported that they were replacing or upgrading their air handlers or ventilation systems, and one in five was upgrading a data center or planning to.

Survey data confirmed this trend and illustrated the continuing move by hospitals to add features that satisfy patients and families, while providing high quality care. Wireless technologies, in particular, are getting attention. Individual room temperature controls and educational systems each are being incorporated into about a third or more of new rooms.

Elsewhere, hospitals and health systems are focusing on making their building projects more environmentally friendly. More than two out of three respondents said they are specifying so-called “green” materials in most or all of their construction projects. About 60 percent of respondents also said their organization evaluates the cost/benefit of green construction methods for building projects.

The gradual improvement in the hospital construction market comes after a steep downturn that accompanied the nation’s deep recession in 2009, which was only a year removed from health care’s high-water mark in construction in 2008. Hospitals able to pursue construction and renovation projects are cautious in light of a changing economic and health care landscape.

A complete report on the survey findings, including data on financing methods for construction, building types, quality and safety features, can be found in the February issue of Health Facilities Management (www.hfmmagazine.com).