Author: agcnews
Prices of materials and services used in new nonresidential construction jumped more than 21 percent from March 2021 to March 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. The association urged the Biden administration to relieve major cost pressures by removing the remaining tariffs on aluminum, steel, and Canadian lumber. “Construction firms have been burdened with cost increases of 20 percent per year or more since early 2021,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Since contractors can seldom pass along increases on projects that are underway, these extreme price hikes threaten the…
Choate Construction Company was recognized for having the nation’s best construction safety and wellness plan in 2021 by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association, which oversees the WTW Construction Safety Excellence Awards, an annual ranking of construction safety programs, noted that 46 other companies were also selected as winners for the quality of their safety programs. “Safety and health is the number one priority for the construction industry and it’s important that we recognize our member companies for their efforts to lead by example,” said Bob Lanham, the association’s president and president of Williams Brothers Construction Co., Inc. in Houston, Texas. “These awards also provides an…
Construction Safety Week started in 2014, when more than 40 national and global construction firms comprising the Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) group and the Incident and Injury Free (IIF) Forum joined forces with a single aim: to inspire everyone in the industry to be leaders in safety. On this episode, Ken Aldridge of Aldridge Electric, and Mike Burke of Alberici Constructors, both serving as chairs on the Safety Week committee, share some history of the tradition, what this annual campaign means to them, and how you can participate. This year’s Safety Week will take place May 2-6, 2022. Visit…
For more than two years, the U.S. construction industry has been buffeted by unprecedented increases in material costs, supply-chain bottlenecks, and a tight labor market. AGC’s Construction Inflation Alert is intended to help owners, public officials, and others understand what contractors are experiencing. It also outlines steps owners and contractors can take to adjust to the fast-changing market conditions. The April 2022 edition—the 7th since early 2021—includes information on the impact of the war in Ukraine on recent increases in materials costs and supply delays. Chapters and members are encouraged to forward the latest information about conditions, such as supplier newsletters and “Dear…
Construction employment increased from February 2020—the month before the coronavirus pandemic—to February 2022 in nearly three-fifths of U.S. metro areas, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said it is getting harder to find workers and urged officials to invest more in career training and education programs for construction. “The rebound in construction employment in most metros shows there is robust demand for infrastructure and nonresidential buildings, as well as housing,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors in many areas say they would hire even more workers if…
Construction employment climbed by 19,000 jobs between February and March, while spending on construction projects rose for the 12th month in a row in February, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association leaders warned that further gains may stall unless the supply of workers and materials improves. They urged officials to end tariffs on key materials and broaden training and education opportunities for construction careers. “Construction is contributing significantly to the expansion of employment and the overall economy,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But the sector is facing…
AGC helps construction firms prepare for ripple effect The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) currently requires registrants (e.g., publicly traded companies) to disclose environmental risks (including climate) to investors. In its recent proposal, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors (pre-publication version released March 21, 2022), the SEC looks to define “climate-related risks” and expand the required evaluation and documentation of those risks, including the disclosure of direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as the emissions related to the supply chain, if material. The proposal, when finalized, could cause more project owners to require climate-related documentation…
AGC helps construction firms prepare for ripple effect The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) currently requires registrants (e.g., publicly traded companies) to disclose environmental risks (including climate) to investors. In its recent proposal, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors (pre-publication version released March 21, 2022), the SEC looks to define “climate-related risks” and expand the required evaluation and documentation of those risks, including the disclosure of direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as well as the emissions related to the supply chain, if material. The proposal, when finalized, could cause more project owners to require climate-related documentation…
On March 30, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) issued new carbon standards under its Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (P-100) to require the use of lower carbon concrete products and asphalt paving practices for all GSA design and construction contracts that involve at least 10 cubic yards of those materials. The general contractor now must source concrete that meet specific carbon requirements; collect and maintain documentation associated with both materials; and, in the case of asphalt, employ carbon reduction practices such as recycled content or reduced mix temperatures. These requirements must be included in the scopes of work for…
Construction Industry’s Charitable Group, AGC Charities, Names Group as Its AGC in the Community Award Member Winner for 2021 As a Result GRAPEVINE – Detroit-based Sachse Construction was awarded for performing some of the construction industry’s best charitable work in 2021. The group received the AGC in the Community award for its donation of services to help build the Academy of Warren Playground project. “These award recipients have used their skills to help improve the lives of those around them,” said Thomas Brown, chairman of AGC Charities and president of Sierra Pacific West, Inc. “Their hard work and generosity reflect…