Construction job gains were more widespread across the country and job losses were generally less severe in July than in June, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of state employment data recently released by the Labor Department. Twenty–six states added construction jobs in July, compared to 19 in June, while six [...]
Construction + Economy
Negative Conditions Persist in Architecture Billings Index
There was a negligible increase in the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Architecture Billings Index (ABI) last month. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The AIA reported the June ABI rating was 46.0, up slightly from a [...]
North American Electrical Industry Business Confidence Sags in July
NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American business conditions slid nearly 7 points in July, falling to 63.5, its lowest level since January 2010, from 70.4 a month earlier. While the index reading implies that the economic environment faced by electrical equipment manufacturers continued to improve on balance in July, a decidedly [...]
Construction + Economy, Lighting Design
IES Publishes Position Statement Integrated Building Design
In short, IES is for it. Check out the position paper here (PDF) to learn more about integrated building design and why IES advocates it as a way to produce buildings that are cost-effective, resource-efficient and comfortable.
AGC: Construction Employment Shows Signs of Stabilizing
Construction employment edged closer to stabilizing in June, as half the states either added construction jobs or kept the same number as in May, the Associated General Contractors reported in an analysis of federal employment data released on Tuesday. Compared to June 2009, construction employment rose in six states, the largest number of states to [...]
FMI: Construction Outlook Remains Bleak for 2010
FMI’s Construction Outlook: Second Quarter 2010 Report indicates that while there has been some encouraging signs in the general economy, the outlook for put-in-place construction 2010 remains bleak. According to Heather Jones, Construction Economist for FMI Corporation, “Total construction in 2010 will be down 5% after declining in 2009. Residential construction is expected to begin [...]
Aecom Technology Corp. Acquires Tishman Construction Corp. for $245 Million
Aecom Technology Corp. has acquired Tishman Construction Corp. for $245 million. Get the story here.
AIA: Nonresidential Construction Recovery Possible by Latter Part of 2011
Even with modest improvements in the overall U.S. economy, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by more than 20% in 2010 with a marginal increase of 3.1% in 2011 in inflation adjusted terms. Poor conditions remain because of an oversupply of nonresidential facilities in most construction categories, weak demand for space, continuing declines in [...]
Architecture Billings Index Falls Back in May After Three Months of Improving Conditions
After three straight months of improving conditions, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell nearly three points. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the May ABI rating was 45.8, down substantially from [...]
Electroindustry Business Confidence Remains High, According to June EBCI
NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American business conditions posted a small gain in June, climbing 1.6 points from May to 70.4. Meanwhile, the EBCI for future North American conditions dropped 6.7 points to 70.4, giving back more than twice the 3.2-point gain recorded in May, but remaining well above the 50-point [...]
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