New Champlain bridge corridor project receives ENVISION platinum award

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The New Champlain Bridge Corridor Project has earned a prestigious EnvisionTM Platinum Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) for achieving the highest standards of sustainable development and environmental performance on an infrastructure project. This distinction is the first to be awarded in Quebec for infrastructure on the scale of the new Champlain Bridge, and the first in Canada to be awarded for a bridge project. Read more

Highlights from the CCA board meetings held May 26 – 27, 2018 in Montreal

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Please take a few minutes to read about CCA’s 2018 priorities, including:

  • Developments in the community benefits file.
  • Discussions on what role CCA should play in innovation.
  • CCA’s Hill Day on November 26.

Download CCA Update PDF

Trump and Trudeau tariffs causing casualties on both sides of border

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The Donald Trump administration’s bold move to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union (EU) has Canadian steel stakeholders gravely concerned, not only about how those tariffs will affect their business, but also the potential impact of the dollar-for-dollar counter measures put in place by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Read more

New concrete formula for long-lasting roads, bridges

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US researchers have developed an ultra high-performance concrete formula which is stronger and more durable than conventional versions

and could lead to roads and bridges that last longer and are cost effective. Ultra high-performance concrete, or UHPC, has been on the market for a while under a small handful of brand names, said researchers from the University of Michigan in the US. However, high prices have kept it out of widespread use, they said.

Read more.

Millennials and technology drive social responsibility trends

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The movement of business from charitable giving to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been part of the corporate landscape. However, in the last 10 years, there has been a move from businesses supporting good causes to initiating those causes themselves. This move from merely being philanthropic to a more action-oriented paradigm is happening in a variety of industries—from technology to clothing. “One-for-one” business programs have become a popular way to create social impact, whether it be about products or employee engagement.

Read more.

CDBI bulletin: Consultant certificate controversy: Are progress certificates binding?

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It is a common misconception that once a consultant has certified work completed by a contractor, the owner is bound to that certification and will be required to pay the amount certified in a timely manner regardless of the circumstances. While the older case law predominantly supports this position, and while the general premise still holds some merit, a deeper examination suggests that there are several instances in which an owner may be entitled to dispute its obligation to pay. Read more.

This NYC high-rise building cleans the air like trees do

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SoHo remains a super-trendy neighborhood in New York City, but a new high-rise in the neighborhood just might make the area smell a little sweeter. 570 Broome, designed by Turkish architect Tahir Demircioglu’s hot boutique architecture firm Builtd, is using a unique combination of two emerging technologies to constantly clean the air around the building — an attractive and welcome feature for a building that is located adjacent to the Holland Tunnel. Read more.

New from CDBI: Document 115: Unique aspects of design-build for owners

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One of the objectives of the CDBI is to recommend ‘best practices’ policies and procedures to support design-build utilization. It is therefore a priority for the Institute to develop a practice manual that provides guidance and recommendations on the successful delivery of design-build. Read more.

New government of Canada fund to help reduce climate change impacts and better protect Canadians against natural disasters

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Investing in disaster mitigation and adaptation infrastructure projects to strengthen communities against the effects of climate change is critical to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Canadians, promoting economic growth, and strengthening the middle class. Read more.

Three questions to ask when planning construction business succession

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In the story of a business, succession can be the most challenging chapter. Owners are often so consumed with growing their companies that they put off succession planning—but they do so to their own detriment. With a large number of baby boomers set to retire over the coming years, owners who are not prepared for succession will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to transitioning their business. Read more.