ACEC/CO Releases Industry 2007 Salary Report/ EWB-USA, ASCE Partner on Quality-of-Life Initiative

The American Council of Engineering Cos. of Colorado released its 2007 Salary and Benefits Survey Report after receiving 68 engineering firms responses that represented a Colorado-employee base of 4,649.

ACEC/CO Releases Industry 2007 Salary, Benefits Report

The American Council of Engineering Cos. of Colorado’s 2007 Salary and Benefits Survey Report is complete and available for purchase through ACEC/CO. Sixty-eight engineering firms representing a Colorado-employee base of 4,649 participated in the survey.  

Broader participation in 2007 allowed a fourth data line to be added to report salaries by employment size: 1-10 employees, 11-49 employees, 50-99 employees and 100-plus employees. New employee size breakouts are also reported within each region. The survey provides employers with information about industry and human resource trends.

The typical participating firm maintains a single Colorado office and has less than 50 employees. A majority of firms are located in the Denver metro area.

Survey highlights include:

• Participating firms reflect a broader cross-section, reporting a 26% increase in total employees in Colorado;

• Reported firm revenue is up 5.1% compared to 2006;

• Average annual base-salary changes for engineering increased 3.5%;

• Expanded career progression within CAD, surveying and administrative position series;

• The overall projected merit increase is 4.3%;

• Competition for new graduates increases average hiring rates—new engineering graduates can expect employment offers to be up 6.6% over last year.

ACEC/CO continues to incorporate feedback whenever possible to make the report fit the needs of management teams. The ACEC/CO Business Practices Committee publishes the report annually, with survey data compiled by The Owens Group.

Members who participated in the survey may purchase the report for $100. ACEC/CO nonparticipant members may purchase it for $200. Nonmember participants may purchase the survey for $300. It is available in hard copy and PDF formats for $500 for nonmembers and may be ordered by phone at 303-832-2200 or through the ACEC/CO Web site at www.acec-co.org.

CSI, USGBC to Collaborate on Green Building Practices

The Construction Specifications Institute and the U.S. Green Building Council signed a memorandum of understanding in October at the Greenbuild conference in Chicago.

The new MOU provides an open exchange of information about green or sustainable building and maintenance practices during the entire life cycle of facilities. It articulates several areas of joint interest, including the development of documentation practices and procedures that achieve sustainability in construction.

CSI and USGBC will seek ways to collaborate on the use of their respective continuing education networks, as well as training programs, for building product manufacturers and designers to remain current on LEED requirements.

Demand for Landscape Architecture Services Remains Strong Nationwide

Despite a housing slowdown, the vast majority of landscape architecture firms reported they are just as busy or even more busy than before, according to a survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

More than three out of four firms reported steady or increased billable hours compared to the previous quarter, and four in 10 firms were planning to hire additional staff.

“The demand for landscape architecture services remains strong in the traditional markets while it continues to grow in emerging areas, particularly for sustainable design services,” said Nancy C. Somerville, executive vice president and CEO of ASLA. “With only 30,000 landscape architects in the United States and the projected growth in demand for landscape architecture services, there are significant opportunities for young people considering entering the profession.”

ASLA is working with the ACE Mentor program and other organizations to introduce the profession to prospective students and will celebrate National Landscape Architecture Month in April around the theme “Discover Careers in Landscape Architecture.”

EWB-USA, ASCE Partner on Quality-of-Life Initiative

In an effort to improve the quality of life in developing communities worldwide, the American Society of Civil Engineers has formalized an affiliation with Engineers Without Borders-USA.

The agreement, which was approved at the meeting of ASCE’s board of directors on Oct. 31 in Orlando, establishes a relationship to provide assistance with engineering needs through the training and participation of civil engineers and engineering students.

EWB-USA’s activities range from constructing sustainable systems that developing communities can own and operate without external assistance to empowering communities by enhancing local, technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills. These projects are initiated by and completed with contributions from the host community working with EWB-USA project teams.

In cooperation with EWB-USA, ASCE aims to assist civil engineers and civil engineering students in increasing their awareness and education on the social, economic, environmental and cultural impacts of engineering while fostering the spread of appropriate and sustainable technological solutions within the day-to-day practice of engineering.

CSI to Offer CDT Exam Digitally

The Construction Specifications Institute will begin offering its Construction Documents Technology Certificate exam digitally this year.

The CDT Program offers a comprehensive overview for architects, specifiers, contractors, contract administrators, manufacturer representatives and other industry professionals who write, enforce, manage or interpret construction documents. Certified CDTs can demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the construction project cycle and the relationship between all members of the construction team.

CDT candidates will be able to choose from two exam timeframes: March 31 through April 5 and Sept. 22 through 27. Candidates will register for the exam through CSI (www.csinet.org) and then choose from approximately 400 test sites in cities throughout the United States and Canada.

CSI plans to eventually offer all certification exams through computer-based testing and increase its online study resources. The CDT is a prerequisite for CSI’s other certifications: Certified Construction Specifier, Certified Construction Administrator and Certified Construction Product Representative.

For more information or to register for the CDT exam, visit www.csinet.org/.

USGBC and GGHC Greening the Health-Care Industry

The U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Guide for Health Care have entered into an agreement to help green the health-care industry by fostering best practices and ensuring the industry has the tools and resources it needs to build green.

Green hospital buildings are healthier for patients, doctors and nurses; use less energy and water, and have less of an impact on the environment.

“The health-care industry is by far one of the more important sectors that can benefit from the practice of green building design and construction,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “Patients in green hospitals have greater emotional well-being, require less pain medication and other drugs and have shorter hospital stays.”

Following four years of close collaboration, USGBC and GGHC signed the memorandum of understanding last fall, agreeing to work together on the development of tools, educational programs and other activities to support green health-care building.

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