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The BIMForum, released the first-of-its kind standard, establishing a means for defining how complete Building Information Models (BIMs) are at different stages of the design and construction process.

�鶹��ý is constantly working to provide you with the tools and resources necessary to help your business and advance the interests of the construction industry. Back in 2008, when the economy took a severe hit, construction was one of the most adversely affected industries and, as we all know, it has been a rocky road to recovery. Today, demand is finally starting to pick back up, even if that growth has not been as steady or as robust as any of us would like.

The theme of this year’s 2013 �鶹��ý Building Contractors Conference is “Increasing Your Firm’s Productivity Through Industry Innovations”. The event brings together high-level leaders in the building construction industry to share, learn and discuss the issues that are essential to them and their business. This event is quickly approaching and you will not want to miss any of the sessions or networking opportunities.

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) remained positive again in July with a 52.7 reading, improving on the June score of 51.6.  As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.

Construction employment increased in 26 between July and August and in 35 states for the year, according to an analysis by �鶹��ý of America of Labor Department data. Association officials cautioned, however, that construction employment remains below peak levels in most states and warned of the potential impact of a halt in federal construction investments.

A nationwide group of Building Information Modeling users, known as the BIMForum, released the first-of-its kind standard establishing definitions for how complete Building Information Models (BIMs) need to be for different stages of the design and construction process. The new standard, known as the Level of Development Specifications (LOD), was developed under an agreement with the American Institute of Architects. The standard allows everyone involved with construction projects to clearly articulate how detailed model elements for the different building systems are or need to be throughout the design and construction process.

In recent years, �鶹��ý members have been pressed to deliver more services at lower cost, while maintaining the highest quality. Recognizing this challenge, �鶹��ý developed a “Doing More With Less” webpage, which contains a number of tools and resources to help members maximize their efficiency.

In May, the AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI), rebounded back into growth territory with a reading of 52.9 after last month’s reading dropped below 50 to 48.6. This was the first significant decrease in design activity after eight straight months of gains.

At the 2013 Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) Spring Owners Leadership Conference, Mortenson Construction conducted a survey on construction owner’s perspective on facility management and project delivery.  More than 60 facilities professionals including facilities leaders for organizations such as higher education, healthcare and government participated in the survey.

�鶹��ý testified at a U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) public hearing on June 26, 2013, regarding EPA’s ongoing evaluation into whether and how to regulate renovation, repair and painting (RRP) activities in all public and commercial buildings that purportedly have lead-based paint.