Canadian economy grows fastest in three years
January's gross domestic product rose by a better-than-expected 0.6 per cent, the fifth month in a row of increases, according to Statistics Canada. It was the fastest growth since December, 2006, and marks the latest in a string of economic reports to top expectations. The construction sector advanced 1.7% in January. The increases recorded in residential construction (+4.0%) and in engineering and repair work (+1.0%) overshadowed the 0.5% decrease in non-residential building construction. read more
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CEAA outlines the impact of Budget 2010 on the environmental assessment process
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has released background information on the impact of Budget 2010 initiatives and how review panels will be conducted for projects within the mandate of the National Energy Board and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. read more
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Contract law hasn’t caught up to BIM yet
The advent of Building Information Modeling (BIM) has a myriad of implications from both a legal and contractual perspective, says Toronto construction law specialist Geza Banfai. The reality, he said, is that contractual arrangements in construction “have not caught up to BIM”. read more
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DND using the LEED and Green Globes Design assessment tools in construction and design process
Buildings consume huge amounts of energy and resources through heating, air conditioning, water heating, and lighting. Construction waste and water usage also contribute to a building's environmental footprint. DND is doing its part to conserve energy and materials, as well as change how it designs, constructs, and uses its buildings. DND integrates green building concepts into the design process of construction plans using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Green Globes Design assessment tools. read more