The American Wood Council (AWC) released an updated version of its free Connection Calculator based on the provisions the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction as referenced in the 2015 International Building Code.The updated calculator includes cross-laminated timber (CLT) connection provisions and post-frame ring shank nails.

Ware Malcomb, an international design firm, announced it has once again been recognized on the “2019 Inc. 5000,” Inc. Magazine’s annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.  Details here. 

One of the categories of the competition is focused on rewarding the “Major Project of the Year” (over €500M). Amongst the eight projects submitted for this category, the panel of judges identified four finalists that seem to pursue one common goal: managing urban expansion. Global growth impacts large-scale urban regions, in particular their attractiveness. Project details here. 

Energy efficiency is the fastest-growing segment of U.S. energy-sector employment, now employing more than 2.3 million Americans, according to a new analysis from E4TheFuture and the national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs). Energy efficiency workers now account for 28% of all U.S. energy jobs. Details here.

Sports arenas bring in big bucks and crazy energy for the minor and major teams in cities across the nation. Here’s a look at three projects bringing in new builds and new momentum:

In the wake of firing Great Hall Partners (GHP)—the public-private partnership completing work on the project—Denver International Airport’s Chief Executive Officer Kim Day announced a new, larger budget and a new project schedule.

The problematic project now has a budget of $770 million, $120 million more than its original budget.

Last week, Texas Central (the company developing the rail line) announced it had entered an agreement with Houston and Dallas to complete the design and build of a $20 billion high-speed rail line.