* Next Generation prizes – this first-time category recognizes the visions of young architects and designers. First prize went to research on building skin using carbon nanotubes to develop materials for specific structural, functional, and environmental properties; second prize went to an urban residential densification project for a series of unusual housing designs that used small gaps in urban areas; and third prize went to an urban fitness, cultural, and housing center that uses energy from kinetics, such as running on a treadmill, to power the structure.

AGC to award education excellence

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) launched the AGC Education Excellence Awards (EEA) at its 2nd Annual Training & Development Conference, according to an AGC news release. The new program will recognize the most innovative and collaborative training and development programs sponsored by AGC Chapters and contractor members during the 2008 and 2009 calendar years.

Eight EEAs will be awarded to an AGC Chapter and contractor member firm in each of three categories – craft, supervisory, and project and executive management. One award will be given to the outstanding instructor of the year, and a grand award will be presented to a firm or chapter that demonstrates learning and performance as a top concern.

The awards are open to all AGC general and specialty contractor members in good standing, all AGC Chapters, and any individuals employed by the organizations.

Briefs

Nokomis Quarry in Montgomery County, Ill., received the National Association of State Land Reclamationists’ Reclamation Award for 2008. An article in the Illinois Association of Aggregates Producers newsletter, Update, stated that the quarry received the award for going beyond typical pasture reclamation by designing and infusing wildlife habitat into a largely flat, agricultural area. The quarry worked and cooperated with two local groups, Pheasants Forever and Quail Unlimited, to turn the area into an ecologically stable and self-sustained multi-species sanctuary.

The American Road & Transportation Builders Association elected Charles Potts as its 2008-09 chairman. Potts is a 40-year transportation industry executive and one of the nation’s foremost experts on hot-mix asphalt pavement and materials and is currently chief executive officer of Heritage Construction and Materials in Indianapolis.

Mack Trucks has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout its operations. According to a company news release, as a part of the Climate Leaders program, Mack focused on improving energy efficiency at its manufacturing operations by undertaking a variety of energy related projects – installing more efficient lighting; upgrading boilers to natural gas, biodiesel, and vegetable-based oils; installing building automation systems to control lighting and HVAC systems; installing heat-recovery systems on paint booth ovens; and replacing old equipment and tools with more energy efficient versions.