In the midst of political and economic uncertainty, U.S. engineering firm leaders expressed newfound optimism in the current status and future potential of primary markets, according to the latest Engineering Business Index (EBI), just released by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).
The 3rd Quarter 2016 (Q3/2016) EBI was 61.4, up 1.2 points from the Q2/2016 score of 60.2—which was the lowest score since ACEC launched the EBI in January 2014.
EBI is a diffusion index that charts the health of the engineering industry by consolidating senior leadership responses on market and firm performance into a single composite score. Any number above 50 indicates expansion. The Q3/2016 survey of 326 engineering firm leaders was conducted September 15 to October 5.
Market expectations for one year from today among engineering firm leaders rose a healthy 6.2 points to 63.3—the largest quarter-to-quarter increase since the EBI’s inception. The increased optimism for one year from today was reflected in nine of the 11 surveyed market sectors—a drastic turnaround from the Q2/2016 survey, when engineering leaders expected only one of the 11 sectors—energy and power—to improve over the coming year.
Among public markets, transportation was the strongest sector, up 2.1 points to 64.2. Other rising sectors include water/wastewater (up 0.9, to 63.0); healthcare construction (up 0.8, to 55.8), and education facilities (up 3.0, to 55.0).
Only the environmental sector fell, dropping 0.8 points to 54.3. Among private markets, firm leaders were most bullish about the buildings sector, up 4.4 points to 62.9, followed by energy and power (up 0.7, to 60.4), land development (up 1.2, to 60.2), and Industrial/Manufacturing (up 2.8, to 58.2).
For the complete summary of ACEC’s Q3/2016 Engineering Business Index (EBI), go to www.acec.org.
Related Stories
Smart Buildings | Apr 28, 2014
Cities Alive: Arup report examines latest trends in urban green spaces
From vertical farming to glowing trees (yes, glowing trees), Arup engineers imagine the future of green infrastructure in cities across the world.
| Apr 25, 2014
How the 'digital natives' will transform your Building Team
The newest generation to enter the workforce is like no other that has come before it. This cohort is the first to grow up with the Internet, mobile technologies, and an “always connected” lifestyle.
| Apr 25, 2014
A radiant barrier FAQ: Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask
There are many examples of materials developed for the space program making their way into everyday life and radiant barriers are just that. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Apr 24, 2014
Unbuilt and Famous: LEGO releases box set of Bjarke Ingels' LEGO museum
LEGO Architecture has created a box set that customers can use to build replicas of the LEGO Museum, which is not yet built in real life. The museum, designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group, will commemorate the history of LEGO.
| Apr 23, 2014
Ahead of the crowd: How architects can utilize crowdsourcing for project planning
Advanced methods of data collection, applied both prior to design and after opening, are bringing a new focus to the entire planning process.
| Apr 23, 2014
Developers change gears at Atlantic Yards after high-rise modular proves difficult
At 32 stories, the B2 residential tower at Atlantic Yards has been widely lauded as a bellwether for modular construction. But only five floors have been completed in 18 months.
| Apr 23, 2014
Experimental bot transfers CAD plans onto construction sites
The Archibot is intended to take technical data and translate it into full-scale physical markings on construction sites.
| Apr 23, 2014
Mean and Green: Top 10 green building projects for 2014 [slideshow]
The American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment has selected the top ten examples of sustainable architecture and ecological design projects that protect and enhance the environment. Projects range from a project for Portland's homeless to public parks to a LEED Platinum campus center.
| Apr 23, 2014
Architecture Billings Index dips in March
The March ABI score was 48.8, down sharply from a mark of 50.7 in February. This score reflects a decrease in design services.
Sponsored | | Apr 23, 2014
Ridgewood High satisfies privacy, daylight and code requirements with fire rated glass
For a recent renovation of a stairwell and exit corridors at Ridgewood High School in Norridge, Ill., the design team specified SuperLite II-XL 60 in GPX Framing for its optical clarity, storefront-like appearance, and high STC ratings.
