Odebrecht and Braskem bring sustainable award to U.S. university students

The Odebrecht Organization is introducing its award for sustainable development to American universities through two of its subsidiaries - Odebrecht USA, the North American division of a global leader in engineering and construction services, and Braskem, the largest manufacturer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas. By writing and submitting a paper on contributions to sustainability, undergraduate students have an opportunity to engage in a challenging exercise to develop engineering and chemical solutions.

Whether related to new building techniques, new chemical and petrochemical processes, or alternative uses of sustainable materials, projects should explore innovative practices, methods, and ideas that can be implemented on a variety of real-world ventures. Award entries will be judged on content, technical contribution, applicability, clarity/presentation and reasoning/depth. Currently, the sustainable award is also presented in six other countries.

"We are excited to bring the Odebrecht Award to students in the United States, and we look forward to sharing their innovative ideas with our judging panel of experts, as well as potentially turning these burgeoning ideas into realities," said Gilberto Neves, President & CEO of Odebrecht USA. "This is a great opportunity for students, universities and industry organizations to engage in a healthy competition, encouraging and supporting the future engineers, scientists and architects of America."

The award is open to any undergraduate or group of students enrolled at a U.S.-accredited university, with at least one student seeking a degree in engineering, architecture, building and construction management, or chemistry. Entries will be accepted from January 2, 2012 through May 31, 2012 at www.odebrechtaward.com. Meanwhile, participants are encouraged to engage on Facebook and Twitter.

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

First Prize: $20,000 to the student (s), $10,000 to the advising professor and $10,000 to their university

Second Prize: $7,000 to the student (s), $4,000 to the advising professor and $4,000 to their university

Third Prize: $5,000 to the student (s), $2,500 to the advising professor and $2,500 to their university

Additionally, participants of all shortlisted entries will be invited to participate in the process to become an Odebrecht Young Partner or a Braskem Associate. These are trainee and internship programs where young talents will experience first hand what it is like to work for a global leader in engineering and construction, and chemicals and petrochemicals.

"We're inviting young visionaries to join our revolution - to take this opportunity and contribute to positive change," said Ricardo Lyra, VP HR & Communications for Braskem America. "We anticipate groundbreaking ideas from American students and we can't wait to see what they come up with."BD+C

After a century of service, use, and countless modifications which eroded the historical character of the building and grounds, the restoration brought the 200,000-sf building back to its former grandeur by restoring historical elements, preserving existing materials, and rehabilitating spaces for contemporary uses.

| Jan 12, 2012

Stellar earns construction industry's most prestigious safety award

Now widely accepted as the construction industry's standard measure of safety performance, the STEP awards were established in 1989 to evaluate and improve safety practices and recognize outstanding safety efforts.

| Jan 12, 2012

Building independence: New take on female power

Memoir explores historic engineering project, women's empowerment era.

| Jan 12, 2012

3M takes part in Better Buildings Challenge

As a partner in the challenge, 3M has committed to reduce energy use by 25% in 78 of its plants, encompassing nearly 38 million-sf of building space.

| Jan 11, 2012

DOE announces guide for 50% more energy efficient retail buildings

The 50% AEDG series provides a practical approach for designers and builders of retail stores, and other major commercial building types, to achieve 50% energy savings compared to the building energy code used in many parts of the nation.

| Jan 11, 2012

Mortenson starts construction of Rim Rock Wind Project

Renewable energy contractor to build 189-megawatt wind project in Sunburst, Mont.

| Jan 9, 2012

FGM Architects acquires SRBL Architects

The firm reviewed gaps in each of the markets and identified a need in the municipal market for stronger police facility design expertise as well as additional project management and design expertise for this market.

| Jan 9, 2012

Shawmut appoints Les Hiscoe COO and EVP

In his new role, Hiscoe will focus on developing the Company’s field services divisions; national business in retail, hospitality, gaming, and sports venues; Tri-State business in academic and healthcare; sales and marketing; and human resources