More than two in three U.S. engineering firm leaders (68%) say the current business climate is better than last year at this time; and three in five (60.5%) say their backlogs are larger now compared to last year, according to results from the American Council of Engineering Companies’ new quarterly Engineering Business Index (EBI).
The EBI, representing responses of 340 engineering firm chairmen, CEOs and presidents had a composite score of 68.9 in the second quarter—a slight increase from 67.4 in the first quarter. The EBI is a diffusion index, consolidating answers to a series of questions about market and firm performance into a single number. Any number over 50 indicates expansion.
Results show that engineering firm leaders are more optimistic about prospects in private sector markets than those in the public sector. At least half believe that opportunities in buildings/commercial (53.3%), land development/surveying (54%), and industrial/manufacturing (50%) will improve over the next 12 months.
Expectations for major public sector markets were markedly lower. Only 41.5% of respondents anticipate improvement in the transportation sector, and only 40.9% believe opportunities in the water/wastewater sector will grow over the next 12 months.
“After years of a stagnant economy, engineers are beginning to see evidence of an improved business climate,” said ACEC President and CEO David A. Raymond. “Uncertainty regarding government funding is obviously dampening expectations for public sector markets.”
For a complete summary of the Summer 2014 EBI survey, go to: www.acec.org
Related Stories
| Apr 2, 2012
EB-5 investment funds new Miramar, Fla. business complex
Riviera Point Holdings breaks ground on $17 million office center.
| Mar 30, 2012
New windows and doors revitalize older buildings
With their improved aesthetics, energy efficiency, and durability, replacement windows and doors can add significant value to a renovation project.
| Mar 30, 2012
18 handy tablet apps for AEC professionals
Check out these helpful apps for everyday design and construction tasks. Our favorite: MagicPlan, which uses GPS to help you measure and draw a floor plan of any room.
| Mar 29, 2012
U.K.’s Manchester Airport tower constructed in nine days
Time-lapse video shows construction workers on the jobsite for 222 continuous hours.
| Mar 29, 2012
Roller shade operating system wins IF Product Design Award
Design experts in the iF jury recognized the engineering invested in the RB 500 Roller Shade, including a metal clutch with a patented construction, a durable zamac housing with polished finish, and a chain drive unit that excels in maximum operating comfort.
| Mar 29, 2012
Lehigh engineering student wins Thornton Tomasetti Foundation Awards Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student in structural engineering deemed by the department to have the potential to make an impact in the field professionally.
| Mar 29, 2012
Construction completed on Las Vegas’ newest performing arts center
The Smith Center will be the first major multi-purpose performance center in the U.S. to earn Silver LEED certification.
| Mar 29, 2012
Apartments provide permanent housing for California homeless
Gonzalez Goodale Architects designed complex to embrace community and engender sense of pride among residents.
| Mar 28, 2012
40 Under 40, the Class of 2012
Chosen from 223 applicants, these 40 young AEC professionals represent the Class of 2012 in Building Design+Construction’s “40 UNDER 40” competition.
| Mar 28, 2012
Milestone reached for LEED-certified buildings?
Total number of major global green buildings now stands at 12,000.
