An ASTM International standard has been proposed for the process of reusing returned, new concrete.

ASTM WK39876, Specification for Returned Fresh Concrete for Use in a New Batch of Ready-mixed Concrete, is currently being established by Subcommittee C09.40.

The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) has announced the finalists for the 2013 Alberta Steel Design Awards.

Submissions were received from architects, engineers, and CISC members. The winners will be chosen in architectural, engineering, industrial, sustainability, and steel edge categories.

International engineering graduates coming to Canada can now access a one-stop resource for information on becoming licensed in the country.

Engineers Canada, an organization of 12 nationwide associations regulating practice and licensing in the country, has launched Roadmap to Engineering in Canada to assist immigrants seeking engineering licensing and industry information.

According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), 2013 has seen a lower number of housing starts across the country compared to last year.

The decline is attributied to a reported moderation in economic and employment growth throughout the second half of 2012. However, CMHC predicts higher numbers throughout 2014, with increases through the latter half of this year.

Financial plans for Ottawa’s light-rail transit (LRT) line have been finalized, and construction has begun.

The $2.1-billion Confederation Line project is the largest infrastructure undertaking in the city’s history. It includes the construction of 12.5 km (7.7 mi) of track, 13 new transit stations, and a 2.5-km (1.5-mi) long underground tunnel.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has proposed changes to its 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-rise Residential Buildings, regarding automatic lighting controls.

The need to re-evaluate changes to the standard came from design industry members requesting a tabular structure for specifying control requirements.

An ASTM International test method has been proposed to calculate concrete resistivity, or to what degree the material prevents an electrical current.

ASTM WK37880, New Test Method for Measuring the Surface Resistivity of Hardened Concrete Using the Wenner Four-electrode Method, is being developed by ASTM Subcommittee C09.66, Concrete’s Resistance to Fluid Penetration—a part of ASTM International Committee C09 on Concrete and Concrete Aggregates.

EnerQuality has presented its 2012 Awards of Excellence to green building leaders in Ontario.

The organization, founded as a partnership between Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA) and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), distributes the annual awards to recognize companies contributing to its goal of making energy-efficient, sustainable housing in the province.

Vancouver-based Perez Engineering has joined mechanical and electrical consulting engineering firm MCW Consultants.

The acquisition expands the company’s reach across Western Canada in the energy management and engineering consulting industries.

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) has officially accredited ASTM International and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to develop national standards for Canada.

Both organizations already have a presence in the country, but accreditation by SCC means greater opportunity to resolve regulatory issues, create uniform standards, and benefit trade programs.