-Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to collaborate with leading US engineering and construction groups-
New York, 10 December 2008: Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)-Americas - is to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with leading US engineering and construction bodies. The group, comprising the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEi), the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE), the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the United States General Services Administration and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), will collaborate together to increase the value that can be derived from Building Information Modeling.
The agreement follows long, on-going discussions across the construction, engineering and estimating industries to utilize modern design and building use tools and develop a whole life costing methodology, to improve the accuracy of initial and whole life cost estimates and, subsequently, increase asset value.
The group will initially review ways in which construction, engineering and estimating professionals can work together to influence future building information modeling software; with the long term goal of developing best practice cost estimating and more open bidding standards. The review will be conducted through the building SMART alliance, a council of NIBS.
“The need for robust cost control and more standardized processes is clear. By working with the major stakeholders involved in the project life cycle of a building, not only will more accurate cost estimates become the norm rather than the exception; the costing process as a result will be more ethical and transparent, ultimately leading to lower costs and public expense. RICS is delighted to be part of this innovative construction initiative and looks forward to working with US government agencies and the other organizations to ensure that the public voice is heard” said Simon Taylor FRICS, RICS Americas Construction Management and Project Controls Council Chairman.
Matt Bruck, RICS Americas Managing Director said “RICS takes an active role around the world in advising government and the public on ethics, safety, standards, best practices and market forces. Here in the United States, we are eagerly expanding our interaction with the broad community of professionals who define the property industries. We are always ready to collaborate with individuals and associations that share our public interest mandate and our commitment to standards”.
About RICS & RICS Americas:
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), with headquarters in London, is the largest organization for credentialed professionals in property, land, construction and related environmental issues worldwide. We promote best practice, regulation and consumer protection to business and the public. Over 140,000 members in more than 146 countries operate across 17 disciplines, from development, brokerage and construction to environmental issues, valuation and fine arts appraisal. RICS is the preeminent source of real estate-related knowledge, providing independent, impartial advice to governments and global organizations. www.rics.org. The RICS credentials - MRICS and FRICS - are granted to practitioners who demonstrate professional competence and the highest standards of business practice and ethics through stringent evaluation procedures. RICS Americas, based in New York and covering North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, has over 3,000 members in commercial and residential development, construction management, brokerage, planning and finance. For further information visit www.ricsamericas.org or e-mail RICS Americas at ricsamericas@rics.org.
RICS press contacts:
Simon Taylor, RICS Americas Construction Management and Project Controls Chairman
212.616. 0397; Simon.taylor@altusgroup.com
Barry Schwartz, Schwartz Public Relations
212.677.8700 Ext.18; barry@schwartzpr.com
About Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering International (AACEi) - www.aacei.org
AACE International is the leading professional society for cost estimators, cost engineers, schedulers, project managers, and project control specialists. With more than 5,500 members worldwide, AACE International is the largest organization serving the entire spectrum of cost management professionals. AACE International is industry independent, and has members in 78 countries and 71 local sections.
About American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) - www.aspenational.org
Established in 1956, The American Society of Professional Estimators serves thousands of construction estimators across the United States by providing education, fellowship, and opportunity for professional development.
About United States Army Corps of Engineers – www.usace.army.mil
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is a federal agency and a major Army command made up of some 34,600 civilian and 650 military personnel, making it the world's largest public engineering, design and construction management agency. Although generally associated with dams, canals and flood protection in the United States, USACE is involved in a wide range of public works support to the nation and to Department of Defense throughout the world. The Corps's mission is to provide military and public works services to the United States by providing vital engineering services and capabilities, as a public service, across the full spectrum of operations--from peace to war--in support of national interests.
About United States General Services Administration - www.gsa.gov
The General Services Administration (GSA) is an independent agency of the United States government, established in 1949 to help manage and support the basic functioning of federal agencies. The GSA supplies products and communications for U.S. government offices, provides transportation and office space to federal employees, and develops government wide cost-minimizing policies, among other management tasks.
About National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) – www.nibs.org
NIBS is a non-profit, non-governmental organization bringing together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to focus on the identification and resolution of problems and potential problems that hamper the construction of safe, affordable structures for housing, commerce and industry throughout the United States. NIBS provides an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sector of the economy with respect to the use of building science and technology.
|
