Top 10: Construction Industry Associations
Construction industry professional and trade associations, bodies and organisations exist to help train, inform, guide, protect and develop those working in the industry -- everyone from small local building firms to multinational construction companies, as well as catering for those in associated professions, such as planning and architecture. Here are 10 of the largest.
10 Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE)
Region: APAC
Members: Approximately 39,000
Scope: Civil engineering, construction practices, research
The Japan Society of Civil Engineers was established in 1914 to advance civil engineering knowledge and practices in Japan. JSCE publishes technical journals, and provides continuing education through its Continuing Professional Development programme and maintains relationships with international engineering bodies.
JSCE offers specialised technical committees focused on specific areas of civil engineering and hosts monthly technical lectures for members.
09 Royal Institute of British Architects
Region: EMEA
Members: 44,000
Scope: Architecture, design, construction standards
Founded in 1834, the RIBA champions better buildings, communities and the environment through architecture. RIBA runs the RIBA Plan of Work, setting out the standard management and design framework for building projects.
It also delivers the RIBA Professional Education and Development Programme and holds the annual RIBA Stirling Prize for architecture. RIBA maintains the British Architectural Library, operates an Employment Service for architects and practices, and publishes RIBA Journal monthly.
08 Cement and Concrete Institute of Australia
Region: APAC
Members: Approximately 50,000
Scope: Concrete manufacturing, standards, research
The Cement and Concrete Institute of Australia publishes the Concrete Institute of Australia Recommended Practice Guides, organises the Concrete Conference, and provides technical advisory services to members.
It offers certification programmes for concrete professionals and maintains a technical library. The Institute coordinates research projects through universities and operates state branches that deliver local technical events.
07 European Construction Industry Federation
Region: EMEA
Members: 52,000 member companies
Scope: Construction companies, contractors, builders
The FIEC represents construction companies at the European Union level. It works with EU institutions on legislation affecting the construction sector, publishes the FIEC Statistical Report and also operates working groups on topics including social affairs and technical issues.
It organises the annual FIEC Congress, provides statistical and economic analyses of the European construction market, and maintains a Construction Manifesto outlining industry priorities.
06 National Association of Home Builders
Region: North America
Members: Over 140,000
Scope: Residential construction, remodelling
The NAHB began operations in 1942, to serve the residential construction industry. It runs the International Builders Show, maintains relationships with state and local home builders associations, and is behind the Home Innovation Research Labs.
The association provides economics and housing policy research, offers an Educational Programme, and operates the National Housing Hall of Fame. NAHB maintains building standards through the NAHB Research Center.
05 Construction Industry Council
Region: EMEA (UK-based)
Members: 160,000
Scope: Cross-industry coordination, standards
The CIC was formed in 1988 to provide a voice for professional bodies, research organisations and specialist business associations. It publishes the quarterly Construction Industry Indicators, runs the Design Quality Indicator tool, and operates the Construction Skills Certification Scheme.
The council provides the Common Minimum Standards for construction procurement, organises the CIC Conference, and maintains the Essential Knowledge programme for construction professionals.
04 American Institute of Steel Construction
Region: North America
Members: Over 170,000 (including individual and corporate)
Scope: Steel construction, standards, certification
The AISC dates back to 1921, and was founded to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry. It publishes the Steel Construction Manual, operates the Quality Certification programme, and provides the Night School educational programme for steel design and construction.
The institute organises the North American Steel Construction Conference, maintains a Steel Solutions Center for technical assistance, and develops standards for steel construction.
03 Associated General Contractors of America
Region: North America
Members: Over 200,000 (through chapter membership)
Scope: Commercial construction, infrastructure
The Associated General Contractors of America was founded in 1918 during a meeting called by then-President, Woodrow Wilson. AGC operates the Construction Data Center, publishes Constructor Magazine, and provides the AGC Education and Research Foundation.
It runs the AGC Annual Convention, maintains the ConsensusDocs contract documents programme, and operates the Project Manager Development Programme. AGC delivers safety training through its Safety Management Training Course.
02 American Institute of Architects
Region: North America
Members: Approximately 250,000
Scope: Architecture, design, construction
The AIA publishes Architectural Record magazine, operates the AIA Contract Documents programme, and maintains the AIA Trust for insurance and financial programmes. The institute organises the AIA Conference on Architecture, runs the Architect Registration Examination, and provides continuing education through AIA University.
AIA operates the Architecture Billings Index and maintains the AIA Knowledge Communities programme.
01 Construction Industry Development Board
Region: APAC (based in Malaysia)
Members: 300,000
Scope: Construction industry regulation, development
The Construction Industry Development Board was established by an Act of Parliament in 1994 to develop the Malaysian construction industry.
CIDB operates the Construction Industry Training Centers, maintains the SCORE contractor performance assessment system, and runs the Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards.
The board provides the Construction Personnel Registration scheme, publishes the Construction Industry Review, and operates the myBIM Centre for Building Information Modelling.
