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The National Association of Environmental Professionals will convene in Portland, Ore., on Monday for the 37th annual conference, “Science, Politics and Policy: The Nexus.” This four-day event is the annual conference for environmental professionals involved in NEPA compliance and other big-picture environmental issues.

The conference draws a diverse audience including engineers, architects, biologists, lawyers and social scientists. These are the people who write environmental impact statements and are involved in environmental decision making. No doubt about it, they do some pretty fascinating — and important — stuff.

So what can you look forward to? For Burns & McDonnell’s Harold Draper, current NAEP vice president, it’s the variety of educational tracks offered at the conference. There are 10 tracks that focus on range of environmental issues:

• Brownfields

• Cultural Resources

• Energy Boot Camp: Environmental Professionals and the Renewable Energy Economy

• Land & Watershed Management

• NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act)

• Professional Development

• Public Participation

• Transportation

• Visual Resources

• Wetlands

The conference has three prominent keynote speakers on tap. In his speech, “Planners as Leaders: Leading in the Chaos,” John Morgan of The Chinook Institute and MorganCPS will address the complexities of working with so many different people and agencies on environmental projects, and how leadership brings order to an otherwise chaotic process.

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger’s session, “Protecting Oregon’s Environment,” will explore his experience working with the Oregon Department of Justice and other state agencies to protect the environment, how he was instrumental in establishing the first environmental crimes unit, and other regulatory processes.

Mike Houck of Urban Greenspaces Institute wraps up the keynotes with “Exploring the Intertwine, Integrating the Built and Natural Landscapes in the Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan Region,” in which he’ll describe the evolution of the Portland-Vancouver region’s parks system and the role The Intertwined Alliance plays in managing and expanding the system.

Draper expects the keynote speakers to provide inspiring examples of what can be accomplished in the industry, but he says, “The best part of any conference, of course, is what happens during the breaks and in the hallways. You meet new professionals, get reacquainted with people you met in previous years and become energized.”

A bonus? Conference attendees are eligible to receive AICP certification maintenance credits from the American Planning Association, including six law credits.

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, whether you’re attending the conference or not, be sure to check out NAEP’s LinkedIn Group to connect with other environmental professionals. And if you’re arriving in Portland early, check out the Portland Saturday Market for a true taste of Portland and some local, handmade goods.

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ESOP Association President J. Michael Keeling presents the ESOP Company of the Year award to Burns & McDonnell, accepted by Melissa Wood, vice president of human resources; Polly Whitaker, benefits manager; and John Walter, internal communications manager

It was a huge honor to learn last week that Burns & McDonnell was recognized by the ESOP Association as the 2012 Company of the Year. We’re proud to join the ranks of the dozens of other companies that have received this honor and have laid the foundation for what it means to be Company of the Year.

The ESOP Association presents this award annually to a company that embodies employee-ownership. They cited our internal and external promotion of ESOPs; our involvement with ESOP industry groups; our engagement with regulatory agencies and legislators; the various ways we educate, share and participate in the ESOP throughout the year; and our continuous celebratory and giving back initiatives.

“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Burns & McDonnell, and it was an amazing experience,” said ESOP Association President J. Michael Keeling. “The employee-owners of Burns & McDonnell strive to make their company stronger each day. The company works to communicate the ESOP concept not only to the employee-owners but to the ESOP community at large.”

The ESOP Association represents employee-owned companies in America. Among its core beliefs are that employee ownership improves American competitiveness, increases productivity through greater employee participation, and strengthens our free enterprise economy. We have witnessed first-hand the benefits of our ESOP and have made internal and external ESOP education a top priority.

So what is ESOP anyway? It stands for employee stock ownership plan, and it simply means that our employees own the company through a tax-qualified retirement plan. Employee-ownership is the backbone of our company culture and it’s often the first thing that many of our employees cite as something that makes this a great place to work. And it’s also what pushes our employees to be better every day.

Last year we celebrated our 25th anniversary of employee ownership, and we’re thrilled that this achievement comes on the heels of such a significant milestone in our company’s history.

“It is an honor to be recognized as the ESOP Company of the Year,” said Denny Scott, Burns & McDonnell chief administrative officer, who has served as president of the Heart of America Chapter of the ESOP Association. “Not only is it a recognition of the hard work we put into educating fellow employee-owners about our ESOP status, it is also a reminder of how fortunate we are to own the company we work for.”

We accepted the award on May 9 at the 35th Annual ESOP Conference in Washington, D.C., where we were also honored with a Silver Award, which recognizes companies with 25 years or more as an ESOP, and two awards for communication excellence.

We’re thrilled to be named Company of the Year, and we owe a great big shout-out to the 3,500 employee-owners of our firm. So congratulations to all of you, and thank you to the ESOP Association for this truly remarkable recognition.

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There’s nothing like testing your physical and mental endurance during extreme conditions—and during the recent Tough Mudder competition in Mount Snow, Vermont, employees from Burns & McDonnell’s New England office did just that.

For Tough Mudder, a 10-plus-mile course designed by British Special Forces, we partnered with our friends at Northeast Utilities and took the concept of team-building to a whole new level. The course tests strength, stamina, mental toughness and camaraderie through obstacles like the Electric Eel, during which participants slide through frigid water while trying to avoid electric shocks overhead, or Fire Walker, a trench of blazing straw in which flames can reach four feet high. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?

The Tough Mudder event was awesome in so many ways. It not only provided a way for participants to test their physical limits but also introduced a philanthropic element. Proceeds from the Tough Mudder benefited the Wounded Warrior Project, our 2012 Charity of Choice. The Wounded Warrior Project’s vision is “to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation’s history” through a number of resources, including enlisting the public’s health to raise awareness and aid, as well as providing programs and services that meet needs of injured service members.

L-R: Mike Drew of Burns & McDonnell, Kathy Shea and Jerry Fortier of Northeast Utilities, and Jeff Buckley of Burns & McDonnell. Not pictured are Jeff Johnson, Tom Rosenbaugh and Seth Gitman of Burns & McDonnell..

There’s no denying that the Tough Mudder was, well, tough — but if the reactions from the participants are any indication, the event was as fulfilling as it was grueling.

“I was deeply moved by how the essence of the Wounded Warrior Project showed itself at every turn,” says Kathleen Shea of Northeast Utilities. “Camaraderie, character, strength, spirit and empathy literally allowed me to test my own boundaries and be inspired by the greatness of others.  I learned so much during this very rewarding experience.”

Tough Mudder was “another example of our team’s willingness to go the extra mile–even if it involves going through some mud,” says Jerry Fortier of Northeast Utilities.

Would you put yourself to the test during the Tough Mudder? It may just be headed to a city near you!

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TIGER Grants funded these sidewalk and curb repairs in Kansas City, Mo.

It’s no secret that our nation’s infrastructure is in dire need of repair, yet funding is often an issue — and that’s why financial options like the TIGER program have become increasingly critical. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a much-needed grant program aimed at improving road, rail, transit and port projects around nation. And since then, the Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery Discretionary Grant program — better known as TIGER — has funded more than $3.1 billion in infrastructure repairs.

But as the fourth and latest round of grant requests indicates, demand still far exceeds supply. The DOT received more than 700 applications from all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. The requests for funding exceeded $10 billion — more than 20 times the $500 million allocated and a sobering reminder of the condition of our nation’s infrastructure and the lack of funds available to fix the problems.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said projects funded through TIGER grants will “promote greater mobility, a cleaner environment and more-livable communities.” The selection criteria is based on a number of factors and is awarded to projects that show multiple benefits, including improving the condition of existing facilities and systems; providing job creation and economic stimulus; encouraging innovation and partnership; and improving energy efficiency and public safety.

We’ve been fortunate to witness the TIGER Grants in action near our corporate world headquarters. Kansas City, Mo., has used part of a $50 million grant awarded in 2010 to fund projects in its Green Impact Zone, a 150-block area in the city’s urban core that, according to its website, has “experienced severe abandonment and economic decline.”

Much of the transportation infrastructure in this area was in poor condition and in need of some serious TLC. The repairs — which include improved traffic signals, better transit-stop amenities, street resurfacing and sidewalk replacement, and a pedestrian bridge under the Troost Avenue Bridge — will provide better access to regional opportunities and support redevelopment in the area.

The Mid-America Regional Council has created a website dedicated to Kansas City’s TIGER Grant program. It’s a great resource if you’re interested in how the funds are being spent and to track the program’s progress, which has already resulted in some pretty amazing transformations.

“Watching the progress of Green Impact Zone solutions unfold in Kansas City demonstrates how profoundly these projects can transform a community,” says Secretary LaHood in his blog.

Similar projects are transforming communities all across the country. We still have a long way to go, but it’s encouraging to see progress. Are there projects in your community funded by TIGER? We’d love to hear from you!

Photo via Mid-America Regional Council  (marc.org/tiger)

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One of the coolest things about being an engineer is that we have a wide array of gadgets and tools with which to do our work. Calculators, tablets, software, apps—the possibilities are nearly endless.

And believe it or not, we, as engineers, are also collectively possessed of pretty great senses of humor. So, when it comes to an engineer’s must-haves, this simple flow chart boils any problem down to one of two solutions: WD-40 and duct tape.

How do you decide which is the best tool for the job? That’s simple—all you have to do is ask a few questions and use the resulting logic to make a decision. Questioning, logic—these are skills that come naturally to engineers, so it shouldn’t take long to solve your problem.

Bottom line: If the thing you want to fix moves and isn’t supposed to, use duct tape. If it’s supposed to move but doesn’t, grab a can of WD-40. Problem solved!

Wouldn’t it be nice if all engineering problems could be this easily solved? Think of the possibilities!

In all seriousness, WD-40 is a pretty incredible product. And it’s something that just about everyone has stashed in a cupboard somewhere. Even better, here’s a list of 2,000 ways you can use WD-40. Yep, you read that right—2,000! The magical solution can do everything from remove asphalt from overshoes to lubricating stuck buttons on push-button calculators.

And duct tape? Well, it’s just about as useful. The Science Channel compiled the top 10 uses of duct tape, including preventing glass from shattering during storms and even helping to save the lives of the Apollo 13 crew in 1970. Who knew?

Have you ever turned to WD-40 or duct tape when in a pinch? We’d love to hear your story!

Lead image by woodleywonderworks via Creative Commons

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More and more utilities are using social media channels to communicate with clients. PG&E recently took its social strategy to the next level with the creation and implementation of a Facebook-based social energy application that gives customers a chance to share and compare their energy use with their Facebook friends.

The app was created by Opower in partnership with Facebook and the Natural Resources Defense Council and “provides insight into individual energy use while fostering friendly competition,” according to Transmission & Distribution World magazine.

Once PG&E customers connect their utility accounts to the app, they can compare their home energy use to those with similar homes. And as their Facebook friends start to use the app, they’ll be able to participate in savings competitions.

Plus, the app gives users the ability to share information about energy use and conservation tips through Facebook’s newsfeed, creating a helpful resource that will also encourage energy-related dialogue.

“Many of our customers use social media to help them manage their daily lives, whether arranging a get-together or playing a social networked game,” Steve Malnight, vice president of Customer Energy Solutions with PG&E, said in T&D World’s story. “With this new app we are excited to offer customers a fun and engaging place to talk about how they use energy and show their friends how saving energy can mean saving money.”

Gamification continues to grow in popularity, and Facebook is currently the ideal platform with some 900 or so million eyeballs. Gamification seeks to make ordinary things — like comparing energy usage and trying to “win” by consuming less energy on a daily basis — fun. PG&E’s decision to incorporate gamification into the app makes sense. Using gamification as a way of not only enticing customers to use the tool but also engaging them by making energy consumption (or lack it) a competition is pretty smart.

And while it’s fun to compete against friends and family to see who has the most energy-efficient home, there’s a greater prize at stake, too — not just for individual utility customers, but for the larger population.

“Improvements in energy efficiency have the potential to deliver more than $700 billion in cost savings in the United States alone,” said Brandi Colander with NRDC’s Energy and Transportation Group, as quoted by T&D World. “Motivating customers to take action — a longstanding challenge — is the key to unlocking this potential.”

Image via PG&E Currents

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Encouraging kids to get excited about engineering isn’t just a smart move for their short-term interests. It can also lay the foundation for a fulfilling, challenging career, too.

Since technology is playing a larger role in education, it makes sense that organizations are turning to the Internet to create rich, engaging portals. eGFI — or Engineering, Go For It! — is a perfect example. Created by the American Society for Engineering Education, eGFI incorporates components — including an interactive website, eGFI magazine and student and teacher resources — to promote and enhance “efforts to improve K-12 STEM and engineering education,” according to eGFI.

Teachers can sign up for newsletters filled with lesson plans, activities and web resources designed to help them incorporate more STEM- and engineering-related education in the classroom. Students can explore the fun side of engineering with articles in the student newsletter like “The Making of Avatar,” “3D Printing” and “The Kepler Telescope.”

The eGFI site is also a goldmine for older students interested in pursuing an engineering career. The “Engineer Your Path” section follows engineering students as they embark on their professional journey and provides tips on how to get into an engineering school, what it’s like on the job and how high school students can prepare for engineering school.

And who knows? You may just get the next great engineering idea after reading inspiring stories about student inventors who’ve made their ideas a reality, like Gabrielle Palermo and the G3Box, refurbished shipping containers that are used in disaster relief and as mobile medical clinics in developing countries.

Pretty cool, right? The great thing about engineering is that the possibilities for creation and exploration are virtually limitless, and we love that this site taps into that exciting potential. Be sure to give the eGFI site a look and let us know what you think!

Image via eGFI

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Oracle and Primavera users are in Las Vegas through April 26 for Collaborate 12: Technology and Applications Forum for the Oracle Community. The four-day event gives attendees the chance to experience a full spectrum of education to help boost their results with Oracle and Primavera’s complete line of Enterprise Project Portfolio Management solutions.

A mix of presentations, interactive panel discussions and special interest group meetings, among other events, give Collaborate 12 attendees a wide range of opportunities to better understand what Oracle and Primavera products have to offer and how to apply those software solutions to a particular industry or workflow.

Among this year’s speakers is Burns & McDonnell’s own Chris O’Grady, who will discuss “Integrating iPad Technology into the Project Controls for Large Construction Projects” at 1 p.m. PT on April 25.

Chris’ presentation is a must-attend for any Collaborate 12 attendees who work with large construction projects. Often, these projects may require the use of new technology where data connections are nonexistent or intermittent. The demonstration will showcase Burns & McDonnell’s approach to offline data collection and give attendees a chance to review implementation of a daily report and construction iPad application.

The tool features two-way communication and integration with both Primavera Contract Management and P6v7. Collected data is published in the Project Controls System and within OneTouchPM^® for project management and reporting. Through Chris’ presentation, attendees will learn to accomplish three objectives:

1. Demonstrate use of offline data collection using iPad application(s).
2. Update Primavera Contract Management and P6v7 with data collected.
3. Display project controls cost information visually with OneTouchPM^®.

Additional highlights of Collaborate 12 include an exhibitor showcase, a great resource of products and solutions that can help you solve specific industry challenges, as well as the Women in Technology Forum, which will give attendees an opportunity to connect with key women who are examples of success in a fast-changing environment.

If you’re attending Collaborate 12, you’re in for a fun and informative few days. While you’re there, keep an eye out for Burns & McDonnell and say hi. And if you attend Chris’ presentation, be sure to let us know what you think.

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If you notice your city turning orange this week, don’t worry — your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. The colorful change is all part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of highway work zones — and help keep drivers and transportation employees safe.

Many states across the country sponsor “Go Orange” campaigns to increase awareness about the upcoming construction season, and to honor the brave men and women who risk their lives working alongside fast-moving traffic every day to improve our nation’s roads and bridges. To show our support, Burns & McDonnell’s World Headquarters will go orange for the week — a visible reminder to passing motorists to slow down and drive with caution.

To stay safe this construction season and always, the Missouri Department of Transportation offers these smart driving tips.

Buckle Up – Every trip, every time. Safety belts save lives.

Stay Alert – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.

Follow Signs – They’ll safely guide you through work zones.

Expect the Unexpected – Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment.

Pay Attention – Turn the radio down and don’t use your mobile phone.

Be Patient – Remember, workers are improving the road for future travels.

Don’t Speed – Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions.

Don’t Drink and Drive – Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.

Be Courteous – Merge as directed, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone.

Nearly 90 percent of the people injured or killed in work zone crashes each year are motorists, and most of these accidents are preventable. So the next time you’re barreling through a work zone, remember this: It takes only two additional minutes to drive a two-mile stretch of highway that has been reduced from 65 mph to 45 mph. And those two minutes just might save your (or someone else’s) life.

We hope you’ll join us this week in showing support for National Work Zone Awareness Week and honoring those who have been injured or tragically lost their lives in work zone accidents. As the temperatures heat up, work zones will become increasingly common — and by taking the time to slow down and pay attention, you can do your part to make sure everyone gets home safely.

Image via The United States Department of Transportation (fastlane.dot.gov)

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Tomorrow marks the 42nd annual Earth Day celebration — the one day of the year dedicated to increasing awareness and showing appreciation for Earth’s natural resources. Earth Day is a great reminder that we all have a responsibility to do our part to preserve the planet for generations to come. Transitioning to an environmentally friendly lifestyle can seem daunting, but don’t worry — by making small changes today, you can have a big impact on tomorrow.

Ready to get started? Here are a few simple things you can do at home to go green and help save our planet.

E-Cycling

It happens to all of us — we get new electronic equipment then wonder what the heck we’re going to do with the old electronics. And putting them in the garbage is not really an option. When people toss their unwanted or outdated electronics, it fills our landfills with dangerous chemicals and heavy metals. In 2010, the U.S. produced more than 2.4 million tons of e-waste, but only recycled 649,000 tons. Pretty alarming, isn’t it?

This infographic from Server Monkey provides more info on the growing e-waste epidemic. But there is a solution. The Consumer Electronics Association launched GreenerGadgets.org to provide people with easy access to e-cycling information, including how to find the nearest electronics recycling center. While you’re there, be sure to check out their Energy Calculator to see how your favorite electronics and your usage habits affect your energy bill.

Water Conservation

Household water consumption has increased 200 percent since 1950, and as a result, many states are anticipating water shortages in the next six years. Each person uses about 100 gallons of water a day, but you can dramatically reduce your usage by making simple changes to your daily routine. If you’ve been putting off repairing that dripping faucet or leaky toilet, now’s the time to fix it. A dripping faucet can waste 74 gallons a day and a leaky toilet 200 gallons day, which quickly adds up to more than 100,000 gallons a year — pretty amazing, isn’t it? Other quick fixes: Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, and run only full loads of dishes and laundry.

Change Your Light Bulbs

Compact fluorescent light (CFL) light bulbs use 50 percent to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. Installing CFL bulbs throughout your house will not only cut down your energy usage, it’ll also prolong the amount of time in between bulb changes. Since CFLs last up to 10 times longer, you’ll save almost $80 over the life of the bulb.

Alter Your Commuting Habits

According to the Worldwatch Institute, Americans consume approximately one quarter of the world’s fossil fuel resources, yet we make up less than 5 percent of the worldwide population. Coupled with rising fuel prices, doesn’t it only make sense to consider leaving the car parked and either opting for public transportation, or walking or biking to work? Better for you and better for the environment — so it’s a win for everyone.

And if driving, consider carpooling and/or adopting more fuel-saving techniques like avoiding rush hour, maintaining a reasonable driving distance between other vehicles on the road and anticipating light changes to avoid abrupt stops.

DIY Home Energy Audit

Your home may be expending much more energy than you realize. The good news? A simple walk-through of your home can reveal potential problem areas and help you improve its energy efficiency (not to mention save money, too — always a bonus).

First, look for obvious drafts near windows, doors, or gaps in the baseboards. Consider replacing old doors or windows, or adding caulking or weather stripping to stop the air leaks. Second, check your insulation levels on the ceiling and walls, especially if you have an older home with the original insulation. And finally, keep your heating and cooling equipment in optimal condition by having it inspected per the manufacturer’s recommended schedule and change the air filters regularly. If your unit is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it with an Energy Star-rated system. Your reduced energy consumption will balance out the initial investment of the new system over the course of its life.

The list of things you can do is long, but you don’t need to do everything all at once. And starting — even starting small — can make a big difference. What do you say: This Earth Day, how about we all make a commitment to do at least one thing for the planet?

Tell us: How do you plan to spend your Earth Day?