Robert Boehner

The above mission statement was adopted in 1999 by the Construction Specifications Institute as part of a long-range strategic plan that also established the following long-range goals: To become the members’ primary gateway to resources for programs, services and the exchange of knowledge; and to become the premier integrating force in the United States for improving the process of creating and sustaining the built environment.

Following World War II, as the United States was able to divert what had been war-time resources to rebuilding and reconstructing domestic infrastructure, the Construction Specifications Institute was founded in response to a need to develop a uniform system of construction specification format and language. Since that time, CSI has further defined its mission to advance construction technology through communication, education, research and service.

In 1961, CSI introduced MasterFormat, the 16 division specification format that became the industry standard for construction specifications for over 40 years. As building complexity and new technologies developed, CSI responded by expanding the section numbering systems to provide a uniform system of database for products and systems, and organization of construction specification writing.

This past year, CSI expanded the original 16-division format to recognize the individuality and specialties of trades, products and systems now being incorporated into building projects as result of new technologies, systems and processes. This new format now encompasses 34 divisions within a 50-division format (16 are reserved for future use) and an expanded numbering system for sections within each division.

In addition to MasterFormat for specification organization, CSI developed the 10-part Spec Data format for construction material and product manufacturers. This format is a standardization of product information to provide the specification writer with a clear, concise and comprehensive comparative outline of a material or product for use in the decision-making process of material/product selection. CSI, in concert with the American Institute of Architects, also has developed master specification formats, originally created and edited through the local chapter network format.

The Southwest Missouri Chapter received its charter from the National Institute in 1995. Membership comprises individuals representing all disciplines of the construction industry.

The local chapter issues a monthly newsletter that contains announcements of upcoming chapter activities, a brief outline synopsis of the previous program and other information of interest to the membership. Each year the chapter holds the only commercial building product show in the southwest Missouri area. This is of special interest to architects, engineers, interior designers, contractors, building owners and facility managers, who get to see and meet with representatives from a wide variety of the latest in commercial products, technologies and services available to the industry. The eighth Trade & Product Show will be held the afternoon and evening of Jan. 27, 2005, at the University Plaza Hotel. The afternoon will also include two, one-hour seminars of interest to the local design and construction industry.

Proceeds from the trade and product show benefit the local chapter’s Construction Industry Research Program, a financial grant program adopted this year to serve the community by providing educational opportunities for students in institutions of higher education within the chapter’s sphere of influence through research of a local topic or challenge of interest to the industry. The intent is to achieve the following objectives: increase awareness of CSI; benefit the local construction industry; relate to education; create a memorable experience for the participants; and produce a deliverable concept that will have a lasting value to the chapter, local construction industry and community.

The inaugural challenge or topic selected by the chapter to be awarded this year is a study of debris presently entering the waste stream generated by construction activities, both in new construction and demolition of existing buildings. It is known that a large amount of waste presently entering landfills in southwest Missouri is generated from construction and/or destruction activities, both commercial and residential. Much, if not most, of this material can and possibly should be recycled. Therefore, this inaugural project is intended to provide estimates of current construction and demolition waste now entering landfills in the area, identify the amount of construction and demolition waste that could possibly be diverted from the waste stream; identify construction and demolition waste and the respective recycling opportunities presently available in our region, research and make recommendations for recycling opportunities, identify financial impacts of recycling versus dumping of construction and demolition waste in the waste stream; provide draft guidelines for specifications for construction and demolition contractual requirements for diversion of waste from landfills and into the recycling stream; and provide draft guidelines for general contractors and subcontractors for management of waste on construction sites for diversion from landfills and into the recycling stream.

The institution that has submitted the successful proposal to accept this initial research challenge grant and the amount awarded will be announced at the Nov. 4 Salute to Construction banquet.

The Southwest Missouri Chapter meets on the third Thursday evening of each month. The chapter is a certified provider of continuing education credits for AIA members and provides certification of attendance for design professionals requiring continuing education or learning credits for professional registration.

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