Environmental Accountability in Construction

Associated General Contractors
New Mexico Building Branch
1615 University Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87102-1791
505-842-1462
FAX: 505-842-1980
email:

AGC believes that construction is not only an engine of economic development but also one of the most effective means of enhancing the environment. The construction industry contributes to the betterment of communities nationwide by providing the education and skill, the best available technology, and the manpower needed to carry out construction-related environmental projects. AGC contractors continue to give back to the communities they live in by volunteering their time and equipment to support local programs aimed at bettering the environment.

AGC is committed to ensuring that environmental programs and construction activities attain a successful balance. The New Mexico Building Branch supports environmental policies that are cost-effective, flexible and based on sound science that demonstrates their ability to achieve intended results.

Some say the cost of planning, design, and construction is already high enough and that no one wants to pay more for unproven or possible injury to our environment. After all, we have no navigable waterways, no proven impact upon our underground water from actions that take place on the surface of the land so let’s continue as we always have, building in the same old ways. Others say that the construction industry is incapable of acting responsibly and government must come down hard upon them to make them do what’s right.

Responsible owners, contractors, architects and engineers are aware of the advantages and the long-term benefits of sound environmental policy. Advances in science, technology, the rate of communication we experience and rely upon, have made all New Mexicans aware of clean water and air policies. Policy makers should encourage voluntary leadership in developing programs outside of government that work. AGC members have a proven track record of responsible leadership in workplace safety initiatives that have been successfully implemented. Likewise, AGC members support responsible “green” building principles and environmental management systems for commercial construction projects- -the intent and purpose of which are to state that a member’s operation will ‘do no harm’ to New Mexico’s environment.