Sheet metal journeyman Rachael Kofahl enjoys the complexity of projects such as the Multnomah County courthouse in Oregon. "Sheet metal is origami with iron," Kofahl said, pointing out that sheet metal workers routinely make complex shapes out of flat stock.

Steelmakers have seen prices for hot-rolled, cold-rolled and coated steel return to their downward trend in September after a brief respite in July and August. Spot prices are likely to continue trending downward, with service center inventories backing up that analysis, write John Packard and Tim Triplett.

A plethora of rating systems, guidelines and terms exist for the classification and design of energy-efficient HVAC systems. However, engineers need to more actively participate in the formation of such guidelines and standards even as they take the lead in helping building owners make choices, writes Chuck Dale-Derks.

The Air-conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute and the Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada are asking Quebec to delay the prohibition of certain refrigerants until safety standards and building codes can be adapted for their mildly flammable replacements. A nonflammable replacement for R-410A refrigerant does not yet exist and Quebec's timeline would also negatively affect the adoption of efficient HVAC technology throughout the province, said HRAI President and CEO Sandy McLeod and AHRI Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Helen Walter-Terrinoni.

Subcontracting can often be an ideal way to get into government contracts, which are often based on trust and the expectation of quality work based on previous experience. To make the bidding process easier, contractors should consider tools such as BidSync and carefully consider bid proposal requirements to ensure their bids aren't automatically removed for failing to comply, Deborah Huso and Ryan MacArthur write.

Projected engineering jobs are likely to go wanting for qualified talent over the next few years, putting a premium on retaining the engineers employers already have. Randstad Engineering's Angie Keller reviews three retention strategies, focusing on providing opportunities for upskilling, adding benefits and staying competitive with pay.