Message from the CII Chairman

Determined to reduce construction costs and improve the construction industry in the United States, the Business Roundtable launched an initiative under the CICE that led to the creation of the Construction Industry Institute.  Charlie Brown from DuPont led the CICE initiative and from that work, DuPont and other key leaders of 28 leading-edge companies created a unique organization a quarter century ago which has enabled the construction industry to create sustainable value benefiting each member company and the industry at large. 

The Business Roundtable, through this CICE initiative, charged that team with identifying breakthroughs for productivity problems plaguing the industry.  At the time, titanic changes in business, increased demands of shareholders, globalization and computerization exacerbated economic issues facing corporate America.The task force quickly recognized the value collaboration would contribute to improving cost effectiveness, scheduling, performance, safety and quality in construction projects.  The CII evolved from that work. 

Owners, contractors, and academics shaped an inclusive forum focused on adding business value by improving the design, cost, execution and sustainability of capital facilities. From the beginning, the vision of CII embraced research and through the  collaboration of its unique membership body, the Business Roundtable’s vision of improving the competitiveness of the industry continues to be realized today.  Over 100 relevant research projects conducted by teams from owner and contractor organizations working with academia have been completed and 14 CII Best Practices have evolved which offer methods and processes that improve project performance, ranging from pre-planning to project execution.  Extensive industry use has validated their value.  One significant benchmark is the impressive safety performance of CII member companies compared to others in the industry, and one measure of success is the four-fold increase of organizations that have since joined the CII because of the benefits derived.  Others from DuPont, including Bob Miller and Jim Porter, have played significant leadership roles.  In addition, many employees have also contributed greatly to various committees as well as the outstanding research and products that have been developed and used widely.  There have also been three Carroll Dunn award winners from DuPont. It is with this legacy and the enjoyment and value realized by contributing to this institution, participation by DuPont and its employees continues. 

The value derived by each member company and to academia, to each person and staff member who contributes, and the benefits realized by the industry at large will continue to be important to sustaining the CII’s future relevance.  I believe that the CII’s current and future direction, the continual value creation focus, and the quality of the member organizations will help sustain the CII and enable even greater contributions in the years ahead.  

Emerson Johns
Chairman, CII