Engineering News-Record

Engineering News-Record. It is a weekly magazine that serves as a central news and data source for the construction industry worldwide. Published since the 19th century, it provides coverage of major projects, business trends, and technological innovations. Its influential rankings and cost indexes are considered industry benchmarks.

History and founding

The publication traces its origins to 1874, when it was founded in Chicago as *The Engineer and Surveyor*. It was later known as *Engineering News* before merging with *Railroad Gazette* in 1917 to form the modern title. For much of its early history, it was owned by the McGraw family, becoming a cornerstone of McGraw-Hill's business information division. Key early editors, such as Arthur J. Boynton, helped establish its technical authority, reporting on seminal projects like the construction of the Panama Canal and the Hoover Dam.

Content and coverage

The magazine's core coverage spans the global architecture, engineering, and construction sector. Regular features include news on transportation infrastructure, building design, and environmental engineering projects, from the Channel Tunnel to the Burj Khalifa. It reports on significant industry issues including sustainable design, construction safety, and labor shortages. The publication also analyzes market trends, corporate mergers like those involving AECOM or Fluor Corporation, and the impact of federal legislation such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

ENR rankings and reports

It is renowned for its proprietary data and industry lists. The annual ENR Top 400 Contractors and ENR Top 500 Design Firms rankings are closely watched benchmarks of firm revenue and market sector performance. Its regular construction cost reports feature the widely cited ENR Construction Cost Index and ENR Building Cost Index, which track materials and labor prices in major U.S. cities like New York City and Los Angeles. Other key reports focus on the ENR Top 100 Green Buildings Design Firms and the ENR Top 250 International Contractors.

Business operations and ownership

Originally a flagship publication of McGraw-Hill, it became part of McGraw Hill Financial (later S&P Global) following corporate restructuring. In 2020, the parent company sold its global engineering news assets, including this magazine, to BPA Worldwide, a media certification and data firm. Its operations include digital platforms, newsletters, and hosting major industry events such as the Groundbreaking Women in Construction conference. Its main editorial offices are based in New York City.

Influence and recognition

The publication holds a definitive role in shaping industry standards and perceptions. Its rankings directly influence contractor prequalification and are used by agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Energy. It confers several prestigious awards, including the ENR Award of Excellence and the ENR Global Best Projects Awards, which highlight engineering innovation. The magazine's century-long archive serves as a vital historical record for researchers studying the development of American Society of Civil Engineers projects and global infrastructure.

Category:Construction industry Category:Engineering magazines Category:Publications established in 1874