Sources: KPMG International, New York; CP staff
U.S. construction companies are embracing drone aircraft, robotics, RFID equipment, materials tracking, data analytics and other tools at limited rates, according to KPMG International’s “Building a technology advantage – Global Construction Survey.”
Read MoreSource: Mineral Science and Information Coalition, Washington, D.C.
National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and Portland Cement Association are among 15 organizations behind the Mineral Science and Information Coalition (MSIC), formed to advocate for federal agency endeavors such as the U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Resources Program—the top source of cement, sand and gravel, and crushed stone shipments.
Read MoreCoal ash recycling in the U.S. was off 4.7 million tons in 2012 against the prior year, according to the American Coal Ash Association (ACAA) “Production and Use Survey” released last month. Ash utilization has stalled after nearly a decade of growth of a practice that conserves energy and natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and safely keeps ash out of landfills and disposal ponds.
Read MoreSource: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Md.
According to data included in the recently released NRMCA Industry Data Survey of producer members, ready mixed producers have been hit hard by the recession and slow economic recovery.
Read MoreSource: Propex Operating Co., Chattanooga, Tenn.
Ready mixed producers responding to a Propex Concrete Solutions survey on the use of synthetic fibers indicated that avoiding liability is key issue and, contrary to some industry observers’ outlook, they are optimistic on construction market improvement. Propex sought to gain a deeper understanding of producers and how to best help them achieve business goals. More than 1,300 respondents—from a pool of about 5,000 target U.S. producers—underscored how the ready mixed industry is the company’s key constituency.
Read MoreAn audit of policies or practices tied to timber-derived building materials and products—plus energy, water, climate change and land use—shows the top 10 publicly traded homebuilding companies addressing environment and resource conservation challenges to widely varying degree. In “A Green Recovery for America’s Homebuilders? A Survey of Sustainable Practices by the Homebuilding Industry,” activist investor Calvert cites KB Home, Los Angeles, and Pulte Homes, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., tops in covering the five points, each builder maintaining spots from a similar 2008 survey.
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