Turner: Skilled-labor premiums offsetting minor materials cost decreases

Sources: Turner Construction Co., New York

The First Quarter 2016 Turner Building Cost Index, a key measurement of the U.S. nonresidential market, has increased 1.15 percent from the prior quarter to a value of 970. “The shortage of skilled labor is outweighing the impact of declining material prices,” says Turner Construction Vice President Attilio Rivetti, who compiles the Cost Index. “As the volume of work remains relatively high, we expect subcontractors to continue to be strategic in pursuits, ultimately resulting in upward cost pressures.”

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Index finds labor driving construction costs more than materials, products

Source: Turner Construction Co., New York; CP staff

The Second Quarter 2015 Turner Building Cost Index, which measures non-residential building construction market activity and is widely subscribed among public and private project stakeholders, has increased to a value of 938, reflecting a 1.19 percent jump from the first quarter and 4.7 percent gain over the same period in 2014.

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EPA seeks 2014 Climate Leadership Award candidates

Sources: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Md.; Environmental Protection Agency

EPA is accepting through September 13 applications for the third annual Climate Leadership Awards program, recognizing individuals and organizations leading the way in greenhouse gas emissions management and reduction efforts.

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