Road Builders project minor boost in 2017 highway, bridge activity

Sources: American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), Washington, D.C.; CP staff

Total transportation construction and related market activity is expected to grow 1.3 percent in 2017, driven largely by increases in highway and bridge work supporting residential and commercial developments. ARTBA Chief Economist Dr. Alison Premo Black projects spending to reach $248 billion, up from an estimated $245 billion in 2016. 

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Technology underpins green building, community performance measurements

Sources: Green Building Certification Inc., Washington, D.C.; CP staff

A new technology company will host a digital platform allowing any project or property expanse—from individual building to entire community or city—to measure improvements aligned with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, and benchmark against itself and neighboring certified projects or property groupings. Arc Skoru Inc. will support goals of LEED-administering Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) and parent U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

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BASF tops LEED v4-compliant Manufacturer Inventory Reports providers

Sources: BASF Construction Chemicals, Cleveland; CP staff

BASF Construction Chemicals and Performance Materials divisions in North America can provide design and engineering professionals reports satisfying requirements for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Material Ingredients, Option 1. The company’s Product Compliance Management Process was recently certified by a third-party organization, GreenCircle Certified LLC, to ensure independent authentication of environmental claims.

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Mexico’s Elementia closes on Dragon, Keystone parent

Sources: Elementia S.A.B. de C.V., Mexico City; CP staff

The Elementia board of directors approved a multi-step transaction with Spain’s Cementos Portland Valderrivas S.A., yielding a U.S. cement market stake through Giant Cement Holding Inc. The deal saw a) Elementia pay $220 million for a 55 percent stake and full control of the business; b) Elementia grant Giant Cement a $305 million loan through committed credit lines; and, c) Giant Cement utilize the $525 million infusion to retire 100 percent of its debt.

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