Sources: Building With Resilience, Sacramento, Calif.; CP staff The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, California Nevada Cement Association (CNCA) and California Construction and Industrial Materials Association (CalCIMA) are launching a campaign for Golden State property owners, communities and lawmakers confronting rebuilding decisions after recent wildfires. “Building With Resilience” will consolidate resources for experts seeking information on the highest levels of…
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Economist sees cement consumption approaching six-year low
Sources: American Cement Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff American Cement Association Regional Economist Trevor Stork projects U.S. cement shipments dropping 1.6 percent this year, to 99.98 million metric tons (Mt), from 101.57 Mt in 2024 and 107.13 Mt in 2023—representing 0.6 percent and 5.25 percent year-over-year declines. The 2025 figure is part of a baseline scenario, one of three he…
Read MoreOutdoor Living Supply dedicates northern Virginia greenfield site
Sources: Outdoor Living Supply, Franklin, Tenn.; CP staff Outdoor Living Supply has opened a greenfield location under the Nova Stone brand in Catharpin, Va. The new location deepens the hardscape retailer’s Mid-Atlantic presence and reinforces a management goal of growing organically in high potential markets by combining local expertise with the resources of a national platform. The expansion follows development…
Read MoreEngineering Institute publishes Lower Carbon Concrete Guide
Sources: American Society of Civil Engineers’ Structural Engineering Institute, Reston, Va.; CP staff A new ASCE Structural Engineering Institute guide advances adoption of concrete mixes with lower than normal embodied carbon, outlining best practices across a building’s design, specification, procurement, and construction phases. Targeted to project principals overseeing mix designs and schedules, Lower Carbon Concrete Guide supports the core objective…
Read MoreRebranding frees cement producers of Portland constraints
Sources: American Cement Association, Washington, D.C.; CP staff The 2025 IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference provided a backdrop for the Portland Cement Association to unveil a new identity: American Cement Association. “The name ‘Portland Cement Association’ no longer accurately reflects the modern mindset of today’s manufacturers, or the materials they produce,” ACA CEO Mike Ireland told participants in the Birmingham, Ala. gathering. “The…
Read MoreElematic, Carbonaide shape CO2-cured precast breakthrough
Sources: Carbonaide, Helsinki; CP staff Two Finland-based companies are poised to scale carbon dioxide curing technology to precast concrete production the world over. The collaboration between product machinery and batch plant specialist Elematic Oy and CO2 utilization technology developer Carbonaide harnesses greenhouse gas chemistry to improve mix performance and accelerate precast element fabrication. Since early 2024, Elematic and Carbonaide officials have…
Read MoreZinc producers present galvanized rebar in carbon terms
Sources: International Zinc Association, Durham, N.C. A new industry and academia initiative, Zinc Enables Decarbonization (ZED), compares life cycle carbon dioxide emissions levels of galvanized rebar and other hot dip zinc-coated steel products against those of more common residential and heavy/civil construction solutions. The International Zinc Association and University of British Columbia Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining Program…
Read MoreCMHA Hardscape Contractor Report cites perennial workforce concerns
Sources: Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association, Herndon, Va.; CP staff Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association 2025 Hardscape Contractor Industry Report findings provide valuable insights into the operational, crew health & safety, workforce, and financial trends impacting paving stone, segmental retaining wall unit and concrete slab professionals across the United States and Canada. One of the most significant challenges it identifies…
Read MoreAI visualization tool lifts Hardie fiber cement to new design plateau
Sources: James Hardie Building Products Inc., Chicago; CP staff James Hardie Building Products, the top North American player in fiber cement and other noncombustible siding, has teamed with Hover, San Francisco-based 3D property technology developer, on an artificial intelligence-powered tool affording instant visualization of prospective exterior renovations. Owners or contractors visiting www.jameshardie.com can upload a single photo of home, then see a…
Read MoreACI Center commences environmental claim validation/verification service
Sources: NEU, An ACI Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete; CP staff American Concrete Institute-aligned NEU has launched a third-party validation or verification service providing impartial assessment of environmental claims for technologies focused on reduced-carbon cement, concrete and related construction solutions. It follows internationally accepted ISO standards to determine future outcome validation or historical data verification. A NEU team…
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