The amount contractors pay for construction materials and charge for completed projects both increased in July, as firms were finally able to charge more for work, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said, however, that it was too early to tell whether contractors will continue to be able to raise prices in the face of declining public sector investments in construction. “Contractors will have a hard time increasing, or even holding the line on bid levels if the federal government continues to cut investments in infrastructure and … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Green Building Council opened the second public comment period for the proposed 2012 update to its LEED green building rating system. The comment period, which will close Sept. 14, 2011, is the next step in the continuous improvement process and ongoing development of the LEED program. “During the first public comment period, we collected just under 6,000 constructive comments and recommendations on the proposed drafts, which place heightened emphasis on an integrative process and building performance,” said Scot Horst, Senior Vice President, USGBC. “We have also integrated feedback received from project teams who have been … Read more

LIVERMORE, Calif. — “How do you Topcon?” is the theme for Topcon Positioning Systems” new video contest aimed at showing how customers put TPS instruments to work. The contest runs through Oct. 31. Participants upload a short video (maximum 120 seconds) showing how they use Topcon products and services. Any use of the company’s equipment across all business segments — construction, survey, emerging business and agriculture — will be eligible. At the close of the contest, social media users (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube) will vote on their favorite videos, based on contest rules, which will be posted on the contest page … Read more