New initiative for comprehensive data collection and analysis methodology development will be shared with LEED building owners and project teams to help close performance prediction gaps WASHINGTON, DC — Aug 25 — The U.S. Green Building Council today stepped up its commitment to improved building performance with the launch of the Building Performance Initiative, designed to put in place a comprehensive data collection effort from all buildings that have achieved LEED certification; implement an appropriate analysis methodology of that data; and provide feedback to building owners so they have better information with which to address any performance gaps that stem … Read more

Spectra Precision Laser DDS300 Delivers Dynamic Real-time Bucket Positioning and Simple Installation in an Affordable Package SUNNYVALE, Calif., — Aug. 24 —Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) today announced the Spectra Precision Laser DDS300 Depth Display System. Designed for compact equipment including backhoes, mini-excavators and smaller excavators, the new DDS300 system provides dynamic depth display to improve the accuracy and productivity of trenching, excavating and grading operations. With wireless connectivity between components, simple installation and movement between machines, and an affordable price, the new DDS300 is ideal for compact equipment on large commercial, industrial and residential jobsites. The announcement was made today at … Read more

Group Will Help Contractors Cut Emissions From Bulldozers, Forklifts and Other Heavy Construction Equipment & Reduce Diesel Fuel Consumption Kentucky and western-Pennsylvania-based chapters belonging to the Associated General Contractors of America will invest nearly $3.7 million this year to cut diesel emissions from construction equipment currently. The groups are making the investment to improve air quality thanks to almost $3 million in new federal grants they were awarded under the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. “Contractors may be busy rebuilding our economy, but they are still committed to protecting the environment,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the national association’s … Read more

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator Corporation (California ISO) recently awarded Clark Design/Build of California, Inc., a $110 million design-build contract for its new headquarters. The project will exemplify California ISO’s commitment to the environment, with the goal of achieving LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and an Energy Star rating over 80. The 278,000 square-foot project will create a permanent headquarters for California ISO, a non-profit, public-benefit corporation. The organization operates the state’s wholesale transmission grid, providing open and non-discriminatory access supported by a competitive energy market and comprehensive planning efforts. The California ISO … Read more