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LEED pilot credit spurs new debate on certified wood
As debate continues over proposed changes to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system, forest certification is emerging as a heated issue. A pilot credit announced last week moves away from the Forest Stewardship Council-only policy, although the U.S. Green Building Council has not made final decisions about how to deal with the complex issues surrounding wood certification.
Demand for green building materials to outpace construction spending
Demand for green building materials in the U.S. is projected to grow 13 percent per year through 2015, according to a study by international business research company the Freedonia Group.
Construction materials prices have increased, but should stabilize
Construction materials costs have risen nearly 7 percent since May 2010, but economist Ken Simonson said costs should even out and start to decrease soon. Local contractors have needed to cut wages to accommodate for the higher materials costs, which they can鈥檛 always pass on to project owners.
Rising lumber prices have saw mills looking for buyers overseas
Prices for logs have skyrocketed lately because of foreign demand. This has left local mills in a bind because lumber prices remain low.
Rising construction material costs continue
Construction materials rose by 0.9 percent in January, continuing a four-month trend that is plaguing an industry trying to cut costs.
Research could fix material’s image problem
Recycled concrete aggregate could be used more in the future as aggregate prices rise and demand for green building materials increases. But first, the material needs to be tested for long term durability.
Construction materials prices continue to rise
Worldwide, construction commodity prices increased 6.2 percent from November to December 2010, and 0.2 percent when compared with December 2009, according to an analysis by Reed Construction Data.
Schnitzer Steel off to strong start in 2011
Schnitzer Steel Industries brought in revenues of $675 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011, compared to $394 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2010.
Paint dries up in Oregon, across nation
Significantly increased prices for several chemicals and raw materials used to make water-based reflective paint have created a global paint shortage, leaving counties and cities across Oregon unable to perform necessary maintenance on roads.
Global road paint shortage hits Oregon
A global shortage of the reflective paint used to stripe roads will limit the amount of striping work done in Washington County this summer, according to county spokeswoman Victoria Saager.
Oregon tiptoes into warm-mix asphalt
The Oregon Department of Transportation this year will perform several pilot projects to test warm-mix asphalt, which contractors and engineers say can reduce fuel consumption and decrease carbon emissions.
Director wanted for Portland materials library
A nonprofit group formed to manage Portland's first materials resource library is looking for an executive director.
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
