Since 2000, Consigli Construction Co., Inc. has implemented a waste reduction program company-wide, so it came as no surprise when the first hybrid trucks were made available in 2005, Mike Invernizzi, jumped to action.
When it comes to green building, contractors, owners and architects alike are cleaning up their act. According to the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), sustainable building practices can be credited with reducing operating costs, cutting absenteeism and promoting knowledge retention in our educational systems. With the push for sustainability by environmentally-conscious faculty and students, schools are literally practicing what they preach.
With U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 interim emissions standards for off-highway equipment scheduled to take effect in 2011, construction business owners are trying to determine the new regulation’s expected impact on their operations and finances.
The tax code is reshaping the landscape for the construction industry. The entire built environment is embracing green initiatives, aided by significant incentives from the current (and former) administration. The government is investing heavily in clean technology, and many of the most lucrative incentives are being delivered through the tax code. Construction businesses can leverage these incentives to keep busy and profitable.
The high cost of gasoline, conflicting information about new alternative fuels and the increasing availability of hybrids are all issues generating significant interest among contractors wondering how this impacts their companies’ fleets.