Plenty to talk about

Brian Taylor

Based strictly on construction and demolition activity levels, it can be difficult for contractors and recyclers in the C&D sectors to think about opportunities after first worrying about holding their ground. Among the better news for recyclers as well as contractors who focus on recycling their scrap materials is that the sustainability movement has caused green building to gain significant market share within the overall construction industry.

At the 2011 C&D Recycling Forum, held near Baltimore in late September, Jim Halter of Waste Management Inc. noted that “companies did not drop their sustainability goals when the economy crashed” and that while overall construction activity had decreased markedly in the prior four years, there had been a three-fold to five-fold growth in “green retrofit” projects.

Those observations help point out why attendance at the 2012 C&D Recycling Forum can (www.CDRecycler.com/Forum) can once again prove beneficial to recyclers and contractors who want to stay current with one of the few bright spots in what has been a gloomy stretch in the construction and demolition sectors.

After two years on the East Coast, the 2012 version of the C&D Recycling Forum will be held Sept. 23-25 in Long Beach, Calif., at the Hilton Long Beach & Executive Meeting Center.

We’re enthused about heading to the Pacific Coast and to the Golden State, which has long had an active C&D materials recycling industry. Among the sessions on the program in 2012 will be “California State of Mind,” where attendees will have a chance to learn how contractors, recycling companies and government agencies in some jurisdictions are working together to ensure that C&D materials are diverted from the landfill in cost-effective ways.

As it has in its previous two renditions, the Forum also will provide in-depth case studies of successful projects, updates on legislation and regulations and presentations on emerging markets.

Attendees at the 2012 event can experience Southern California’s fantastic climate and hospitality, to be sure, but more importantly they’ll have the chance to be part of a dialog that takes place not only in Forum sessions, but continues into the many breaks and receptions offered at the event.

Our media group and our conference allies, the National Demolition Association and Gershman, Brickner & Bratton Inc. have been gratified at the positive feedback received after the previous two Forums. Whether you’ve attended in the past or 2012 represents your first opportunity, please save the dates Sept.23-25 and join us in Long Beach!