What new climate standards could mean for upcoming bids: The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has released its new Climate & Biodiversity Action Plan (2026–2030), establishing ambitious 2030 sustainability benchmarks for the design community. For hardscape contractors, these shifting specifications mean an increased demand for permeable paving systems, low-carbon concrete materials, and site installation practices that protect natural ecosystems.

Final entry deadline for HNA Awards: Don’t miss a chance to nominate your projects for the upcoming HNA Awards at Hardscape North America this October and get recognized by industry peers. Entry deadline is August 5th. Learn more here.

Don’t miss the next CMHA meeting: The 2026 CMHA Midyear Meeting (July 27–30 in Grand Rapids, MI) brings together concrete masonry and hardscape pros for committee meetings, industry updates, and networking. You can look forward to a Contractor Meet Up to connect with peers, discover how CMHA tools can drive business growth, and participate in social events like the Night Out at The B.O.B.

What to expect at the Equip Expo: Your HNA pass gives you access to Equip Expo, co-located with Hardscape North America. We’ve got a rundown of what you can expect at this massive million-square-foot exhibit further down the post. (ICYMI, find our highlights for this year’s HNA in our most recent post here).