National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) members have lowered their carbon footprint by 13% in five years, according to an association news release.
“The 13% reduction in carbon footprint is for 4,000 psi (pounds per square inch) concrete, the most frequently used concrete in the United States,” said James Bogdan, senior director, sustainability initiatives for NRMCA. “Carbon footprint reduction ranged from 8% for 2,500 psi concrete and 20% for 8,000 psi concrete.”
The reductions are mainly due to more efficient use of Portland cement, the primary binder used to make concrete. NRMCA’s performance-based specifications have helped eliminate prescriptive limits on concrete formulation such as minimum cement content and low water-to-cement ratio.
These limitations unnecessarily drive up cement content, the main contributor to carbon emissions, the release says. Some NRMCA members have lowered their carbon even more through innovation. For some applications and projects, concrete producers are incorporating technologies such as supplementary cementitious materials, low-carbon cements, and carbon capture to lower carbon footprint by 50% or more.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2021
Think tank offers plan for new approach to reduce neighborhood poverty
Strategy uses more targeted approach to invest in low-income areas.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2021
California city bans construction of new gas stations
Existing stations will not be allowed to add more pumps.
Codes and Standards | Mar 18, 2021
Congressmen ask Biden to tackle rising lumber costs
Rising materials costs and supply shortages threaten economic recovery, housing starts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2021
Massachusetts bill would mandate rooftop solar on new homes, commercial buildings
Proposed Bay State mandate modeled on California’s.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2021
Nevada may create areas for tech companies to form own governments
Legislation calls for ‘Innovation Zones’ that could become smart cities.
Codes and Standards | Mar 11, 2021
Los Angeles commits to carbon-free city buildings
City will take into account embedded carbon when contracting to buy construction products.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2021
‘Smart retrofitting’ will be crucial to net zero aspirations
AI, analytical software, Internet of Things are keys to decarbonization of built environment.
Codes and Standards | Mar 9, 2021
Salt Lake City is first jurisdiction to adopt new standards for off-site construction
Code Council and Modular Building Institute developing standards and compliance protocols.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2021
Hyperlocal zoning could spur more affordable housing construction
Letting blocks and streets pass their own rules could have impact.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2021
Biden builds on Trump’s “Buy American” order
New administration extends preferences for domestic construction materials.