NRMCA Introduces LEED Calculator As Latest Tool in Promoting Concrete’s Environmental Qualities

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has introduced the Recycled Content and Regional Material Calculator for the Concrete Industry (LEED calculator), an Excel-based program which calculates concrete's contribution to the LEED 2.2 and LEED 2009 Recycled Content and Regional Material credits. The calculator allows input on project details, concrete producer and other applicable information. The program provides the results in a single page letter which can be provided to the LEED Accredited Professional, project manager or building owner.

The LEED calculator is another in a series of NRMCA efforts to emphasize the superior environmental and sustainable qualities of ready mixed concrete. In addition to the calculator, the association is holding its first live, online course, Concrete’s Role in Sustainable Development, beginning Monday, April 6. This course will feature LEED 2009 and will help participants understand and prepare for the new system.

"The green building movement has really taken hold across the U.S. and the LEED calculator is one key tool that can help detail concrete’s attributes to the desired targeted audience, such as a building owner or architect," said Erin Ashley, NRMCA’s senior director of sustainable construction.

NRMCA, based in Silver Spring, MD, represents the producers of ready mixed concrete and the companies that provide materials, equipment and support to the industry. It conducts education, training, promotion, research, engineering, safety, environmental, technological, lobbying and regulatory programs. For more information, www.nrmca.org/