SKOKIE, Ill.—Concrete Construction magazine honored David Shepherd, AIA, LEED AP, PCA’s director of sustainability, as one of 2009’s “Most Influential” people in the concrete industry. The magazine judged Shepherd’s role as “one of the toughest jobs of all—promoting the sustainability values and benefits of concrete to owners.”

A large part of Shepherd’s efforts involves collaboration with other concrete organizations for educational and promotional efforts. In the past year, more than 25 allied associations joined the Concrete Joint Sustainability Initiative, working to promote the sustainable values that concrete offers to society.

Concrete Construction applauded Shepherd for bringing the conversation beyond green building and into sustainability.   According to the magazine, Shepherd changed the way of thinking about green building from a components-only view to a “holistic perspective” that looks at “the project and its local context, how it performs and the life of the structure.” 

Shepherd serves on the Sustainable Development Board Advisory Council for the American Concrete Institute and represents PCA on the U.S. Green Building Council.  In addition, he is a member of the American Institute of Architects.  Shepherd has a degree in architecture from the University of Illinois.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.