PCA Introduces Lower Carbon Concrete: Voluntary Guidelines for Developing a Protocol

Washington, D.C. (November 18, 2024) –  To fill the current gap in low-carbon cement and concrete guidance, PCA and professionals across the cement-concrete-construction value chain have developed a new resource, Lower Carbon Concrete: Voluntary Guidelines for Developing a Protocol.

This document provides a critical resource for design professionals, contractors, code officials, elected representatives, non-governmental organizations, and the public to develop a lower carbon concrete protocol.

“The definition of ‘low carbon’ is becoming increasingly subjective, with little attention paid to either upstream and downstream impacts or short-term and long-term strength, durability, and resiliency concerns,” says Mike Ireland, PCA President and Chief Executive Officer. “PCA is leading this effort as part of its ongoing commitment to achieve carbon neutrality.”

A protocol developed with the approach outlined in the PCA voluntary guidelines is intended to lower the carbon of a concrete project without sacrificing long-term performance characteristics, including resilience.

“Today’s climate — bringing the severest weather systems our planet has ever experienced — demands cement manufacturers stay the course in efforts to decarbonize the industry,” says Rick Bohan, PCA Senior Vice President of Sustainability. “The best catalysts to reach net zero that are at hand today are alternative fuels and lower-carbon cements. These guidelines should serve as a go-to resource for professionals in the cement, concrete, and construction industries aiming to provide more resilient and sustainable materials.”

View the voluntary guidelines here.

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The Portland Cement Association (PCA), founded in 1916, is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. PCA supports sustainability, innovation, and safety while fostering continuous improvement in cement manufacturing, distribution, infrastructure, and economic growth. For more information, visit www.cement.org.