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Greenbuild
November 4-7, 2025
Los Angeles Convention CenterLos Angeles, CA
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Concrete’s Journey to Carbon Neutrality

Learn more about the National Ready Mixed Concrete Associations Architecture 2023 Challenge.

Architecture 2030 Challenge

In 2012, the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) adopted the Architecture 2030 Challenge, which has goals to reduce operational carbon and embodied carbon from the built environment to net zero by 2050. Since 2014, NRMCA members have already reduced their carbon emissions by 21%. Through extensive research and groundbreaking technologies, the concrete industry is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Our journey to carbon neutrality began in 2001 and will continue through product innovation, transparency, research, education and collaboration.

Here’s where they've been:

2009: Set 2030 goals for reducing environmental impacts including 30% reduction of embodied carbon. Helped established the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub to study Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

2011: Enhanced goal for reducing concrete’s embodied carbon footprint to 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 to align with Architecture 2030 Challenge.

2012-2014: Published the first PCR for Concrete. Became an EPD Program Operator for concrete and constituent materials; Helped develop and verified two on-demand EPD tools for concrete.

2016: Launched the Build with Strength initiative to educate the design and build community on the proper use of concrete and strategies for reducing carbon footprint.

2016-2021: Updated the IW EPD and Benchmark Report three times since 2014. Demonstrated carbon footprint reduction of 21% in seven years. Established Concrete Design Center to assist design teams.

Here's where they're going, 2025-2030 and beyond:

Increase the number of Concrete EPDs: The concrete industry leads the way with over 80,000 EPDs, but more are needed. NRMCA will triple the number of EPDs published by ready-mixed concrete producers.

Enhance Low-Carbon Concrete Tools and Knowledge: NRMCA plans to enhance its existing low-carbon concrete tool and host low-carbon concrete training workshops. NRMCA will educate over 30,000 design professionals on how to specify low-carbon concrete.

Improve the PCR for Concrete and Constituent Materials: NRMCA will work to improve PCRs and data availability for critical inputs, including lightweight aggregate and admixtures.

Collaboration Diversity and Equitable Workforce Development: Through these initiatives, NRMCA will collaborate with various partners, including state ready mixed concrete associations, admixture suppliers, and academic institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These initiatives will also focus on supporting smaller companies in remote areas, promoting geographic diversity in EPD development, and ensuring equitable workforce development by encouraging minority groups and women to become sustainability exports.

National Ready Mixed Concrete Association

NRMCA is proud to be a sponsor of the 2024 Greenbuild Conference. For more information, visit: https://buildwithstrength.com