SUSTAINABILITY
ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE
The Concrete Advancement Foundation funds research and initiatives that advance concrete innovation, decarbonization, and sustainable construction. This work focuses on improving performance, reducing environmental impact, and supporting long-term sustainability across construction and infrastructure.
Through strategic partnerships and industry collaboration, these efforts support resilient, affordable communities and world-class infrastructure, while promoting innovation, durability, and long-term performance across the industry.
Leading Research & Innovation
MIT CONCRETE SUSTAINABILITY HUB
The MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSHub) was established in 2009 with support from the Concrete Advancement Foundation and the American Cement Association, and has since led research to reduce carbon emissions, improve performance, and advance more sustainable construction.
Today, MIT CSHub is advancing more than 20 research projects focused on carbon neutrality and long-term performance.
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
The Foundation supports research and initiatives across key areas of sustainability, including:
Reducing carbon emissions across materials and construction.
Supporting resilient and reliable infrastructure systems.
Improving durability and
long-term performance.
Sustainability Resources
and Publications
Explore research, reports, and tools that demonstrate how sustainability is being advanced across the concrete industry. These resources highlight practical applications, performance improvements, and strategies for reducing environmental impact.
For more information or to request additional materials, please contact
Ally Herrera.
Comparison of Cost &
Energy Performance:
ICF vs. Wood-Framed Houses
A side-by-side study comparing cost and energy performance demonstrates how insulated concrete forms (ICF) can improve efficiency and long-term building performance.
NRMCA Materials Ingredient
Reporting Guidance
Provides guidance for ready mixed concrete producers seeking to contribute to LEED v4 Material Ingredients credits and improve transparency in material reporting.
Factors Controlling the pH of Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA)
Examines how recycled concrete aggregate performs in real-world applications, with insights into leachate behavior and environmental impact.
Reflectivity of LED and
Incandescent Light on Concrete
and Asphalt Pavements
Evaluates how pavement type and lighting technology affect visibility and performance, with implications for energy use and safety.
Sustainable Concrete Plant
Guidelines, Version 1.1
Outlines best practices for improving environmental performance and serves as the foundation for NRMCA’s Sustainable Concrete Plant Certification.
Crushed Concrete Aggregate
for New Concrete
Demonstrates how reusing returned concrete can reduce waste and generate significant cost savings across the industry.
Advancing Higher Volume
Fly Ash Concrete
Introduces a technology-based approach to increasing fly ash use while maintaining performance, supporting more sustainable concrete mixtures.
Effect of Pavement Type on Fuel Consumption and Emissions
Explores how pavement selection influences fuel consumption and emissions in city driving, with tools to support decision-making.
"Each of us is carving a stone, erecting a column, or cutting a piece of stained glass in the construction of something much bigger than ourselves."
SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE:
PERVIOUS CONCRETE
Pervious concrete is an important tool in advancing sustainable infrastructure, helping manage stormwater, reduce runoff, and improve environmental performance. Explore resources on its applications and benefits.
Evaluation of Deicer Chemical Methodologies on Pervious Concrete
Examines how deicing chemicals impact durability and supports the development of testing methods to improve long-term performance.
Pervious Concrete Mixture Design for Wearing Course Applications
Explores optimized mixture designs for pervious concrete used in roadway applications, supporting performance and durability.
Performance of Pervious
Concrete in Cold Weather
Evaluates structural performance, hydraulic behavior, and durability of pervious concrete installations in cold climates.
Field Performance of
Pervious Concrete Pavements
Demonstrates successful use of pervious concrete in parking lots and roadways, including performance in freeze-thaw conditions with minimal maintenance.
Compressive Strength
of Pervious Concrete
Analyzes the relationship between compressive strength and permeability to better understand performance characteristics.
Construction and Maintenance
of Pervious Concrete
Provides guidance on construction practices and maintenance considerations to ensure long-term performance.
Hydraulic Performance for
Stormwater Management
Evaluates how pervious concrete supports stormwater management and contributes to environmental performance goals.
Pervious Concrete
Research Literature Review
A curated collection of research studies highlighting key findings and topics of interest in pervious concrete.