Reducing the climate impact of concrete
The production and use of concrete represents around 8-9% of carbon emissions worldwide1, roughly three times the emissions of the airline industry. If concrete were a country, it would be the third largest emitter in the world, after only the US and China.
Concrete is the second most used substance in the world after water. It serves as the foundation of development, putting roofs over our heads, providing highways, and shaping our cities. Therefore, reducing its emissions is essential for the planet and development. Scientists say the industry will need to decrease annual emissions by at least 16% percent by 2030 to align with the Paris Agreement.
While the buildings sector has been taking significant steps to reduce building operating emissions in Massachusetts, less attention has been paid to reducing the upfront carbon of building materials used in the construction and renovation of buildings.
How Concrete Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) can help
In order for building professionals to be able to specify concrete mixes with lower climate impact, they first need transparency on the full carbon lifecycles of those concrete mixes. Environmental Product Declaration (EPDs) which are often compared to nutrition labels, show the life-cycle impact (including greenhouse gas impact, stratospheric ozone depletion, water systems impact, etc.) of all components of a concrete mix.
The data in concrete EPDs is standardized, enabling those who specify concrete to compare the climate impact and cost implications of different ready-mix concrete options. Thanks to a program offered by the Massachusetts Concrete and Aggregate Producers Association (MaCAPA) and funded by MassCEC, the following companies can supply third-party verified EPDs for the concrete mixes produced at 25 Massachusetts ready-mix concrete plants:
| Company | # of Plants | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Berkshire Concrete/Unistress | 1 | Pittsfield (In Progress) |
| Boston Sand and Gravel Co. | 3 | Charlestown, Walpole, Weymouth |
| Cape Cod Ready Mix | 4 | Brewster, South Dennis, Sandwich, Carver |
| Chicopee Concrete | 3 | Chicopee, Westfield, Greenfield (In Process) |
| Construction Service | 2 | Springfield, Northampton |
| Dauphinais Concrete | 3 | Douglas, Bellingham, Taunton |
| Holcim NE/Aggregate | 3 | Waltham, Everett, Saugus |
| J. G. Maclellan Concrete Co. | 3 | Lowell, Worcester, Luneburg |
| Sterling Concrete | 2 | Oxford, Sterling |
| Tresca Brothers | 1 | Millis |
| Total | 25 |
Learn more about how concrete companies can get reimbursed for getting set up with the software and third-party verification to provide EPDs for their concrete mix offerings: