Reducing the climate impact of concrete
The production and use of concrete represents around 11% of carbon emissions worldwide, roughly three times the emissions of the airline industry. Not only is concrete the second most used substance in the world after water, but it has an exceptionally large climate impact. If concrete were a country, it would be the third largest emitter in the world, after only the US and China. 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 to better understand climate and cost tradeoffs between different concrete mixes available that meet their performance needs. 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 22 Massachusetts ready-mix concrete plants:
| Company | # of Plants | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling Concrete | 2 | Oxford, Sterling |
| Holcim NE/Aggregate | 3 | Waltham, Everett, Saugus |
| J.G. Maclellan Concrete Co. | 3 | Lowell, Worcester, Lunenberg |
| Construction Service | 2 | Springfield, Northampton |
| Boston Sand and Gravel Co. | 3 | Charlestown, Walpole, Weymouth |
| Cape Cod Ready Mix | 4 | Brewster, South Dennis, Sandwich, Carver |
| Dauphinais Concrete | 3 | Douglas, Bellingham, Taunton |
| Tresca Brothers | 1 | Millis |
| Berkshire Concrete/Unistress | 1 | Pittsfield (in progress) |
| Totals: 9 companies | 22 plants |
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: