Portland Cement Association
Concrete Thinking for a Sustainable World

Welcome to the Portland Cement Association Press Center for
The AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition, May 15-17

Contact Patti Flesher for more information on PCA's full range of resources addressing sustainable construction, technical services for the cement and concrete industries, economic research, education, and research, or visit PCA during the AIA 2008 National Convention and Design Exposition at booth 15080.
Mobile: 847.542.1236
Office: 847.972.9136

PCA—The Concrete Industry's Sustainable Development Authority

Concrete Solutions to Sustainable Design
Sustainable development requires a revisit of possibilities—looking at design and materials in a broader, holistic manner. Beyond being gray and hard, how can concrete save energy, improve indoor air quality, or enhance water quality?

A Commitment to Sustainable Manufacturing
There are very few, if any, construction materials that offer concrete's wide range of sustainable and comprehensive environmental benefits, but the industry is not content to simply have a green end product. U.S. cement manufacturers are dedicated to continuously challenging manufacturing policies and procedures to improve energy efficiency and minimize emissions.

In response to self-imposed, industry-wide goals, individual cement plants are using new and innovative solutions. Each year, the Cement Industry Environment and Energy Awards, presented by Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine, honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement by going beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes and policies contributed to making their communities better places to live and work.

Additional PCA News at AIA 2008

PCA Initiative Recognizes the
Three Pillars of Sustainability

Concrete’s versatility and use in many green building applications makes it an excellent material for sustainable designs.

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, PCA has launched an initiative to recognize public officials who take the lead in "green" building. The annual Sustainable Leadership Awards will honor government leaders who advance sustainable development in their communities through the use of concrete and cement-based products.

PCA encourages all members of the concrete industry to submit nominations.

Concrete's Sustainable Attributes Valued by Design Community

Concrete’s versatility and use in many green building applications makes it an excellent material for sustainable designs.

To measure the design community's perceptions of concrete as a sustainable material compared to other building materials, PCA recently surveyed architects, designers, engineers, and other design professionals on their what materials they use for sustainable design and why. Many said concrete enabled them to address their most important sustainable development goals.