CHICAGO — Portland Cement Association (PCA) introduced the Cement Manufacturing Sustainability (CMS) Program, including a voluntary code of conduct for the industry, today at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2004 National Convention and Design Exposition in Chicago. The CMS Program is the latest component of the industry’s multi-year initiative.

The initiative, titled Concrete Thinking for a Sustainable World, will help outline guidelines for the industry, educate architects and designers about the benefits of concrete in sustainable development, and encourage sustainable cement manufacturing processes.

“Despite its superior long-term benefits, concrete’s environmental benefits are often undervalued,” said David Shepherd, director of sustainable development for PCA. “This initiative is consistent with the industry’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship.”

The CMS Program is the cornerstone of the Concrete Thinking initiative. It builds upon the environmental progress the industry has made during the past 30 years by identifying new methods to better manage waste, conserve resources, improve energy efficiency, and make concrete in an increasingly environmentally sound manner. The code sets environmental performance benchmarks and goals, and creates a recognition program for environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.

“With the federal, state, and local governments providing incentives to construct ‘green buildings’ that conserve environmental resources, the building, design, and construction industries are placing an additional focus on long-lasting, energy-wise structures,” said Shepherd. “As this design transformation continues, the industry needs to demonstrate why and how concrete is a responsible choice to meet these needs. Moreover, cement must be manufactured in a sustainable manner in order for today’s architects to specify concrete for their designs.”

The cement industry was one of the first industries to tackle climate change by developing policies and improving manufacturing processes that benefit the global environment. Since 1975, the cement industry has reduced its energy usage in manufacturing by 33 percent. The Concrete Thinking initiative will enable PCA to serve as a centralized resource for sustainable development.

PCA also will continue its focus on providing information to encourage the industry to further minimize emissions and waste, and use energy efficiently in its manufacturing process as part of the federal government’s Climate VISION program. The association plans to conduct environmentally-focused technical training seminars across the country and highlight building projects that employ state-of-the-art sustainable development practices using concrete.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.