ACA Sustainability Summit 2026

Technology Transitions: Watching Them Happen vs. Making Them Happen (noon – 1:30 pm ET)

Join us for the kick off to ACA’s 2026 Virtual Sustainability Summit as we set the stage for the industry’s progress toward shared goals with opening remarks from ACA’s Climate and Sustainability Council chair, Rafael Villalona, and an update on the ACA Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality. This year’s keynote speaker, Brian Potter, will explore how technology transitions are shaped, examining the role of efficiency and optimization as foundational for sustainable outcomes. The session concludes with a panel discussion on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), highlighting continued momentum and real-world advancements despite recent challenges.

• Rafael Villalona, UNACEM North America
• Brian Schmidt, ACA
• Brian Potter, (Institute for Progress, author of Origins of Efficiency)
• Kathryn Clay, Washington Post Intelligence
• Martin Schneider, VDZ, European Cement Research Academy (ECRA)
• John Carroll, Southern Company, National Carbon Capture Center
• John Kline, Principal, Kline Consulting, LLC

Fundamentals of the Roadmap and Cement and Concrete Value Chain (2:00 – 3:30 pm ET)

This introductory session explores why a value chain approach is essential for achieving industry-wide progress. Through examples spanning clinker and cement production, concrete mix optimization, construction practices, and carbonation, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how decisions at each stage influence outcomes across the entire chain.

• Brad Runda, ICF
• Larry Rowland, Heidelberg Materials
• Alana Guzzetta, CalPortland
• Moh Ismail, University of Virginia
• Rachel Capon, Mineral Products Association

Solutions Focus: Alt Fuels (noon – 1:00 pm ET)

Explore how alternative fuel technologies are moving from concept to implementation, with practical insights into technology readiness and operational considerations from a case example of successful plant-level deployment.

• Branden Barry, Trinity Consultants
• Bill Jerald, CalPortland Cement Company
• Bhaskar Dusi, CalPortland Cement Company

Solutions Focus: Blended Cements (1:30 pm – 2:30 pm ET)

Learn how blended cements and strategic project communication can advance lower-carbon construction solutions across both infrastructure and building applications.

• Josh Gilman, ACA
• Aubrey Garinther, ACA
• Allen Kennedy, Fisher Sand & Gravel

Solutions Focus: Future-Proofing Manufacturing (3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET)

Examine innovative approaches that help manufacturers prepare for a low-carbon future by accelerating technology adoption and improving operational resilience.

• Rick Bohan, ACA
• Nick Yavorsky, RMI
• Dinesh Sampath, Fuller Technologies

Special Closing Session: Where Do We Go From Here? (noon – 2:00 pm ET)

This closing session examines the forces that will shape the cement industry’s next chapter, from evolving regulations to workforce challenges and the growing influence of AI. Speakers will discuss navigating policy uncertainty and building the talent and capabilities needed for long-term success. The session concludes with a forward-looking conversation on industry priorities.

• Leah Pilconis, ACA
• Bill Wehrum, Former Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation at US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Craig Becker, Cement Employers Association
• Robert Lovingood, ICR Industrial Services
• Brian Schmidt, ACA