SILVER SPRING, MD -- The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association has published the NRMCA 2011 Sustainability Report to communicate the ready mixed concrete industry's progress toward meeting sustainability goals. In 2009, the U.S. ready mixed concrete industry established a vision, strategies and goals toward sustainable concrete manufacturing and construction (download the NRMCA Sustainability Initiatives at www.nrmca.org/sustainability).
At the same time, the concrete industry was experiencing the worst economic downturn in its history and unprecedented regulatory changes. However, despite these challenges, the industry has re-dedicated itself to upholding the principles of sustainable development by establishing programs to help meet the aggressive goals it set for itself in 2009. The NRMCA 2011 Sustainability Report describes how the industry has invested millions of dollars in cutting edge research, new education and training programs, new personnel and plant certifications, and codes and standards advocacy to establish concrete as the sustainable material of choice for building and infrastructure projects and lower its environmental footprint.
"The ready mixed concrete industry understands the role it can play in reducing the environmental impact of construction through product and process improvements," said NRMCA President Robert Garbini.
"It's inspiring to see our members respond to the challenges of sustainability both in terms of how concrete is used in construction but also how the product is manufactured," added Lionel Lemay, NRMCA's senior vice president of sustainability. "The industry is truly concerned about the environment demonstrated by the investments it has made in research, education and measurement."
