Sources: Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute, Chantilly, Va.; CP staff
ASTM International recently organized ICPI and National Concrete Masonry Association member meetings to draft Product Category Rules on segmental concrete paving products, plus a parallel document on masonry products. Following a public comment period and independent review panel oversight, the draft PCR on segmental concrete paving products is being finalized for December release.
As a Program Operator abiding international standards, ASTM owns the PCR. The document lays the groundwork for ICPI members and staff to conduct life cycle analyses quantifying energy use, carbon emissions and other impacts during concrete paver production. PCR establish LCA boundaries. Once an LCA is conducted for a concrete paver plant, data can be readied for an Environmental Product Declaration, an emerging tool fueled by new LEED v4 green building rating system guidelines.
Comparison of various products’ EPD is poised to become another basis for design professionals, clients and public agencies’ paving product selection. Funded by the ICPI Foundation for Education & Research, the PCR for segmental concrete paving products prepares the industry for broad LEED v4 adoption. PCRs will gain increasing importance after October 2016, when the U.S. Green Building Council discontinues support of LEED v4 predecessor versions.