Usgcc Unveils New Guide Offering Strategies For Sustainable Concrete

The USGCC introduced a first-of-its-kind resource, “The Sustainable Concrete Guide–Strategies and Examples,” a comprehensive guide on concrete and sustainability that discusses specific strategies for the best use of concrete in high-performance, long-lasting, green buildings

Source: U.S. Green Concrete Council, Farmington Hills, Mich.

The USGCC introduced a first-of-its-kind resource, The Sustainable Concrete Guide – Strategies and Examples, a comprehensive guide on concrete and sustainability that discusses specific strategies for the best use of concrete in high-performance, long-lasting, green buildings. Included in the three-part document are case studies, technical data and references, plus numerous practices that can be implemented immediately. Available for $75, the publication is the first in a series of sustainable concrete guides to be published by USGCC, with the second expected to be available in Fall 2010.

Part 1 of the guide addresses Concrete Basics for Sustainability, which outlines the uses of concrete as the most widely used building material in the world. Part 2, titled Considerations for Best Use of Concrete for Sustainable Structures, contains 11 chapters on specific uses of concrete for sustainable structures. Topics covered include carbon footprint; thermal transmission; thermal mass and storage; longevity and service life; stormwater management; human factors and the living/working environment; safety and security; reduce, reuse, recycle; economic impact; resilience with climate change; and, compatibility with other innovative sustainability strategies.

Part 3 of the guide, Beyond Sustainable Rating Systems: Project Profiles, profiles 12 construction projects throughout the U.S., all of which utilize sustainable concrete practices and techniques. Three types of structures are presented: parking garages and lots; single-family and multi-family residences; and, commercial, institutional, and industrial projects.

The book is authored by Andrea J. Schokker, professor and head of the civil engineering department at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. A member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) board of directors, she also is chair of ACI Committee 130, Sustainability of Concrete and active in Joint ACI-ASCE Committee 423, Prestressed Concrete and a subcommittee of Committee 318, Structural Concrete Building Code.

Integral as well in the creation of the book is the U.S. Green Concrete Council editorial review panel, chaired by ACI president Florian Barth. Other members include Michael Deane, vice president and chief sustainability officer at Turner Construction Co.; Kevin MacDonald, vice president of engineering services at Cemstone Products Co.; Aris Papadopoulos, CEO of Titan America; Michael Paul, lead structural engineer and senior consultant for Duffield Associates; Richard Stehly, vice president of ACI and principal of American Engineering & Testing; and, Wayne Trusty, president of Athena Institute International.