NRMCA seeks abstracts for 2013 Sustainability Conference

Source: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Md.

NRMCA is accepting through November 30 abstracts for the 2013 International Concrete Sustainability Conference, May 6-8 at the Hotel Sofitel San Francisco Bay (Redwood City, Calif.). The 8th annual conference will provide learning and networking opportunities on the latest advances, technical knowledge, continuing research, tools and solutions for sustainable concrete production and construction.

The event will be conducted in cooperation with the Stanford University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “We’ve been doing cutting edge research with innovative concrete materials and cements that will enhance the life cycle performance and sustainability profile of the built environment,” notes Assistant Professor Dr. Michael Lepech. “We plan to present this work, along with other ongoing work in the areas of life cycle assessment and design of concrete systems at the conference.”

“Engaging academic leaders together with practitioners in the manufacturing, construction, design and regulatory world will serve to accelerate the industry toward a truly sustainable future,” adds NRMCA Senior V.P. of Sustainable Development Lionel Lemay. “And for that reason, we’re very proud to have Stanford participating in the conference.”

Researchers, academics, students, engineers, architects, contractors, concrete producers, public works officials, material suppliers and concrete industry professionals are invited to present and attend the conference. Candidate topics include the latest developments related to design, specifying, manufacturing, testing, construction, maintenance and research of concrete as they relate to sustainability:

• Life Cycle Assessment—Assessing carbon footprint, embodied energy and other environmental impacts for buildings, infrastructure, and cement and concrete manufacturing.
• Low Impact Development—Pervious pavements and erosion control structures. Urban heat island reduction, light-colored pavements, green roofs and cool communities.
• Green Concrete—Recycled and alternative materials, including aggregates, water, cementitious materials and fuels. Beneficial use of byproducts for cement and concrete production.
• New Concrete Technology—Durability, extended service life models and validation, performance-based specifications to foster sustainability. Innovative concrete production methods.
• Sustainability Initiatives—Green building codes and standards adopted by building owners, designers, contractors and product manufacturers. Economic incentives and legislation.
• Functional Resilience—High performance concrete applications in buildings and infrastructure, fortified building codes and community initiatives focusing on disaster resistance and adaptive reuse.

Abstracts can be submitted at www.ConcreteSustainabilityConference.org