The latest tool in Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals’ Curbing CO2 at the Source Program for Sustainability arms the Chryso and GCP sales organization to pre-quantify the embodied carbon factor in customers’ concrete mix designs. The EnviroMix Impact App assists in accurate calculation of Global Warming Potential, the lead environmental product declaration (EPD) metric. The app uses industry average data references for Scope A1 to A3, or cradle to gate, carbon dioxide emissions, and conveys product-specific EPD data for CO2-minded project stakeholders.
“Through our sales, technical service, and regional application labs, we assist concrete producers in characterizing their materials and defining targets. This ultimately allows us, alongside our customers, to develop a mix design optimized not just for cost, but also carbon dioxide reduction,” says Chryso & GCP Sustainability and Customer Engagement Program Manager Lisa Barnard. “The EnviroMix Impact App produces comprehensive reports to use as a decision-making tool to optimize the mix design strategy for a given application and performance requirements. The final output allows our customers to compare alternate mix designs against cost and CO2 impacts for mixes, material, transportation and water.”
The app joins the solutions portfolio of the Chryso & GCP Curbing CO2 at the Source Program for Sustainability, where a team of experts helps customers navigate the challenging carbon neutrality journey throughout the concrete lifecycle. Through an on-demand EPD program, eco-innovation practices and solutions with a partnered approach, Curbing CO2 provides producers with materials, tools, data, services, and collaboration to develop high-performing, sustainable concrete.
“Innovation is a strategic driver for our growth and our customers’ success,” affirms Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals North America President Steve Williams. “At the heart of our sustainability program are our concrete admixture brands that help customers make the most of their local materials. Our EnviroMix Impact App is another solution that helps our customers achieve carbon reduction and net zero strategies through the efficient and cost-effective use of materials.”
ASHRAE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR BUILDING DECARBONIZATION
The Atlanta organization synonymous with building mechanical systems and energy efficiency, has strengthened its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment by establishing its first-ever center of excellence. The ASHRAE Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization (CEBD) will drive the adoption of climate change mitigation policies and reinforce ASHRAE’s goal of achieving net zero GHG emissions in operation for all new buildings by 2030. The CEBD’s primary activities contour:
- Strategy. Guide building decarbonization efforts and integrate relevant goals into the Society’s strategic plan. Develop, lead, and collaborate on strategic initiatives with partner organizations to accelerate and advance global building decarbonization.
- Thought Leadership. Track emerging issues and trends to showcase ASHRAE’s leadership position.
- Collaboration. Coordinate joint initiatives, events and projects with U.S. and international organizations that compliment ASHRAE’s building decarbonization efforts.
- Public Advocacy. Provide reliable technical information on decarbonization to policymakers, media, and the public.
“Our decision to establish the Center of Excellence for Building Decarbonization represents a strategic move towards amplifying our impact on climate change mitigation in the built environment,” says ASHRAE 2024-25 President Dennis Knight, P.E. “By making building decarbonization a focal point of our technical resources and advocacy, we are broadening our capacity to drive systemic change. The CEBD signifies ASHRAE’s dedication to empowering stakeholders with essential resources and educational opportunities, and underscores our pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.”