LEED v5.0: A Force Multiplier for the Industry’s Long-Standing Emphasis on EPDs

The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED v 5.0 rating system is here. Projects began registering on April 28, 2025. The updated version is built around a completely new system framework and three major goals. First is decarbonization, second is quality of life, and third is ecological conservation and restoration. The emphasis on decarbonization creates significant opportunity for the ready mixed…

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NRMCA opens Exterior Walls standard revisions to public comment

Source: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Alexandria, Va. The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Standard 100 Committee has opened a window for public input towards revision of the “Prescriptive Design of Exterior Concrete Walls for One- and Two-Family Dwellings” standard (NRMCA 100-2023). The committee welcomes input and recommendations from all stakeholders—architects, designers, engineers, developers, the academic community, contractors, building product…

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NRMCA, EPA promote broader Energy Star participation

An exclusive focus this year on ready mixed concrete under the Environmental Protection Agency-aligned Energy Star program will provide producers with resources to enhance energy efficiency, cut costs and strengthen sustainability metrics. The effort mirrors an established cement industry template, where producers and program officials set annual power and fuel consumption reduction targets as plant operations maintain or increase year-over-year…

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Concrete Pavements

A sustainable value proposition for industrial sites Concrete is foundational to modern society. From ancient landmarks like the Roman Colosseum to the towering Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) to patios in suburban backyards, concrete’s versatility and durability have made it indispensable in construction. Today, it’s the second-most consumed material on Earth, surpassed only by fresh water. Yet, as essential…

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FHWA sets Low Carbon Materials Program Concrete Thresholds

Sources: Federal Highway Administration; CP staff The Federal Highway Administration has published the driving metric—global warming potential (GWP), measured in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per cubic yard (kgCO2e/yd.)—attending nine concrete mix classes specified for cast-in-place or precast transportation pavements, elements and structures. The Concrete Thresholds tables provide GWP data that Low Carbon Transportation Materials (LCTM) Grants recipients require to meet…

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NRMCA library underpins AI-powered AskConcrete.com

Kansas City-based heavy/civil construction operations management software developer XBE and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association bill their new AskConcrete.com platform as an artificial intelligence-powered answer engine for intricate questions related to ready mixed concrete material science, production, and logistics matters. Example queries for which the site is programmed to deliver near-instant answers might include: AskConcrete.com embodies hundreds of NRMCA…

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Committee commences NRMCA staff president search

Sources: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Alexandria, Va.; CP staff The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Executive Committee has named Chief Financial Officer Joe Roche as interim president and charged Executive Vice President, Human Resources Tim Cooper with vetting executive search firms to help identify a successor to Michael Philipps, who departed the organization in August after six years at…

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Cemex, Maschmeyer, Ozinga pros top National Mixer Driver Championship

Five men holding trophies

Sources: CP staff; National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Alexandria, Va. Allard Tigchelaar, based at the Cemex USA Prescott, Ariz., plant took the 18th annual National Mixer Driver Championship, staged October 12-13 during the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association ConcreteWorks Conference & Expo. He prevailed among a record field of 111 drivers, who navigated an eight-station challenge course and completed vehicle inspection…

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Organizations – September 2024

National Ready Mixed Concrete Association Chief Operating Officer Deborah Malone and Chief Financial Officer Joe Roche will lead their organization for an interim period after the late-August resignation and departure of Mike Philipps, who had served as staff president for six years. 2024 Chairman Nathan McKean (BMC Enterprises) credits Philipps for leadership significantly contributing to NRMCA membership expansion and positioning…

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