Foundations of Sustainability for Precast Producers-Lower-Carbon Precast Concrete Webinar Handout

Lower-Carbon Precast Concrete Webinar Handout

Pdf Summary

The webinar titled "Lower-Carbon Precast Concrete: Foundations of Sustainability for Precast Producers" was the first of a series aimed at educating precast concrete producers on sustainable practices and innovations. Thomas Ketron, LEED AP and Director of Sustainability at PCI, led the session. The focus was on strategies to reduce embodied carbon in precast concrete while maintaining performance.<br /><br />Key points discussed included the demand for sustainability driven by market needs, regulatory trends, and the importance of industry leadership. Concrete's environmental impact was assessed using Global Warming Potential measures, and methods to reduce carbon emissions were explored. Innovations such as cement clinker replacements, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash and slag, and operational strategies were introduced as ways to enhance sustainability.<br /><br />The presentation highlighted the role of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in achieving transparency and reducing environmental impacts. Emphasis was placed on the need for plant personnel to understand and implement sustainable practices through mix development and operational changes.<br /><br />Upcoming webinars in the series were announced, focusing on low carbon cement alternatives and mix design approaches. Participants were encouraged to get involved by attending future sessions, utilizing PCI sustainability resources, and participating in the PCI Sustainability Committee.<br /><br />Thomas Ketron invited further inquiries via email, providing a platform for continued engagement and collaboration in the advancement of sustainable practices within the precast concrete industry.

Keywords

lower-carbon precast concrete

sustainability

embodied carbon

cement clinker replacements

supplementary cementitious materials

Environmental Product Declarations

Life Cycle Assessments

sustainable practices

Thomas Ketron

precast concrete industry