For years, promoters have touted the benefits of concrete’s light color and reflectivity. Data from industry-sponsored research has supported reducing the number of light poles or the wattage of the individual lamps. NRMCA recently reported the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) comments on the effects of LED lighting on the Leavenworth, KS, Walmart concrete parking lot.
According to the DOE report, "typical concrete has a higher reflectance value than asphalt, along with a smoother, more reflective texture. The higher reflectance values from concrete play as much of a role in the visibility and apparent brightness of the site as the lighting."
However, there’s been no collateral material available that focuses on the new information. To fill that need, NRMCA has developed a 2-page color document, "Shedding Light on Concrete’s Reflectivity," that combines the pertinent data from previous studies with the latest DOE information. The brochure is targeted toward owners and designers; Senior National Resource Director Phil Kresge feels that it is just what the industry needs. "The DOE report is just short of an official endorsement of concrete’s superior reflectivity," Kresge said. "This brochure highlights the DOE findings and provides promoters with an attractive and concise document that tells the whole story."
A pdf version of the new brochure can be downloaded at www.concretepromotion.org. For more information, contact Phil Kresge at pkresge@nrmca.org.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association