A new version of the Product Category Rules (PCR) for concrete, the document used for developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for concrete, was published this month by the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF). The new PCR, Version 1.1, takes the original PCR published in November 2012 and makes improvements to the document based on input from key experts in the field of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and experience gained during the year-long period during which the original version was implemented. Both NRMCA and ASTM International have adopted the PCR for use in their respective EPD programs.

Version 1.0 of the PCR for concrete, initiated in May 2011 by CLF, went through two public comment periods where more than 500 comments were received and addressed before being published in November 2012. Several EPDs were verified using the standard and several items were identified that could help improve the PCR. As a result, CLF convened a committee of experts to revise it. The most significant change was the expansion of required environmental impacts that must be reported in the EPD. Additionally, the scope of the document was expanded from North American applications to include all countries that use similar standards referenced in the PCR for evaluating and producing concrete. The PCR underwent a second critical review by a panel of LCA experts and was confirmed that it meets the requirements of all pertinent international standards.