NRMCA had a strong showing at last week’s National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Building Innovation 2015 Conference in Washington, DC. NRMCA President Robert Garbini and Senior Vice President Lionel Lemay attended the CEO Summit at the conference while Vice President, Sustainability Tien Peng attended the conference education sessions. The conference theme, Creating High-Performing Resilient Communities, generated strong interest among the diverse audience of architects, engineers, code officials and emergency management professionals. Mid-Atlantic Precast Association and NRMCA Producer member Lehigh Hansen sponsored a number of symposiums at the conference.

NIBS is the interface between government and the private sector, supporting advances in building science and technology to improve the built environment. NIBS research such as the Multihazard Mitigation Council’ "Mitigation Saves" is responsible for research demonstrating the oft-quoted savings of $4 for every $1 invested in mitigation.

Concrete has long been recognized as the material of choice for resisting high winds, flying debris and storm surge associated with hurricanes and tornadoes. With the increased attention to climate change adaptation, concrete systems are essential in fortifying a community’s economic vitality, the safety of its citizens while supporting long-term sustainability.