A Product Category Rule (PCR) is the set of rules needed to develop environmental product declarations (EPD). It typically has a life span of five years. The inaugural PCR for concrete was published in 2013 and will expire soon. NRMCA, with key industry stakeholders, is updating the PCR for concrete. Please be advised that EPDs currently in development by ready mix producers must be verified before December 2018 if complying with the existing PCR. Developing an EPD can take up to several months when working with consultants and going through the verification process. Otherwise, for planning purposes, a producer can wait until the new PCR is available. EPD consultants are familiar with the PCR’s expiration and can provide strategic guidance if planning to develop EPDs.
Also, as LEED v4 and its promotion of EPDs is being discovered in project specifications, it is important to consider your company’s EPD strategy. To date, the North American ready mixed concrete industry, including material suppliers, have 46 verified EPDs with a total of 10,042 mixes from 2,761 plants. The growth of EPD activity has doubled in 2018 and is expected to continue.
As part of the Build With Strength campaign, NRMCA promotes Strength Through Transparency for member and industry competitiveness in the green building marketplace and the trends toward product and company transparency.
If you wish to learn more about the PCR renewal project or EPDs in the green building industry, contact James Bogdan at jbogdan@nrmca.org or 412-420-4138.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association