Sustainability

Concrete Masonry & Hardscape Products and Sustainability

CMHA and our members are committed to sustainability in the built environment. We are working towards a sustainable and resilient future through efficient manufacturing practices, education on optimizing mix designs to reduce material use, and research and development into carbon sequestration and reduction.

Industry-Average Environmental Product Declaration

CMHA has published the first Industry-Average Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for concrete masonry units (CMU) produced in the United States. This EPD is based on data from thirty-five producers throughout the US. It was developed by Climate Earth and verified by ASTM International.

The Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association (CCMPA) has a published EPD for CMU in Canada.

Research Efforts

Through funding from the NCMA Education and Research Foundation and the ICPI Foundation for Research and Education, CMHA is researching the carbon sequestration rate in concrete masonry and hardscape products. The results of this research have demonstrated that these products sequester carbon at rates much faster than traditional wet-cast concrete.

Research is ongoing looking at the overall embodied carbon of buildings. A report on this research is expected in 2025.

Partnerships

CMHA collaborates closely with industry partners to drive sustainable practices forward.
Together, we’re committed to creating solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future.

For more information, contact Craig Walloch.