The Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) is pleased to announce the release of the first Industry-Average Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for Concrete Masonry Units in the United States. This EPD presents the environmental impacts for seven classes of concrete masonry units manufactured throughout the United States.
The EPD was created by collecting data from 35 concrete masonry producers across the US. The data was analyzed by and the EPD written by Climate Earth. Third-party verification was provided by ASTM International.
In addition to reporting environmental impacts across required impact categories, the EPD also contains information related to carbon sequestration. The baseline values reported for Global Warming Potential (GWP) include the natural carbon sequestration in the first 28 days of age for CMU as this represents the amount of carbon sequestered ‘at the gate’, which is the system boundary. Supplemental information is also provided to show the amount of carbon sequestered two years after production. The information on sequestration is based on research conducted by CMHA.
Environmental impacts are provided for seven distinct classes of concrete masonry units:
- Normal weight density, CMU strength 2,000 – 3,240 psi
- Normal weight density, CMU strength 3,250 – 4,490 psi
- Normal weight density, CMU strength 4,500 psi or greater
- Medium weight density using manufactured aggregate, CMU strength 2,000 to 3,240 psi
- Medium weight density using natural aggregate, CMU strength 2,000 to 4,490 psi
- Lightweight density using manufactured aggregate, CMU strength 2,000 to 4,490 psi
- Lightweight density using natural aggregate, CMU strength 2,000 to 3,240 psi
“The publication of the first United States EPD for CMU is a significant accomplishment for the industry,” said Bob Thomas, CMHA President & CEO. “CMHA Members are committed to sustainability, and this EPD accurately quantifies environmental impacts. These results can be used to inform building materials environmental databases, influence decisions on building materials, and ensure that concrete masonry is seen as a sustainable building solution.”
Learn more and view the EPD on the CMHA website.