Student Design Competition Features Concrete Thinking

The versatility and recyclability of concrete was put to the test in the third annual “Concrete Thinking for a Sustainable World” student design competition sponsored by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) and Portland Cement Association (PCA). A panel of judges evaluated designs from more than 800 students from 33 architecture schools around the world. Students competed in two categories.

Antonio Vigil of the University of New Mexico won first place in the Recycling Center category. Students competing for this prize were instructed to create an environmentally responsible recycling center, focused on reusing today’s materials to preserve tomorrow’s resources.

Anne Miller, from the University of Toronto, earned first place in the Building Element category. Ms. Miller’s entry bested the students’ attempts to design a building element that provides a sustainable solution to real-world environmental challenges.

Learn more about the competiton.

Low Impact Development Featuring Concrete

As designers and construction managers consider their options for sustainable stormwater management, two strategies are employed. The first is conservation and the second is integrating on-site natural features with small-scale hydrologic controls. Combined, these strategies are known as low impact development (or LID), and both strategies take their cues from Mother Nature.

Four LID strategies featuring concrete include pervious concrete, permeable or grid paver systems, green roofs, and rain-catchment systems. To learn more about these durable and sustainable solutions of mimicking pre-development hydrologic function, click here.

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley is on a quest to make Chicago one of the world’s greenest cities. A year after it hosted the USGBC’s Greenbuild and as it remains in the running to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, the City of Chicago is investing its green in sustainable construction practices.

One example is the Chicago Green Alley Program which promotes best practices in stormwater management throughout the Windy City’s 3,500 acres of alleyway. But this program isn’t just a lot of hot air – through the integration of different sustainable building components including permeable concrete paving, recycled materials, and reflective pavements, the program aims to reduce stormwater runoff by up to 80 percent, diminish localized flooding on adjacent property, and help reduce the urban heat island effect. More on the Green Alley Program.

PCA Demonstrates Concrete Thinking at AIA

PCA highlighted the variety of ways that cement-based products contribute to sustainable development at its exhibit at the American Institute of Architects' 151st annual conference, May 15-17, in Boston. Visitors to the PCA booth learned more about the green applications and benefits of concrete. PCA also featured an eye-catching pervious concrete display where attendees witnessed this innovative stormwater management application first-hand.

Additionally, David Shepherd, AIA, LEED AP, PCA’s director of sustainable development, presented “Myth Busting What You Know About Concrete: Optimizing Concrete Solutions in Your Next Project,” an AIA continuing education seminar that addressed eight sustainable applications of concrete.

Learn how the cement industry is efficiently and effectively using tire-derived fuel and its environmental benefits with this fact sheet.

Guiding Engineers Through New Construction LEED Standards

PCA is pleased to offer Concrete Thinking subscribers The Engineering Guide to LEED-New Construction: Sustainable Construction for Engineers by Liv Haselbach, Ph.D., a LEED-accredited engineer and professor from the University of South Carolina.

Haselbach gives the reader a solid understanding of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-NC rating system, while also offering a practical text for use in real world applications. The text includes exercises to reinforce one’s understanding and ample references for additional information. Get it here.

PCA and its member companies are committed to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The cement industry recognizes that adopting the values of sustainable development benefits local, national and global climate and environmental considerations.

The annual Sustainable Leadership Awards will honor government leaders who advance sustainable development in their communities through the use of concrete and cement-based products. The deadline for entries has been extended until June 30. Learn more about the different awards and access the nomination form.

Registration for Greenbuild

Boston is the setting for a new kind of revolution this fall. The 2008 U.S. Green Building Council’s International Conference and Expo (Greenbuild) heads to New England, November 19-21. The theme for this year’s installment of the preeminent green building conference is “Revolution Green: Innovations for Global Sustainability.” If you’ve never been to Greenbuild, it’s an absolute must-attend. Make sure you visit the PCA at Booth 2228 in the Concrete Solutions Pavilion come November. More information and registration.

NRMCA to Host Upcoming Workshops on Green Building

Created for designers including civil engineers, architects, and landscape architects, the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s "Building Green with Concrete" seminar provides detailed instruction on how to design with concrete to maximize environmental performance of buildings and project sites. The workshop takes place July 15, 2008, in Silver Springs, Md. More information and registration.

On August 19, also in Silver Spring, Md., NRMCA will host the onsite seminar, "Concrete’s Role in Sustainable Development." This workshop will look specifically at integrating concrete solutions within the LEED and Green Globes guidelines. More information and registration.