Irving, TX – July 16th, 2024 – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has selected the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA), the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI), and the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA), as recipients of a $9.95 million grant in EPA’s Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Construction Materials and Products Grant Program.
The three organizations, with PCI leading the application, applied for the grant in October 2023. The grant will focus on updating the associations’ existing product category rule (PCR) and producing product-specific environmental product
declarations (EPDs), developing an EPD generator, and providing training and support to member companies for producing EPDs. The product also allows for creating EPDs under the current PCR while an update is conducted.
Each association will allocate its portion of the grant to defray the cost for its producer members to create or update their EPDs for precast concrete products.
“We are immensely grateful for the support and collaboration from our industry partners, PCI and NPCA, and from our association members,” says ACPA President, Steve Hawkins, AIA. “Together, we have secured crucial funding that will significantly enhance our ability to educate and empower our membership. Looking ahead, our focus remains steadfast on fostering growth and innovation within the industry. This grant represents not just a financial boost but a commitment to the continued excellence and sustainability of our practices.”
Faced with new environmental regulations in various parts of the country, the ACPA formed a Sustainability, Resilience, and Environmental Leadership (SREL) Committee two years ago that fostered communication and cooperation among its members.
SREL Committee Chair, and President of Northern Concrete Pipe, Inc., Bill Washabaugh, comments, “Concrete has been a reliable material for centuries and will continue to be vital for our future infrastructure. We urge all federal agencies to work to achieve their goals and other federal agencies to achieve their goals without compromising the high standards of quality, resilience, and durability of our products. As we look ahead, let's continue to recognize concrete as a durable and sustainable solution, essential for our nation's critical infrastructure needs.”
Concrete pipe has long been recognized for its resilience, durability, and sustainability. Produced from natural, locally sourced, and recycled materials, it is a champion of the circular economy by boasting minimal waste and enduring longevity. Its production fortifies economies by providing long-term, stable, reliable jobs that foster community growth. With minimal maintenance required due to its unmatched strength and durability, concrete pipe is a cost-effective, low disruption solution. Its proven 100+ year lifespan ensures it serves current and future generations while minimizing waste, resources, and future spending.
About the American Concrete Pipe Association
The American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA) is the spokesperson for the concrete pipe industry in all matters affecting the industry’s welfare. ACPA members contribute to the improvement of our environment by producing quality concrete pipe, engineered to provide a lasting and economical solution to drainage and pollution problems. For more information, visit www.concretepipe.org.