News - July 2026
- Brian Lemay
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
ConcreteNexus Webinar:
Closing the Loop - The Science Behind Carbonation and Circular Concrete
Concrete naturally absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere over its lifetime through a chemical process called carbonation, permanently converting the gas into solid calcium carbonate. As part of CalPortland’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and lower-carbon construction materials, this presentation will explore the science behind carbonation, CO₂ reabsorption, and emerging approaches advancing circular concrete systems and material recovery.
Karin Perissinotto, Sustainability Manager at CalPortland, brings over 25 years of experience advancing low‑carbon strategies and industry best practices. She is joined by Dr. Luis Baquerizo, Director of CalPortland’s central research laboratory, who has an extensive background in cement chemistry and product innovation across leading research institutions and industry roles. Together, they will connect sustainability leadership with practical applications of materials science as they explore the carbonation process and emerging pathways for circular concrete systems.
Breaking News:
CSC Survey Highlights Key Opportunities for Growth
The Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC) has released the results of its first global customer and market surveys, collecting feedback from more than 180 stakeholders worldwide. Survey participants confirmed the value of CSC certification for demonstrating sustainability performance and supporting participation in tenders, while also emphasizing the need for greater market recognition to drive wider adoption. The feedback will help guide future improvements to the CSC certification system and its supporting tools.
Read the full article: CSC Publishes Results of Global Customer and Market Surveys
Future of Concrete Webinar: EPD 101 for Ready-Mix Producers - Managing EPDs, GWP Limits, and Carbon Specs
July 22, 2026 | 2:00 pm Eastern, 11:00 am Pacific | Register
Join this practical EPD 101 webinar to learn what ready-mix producers need to know, how to identify carbon requirements in specs, and how to manage EPDs, mix GWP values, and whole-project carbon reporting more efficiently.
This session will explain what EPDs are, what information they provide, and why they are increasingly requested on projects. We’ll explore how Global Warming Potential (GWP) limits appear in project specifications, DOT programs, and private-sector requirements, and discuss strategies for efficiently managing EPD requests, mix data, and project documentation. Live demonstrations will show how digital tools can quickly identify carbon-related specification requirements, generate EPDs, compare mixes, and produce project-level carbon reports. The webinar will conclude with an interactive Q&A session.
Breaking News: Building Resilience in the Pacific Northwest Economic Region
PNWER Summit 2026
July 19-23, 2026 | JW Marriott, Edmonton, Alberta
The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a rapid rise in costly natural and man‑made disasters, placing growing economic pressure on communities. Beyond physical damage, these events disrupt supply chains, drive insurance premiums higher, interrupt business operations, and increase taxpayer‑funded recovery efforts. This escalating impact highlights the urgent need to strengthen regional resilience. The Working Group is launching a multi‑year effort to improve risk assessment, reduce vulnerabilities, and develop financial strategies that protect homes, infrastructure, and economies. Legislators and business leaders from all PNWER jurisdictions will collaborate to advance policies and programs that enhance resilience and safeguard lives, property, and long‑term regional stability. Representative Brandy Donaghy, Washington State and Lionel Lemay, Chair of Pacific Northwest Building Resilience (PNBRC) will Co-chair this resilience panel scheduled for 1:45 pm - 3:45 pm mountain time. In-person and virtual options are available. PNBRC is also a sponsor and exhibitor at the Summit.
ConcreteNexus Webinar:
Duracem® N Calcined Clay Blended Cement : Ash Grove’s Next Generation of Enhanced Cementitious Products
August 18, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm Eastern | Register
Join Ash Grove Cement for an exclusive look at Duracem® N, the company's innovative calcined clay blended cement, and a significant milestone in its commitment to resilient construction. Developed using locally sourced Nebraska clay and designed in collaboration with customers, Duracem N delivers the performance, reliability, and ease of use that producers and contractors expect. Learn about the development journey, product performance, early project experiences, and what this breakthrough technology means for Ash Grove customers and the markets they serve.
Upcoming ConcreteNexus Webinars
ConcreteNexus webinars are scheduled through the end of the year, including presentations brought to you by Titan America, Ash Grove Cement, and Heidelberg Materials. You can register for the following presentations free of charge to receive updates as soon as topics, event descriptions, and presenters are announced.
We look forward to seeing you at future ConcreteNexus events!
Get in Touch
ConcreteNexus LLC is an international consulting firm specializing in education, certifications, building codes and standards advocacy, as well as business development services for the concrete industry.
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