TECH BRIEFS
Concrete's Contribution to LEED v5
Discover how concrete plays a pivotal role in achieving the ambitious goals of LEED v5. This ConcreteNexus Tech Brief breaks down the new rating system’s heightened focus on decarbonization, resilience, equity, and responsible resource use—and shows how innovative concrete products, EPD-driven transparency, and responsible sourcing strategies can help project teams earn key credits. Readers will gain practical insights into low‑carbon mix design pathways, procurement expectations, and documentation requirements that position concrete as a high‑impact solution for LEED v5 certification. Join us to understand what’s changing, why it matters, and how producers and designers can stay ahead.
Concrete's Contribution to Envision
Explore how concrete enables infrastructure projects to meet the comprehensive sustainability and resilience objectives of the Envision Framework. This ConcreteNexus Tech Brief explores how Envision, developed by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, evaluates infrastructure performance across its five core categories: Quality of Life, Leadership, Resource Allocation, Natural World, and Climate and Resilience, and highlights how concrete supports achievement across all of them through durability, lifecycle performance, and material efficiency. Building on strategies such as low‑carbon mix optimization, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and responsible sourcing through certifications like Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC), the Tech Brief shows how project teams can align material decisions with Envision credit requirements and improve overall project outcomes. Readers will learn how concrete enables measurable progress in decarbonization, transparency, and long‑term resilience—positioning it as a high‑impact solution for achieving Envision verification.
ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Concrete's Contribution to LEED v5 (On-demand)
Originally aired March 17, 1-2 pm Eastern
Presented by Lionel Lemay, PE, SE, LEED AP
Discover how concrete plays a pivotal role in achieving the ambitious goals of LEED v5. This webinar breaks down the new rating system’s heightened focus on decarbonization, resilience, equity, and responsible resource use—and shows how innovative concrete products, EPD-driven transparency, and responsible sourcing strategies can help project teams earn key credits. Attendees will gain practical insights into low‑carbon mix design pathways, procurement expectations, and documentation requirements that position concrete as a high‑impact solution for LEED v5 certification. Join us to understand what’s changing, why it matters, and how producers and designers can stay ahead.
Concrete's Contribution to Envision Certification (On-Demand)
Originally aired April 14, 1-2 pm Eastern
Presented by Lionel Lemay, PE, SE, LEED AP
This webinar explores how concrete plays a pivotal role in achieving Envision certification for sustainable infrastructure. Participants will learn how responsibly sourced materials, optimized mix designs, and transparent environmental data—such as EPDs—support key Envision credit categories, from reducing embodied carbon to enhancing resilience and long‑term performance. We’ll break down practical strategies for project teams, highlight real‑world applications, and show how concrete producers can align with Envision’s goals to deliver measurable social, environmental, and economic benefits. Join us to understand concrete’s unique potential to elevate infrastructure sustainability and drive meaningful project outcomes.
Use of Mineral Fines to Reduce Carbon Emissions, Decrease Production Cost, and Improve Durability (On-Demand)
Originally aired May 19, 1-2 pm Eastern
Presented by John Guynn | Roman Cement
Hosted by Lionel Lemay, PE, SE, LEED AP | ConcreteNexus
This webinar explores how precisely graded mineral fines can transform concrete performance while lowering both environmental impact and operational costs. By improving particle packing and increasing mix density, producers can significantly reduce cement content while improving strength, durability, or workability, often saving $5 to $20 per cubic yard while meaningfully shrinking their carbon footprint. View the webinar to learn how this practical, field‑proven approach delivers stronger, more sustainable concrete and measurable bottom‑line benefits.
Cements for Modern Concrete Construction (On-demand)
Originally aired June 16, 1-2 pm Eastern
Presented by Eric Koehler, Ph.D, PE | Titan America
Hosted by Lionel Lemay, PE, SE, LEED AP | ConcreteNexus
The demands on concrete are increasing—from fast-track construction, ultra-flat flooring, and the need for more resilient and sustainable construction materials. This presentation describes Titan America’s TriForce Cement and how it addresses the needs of concrete producers, contractors, and specifiers. TriForce™ cement was developed in collaboration with concrete producers and contractors to address real-world challenges in concrete production and placement, including water demand, finishability, and long-term durability. By integrating multiple materials into a single engineered solution, TriForce cement delivers consistent, predictable performance while maintaining the flexibility to incorporate additional SCMs at the concrete plant.
Eric Koehler, Ph.D., P.E., will present this webinar. Koehler is the Vice President of Innovation at Titan America, a leading East Coast producer of low‑carbon cements, aggregates, and ready‑mixed concrete known for advancing sustainable, next‑generation construction materials. Eric holds his doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Florida, Virginia, and Texas. His career spans influential roles in R&D, product development, and concrete technology, with a strong track record of pioneering innovations that elevate performance, quality, and sustainability in ready‑mixed concrete.
Closing the Loop: The Science Behind Carbonation and Circular Concrete (On-Demand)
Originally aired July 14, 1-2 pm Eastern
Presented by Karin Perissinotto, ENV SP, LEED AP BD + C , WELL AP | CalPortland
And Luis Baquerizo, Ph.D. | CalPortland
Hosted by Lionel Lemay, PE, SE, LEED AP | ConcreteNexus
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.
Duracem® N Calcined Clay Blended Cement : Ash Grove’s Next Generation of Enhanced Cementitious Products (On-Demand)
Originally aired August 18, 1-2 pm Eastern
Presented by Matt Spencer | Ash Grove
Cheng Qi | Ash Grove
Monica Manolas | CRH Americas
And Jarod Hendricks | Lyman-Richey Corporation
Hosted by Lionel Lemay, PE, SE, LEED AP | ConcreteNexus
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.