All 50 States Give Environmentally Conscious Cement the Green Light
Every state department of transportation and the District of Columbia now permit the use of portland-limestone cement
Washington, D.C., April 2, 2024 — The Portland Cement Association (PCA), representing America’s cement manufacturers, commends the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s approval of portland-limestone cement (PLC) in its projects – a move that means the entire U.S. now accepts a lower-carbon version of a critical construction material.
Developed with a higher limestone content, PLC offers the same level of efficacy as traditional portland cement while having a CO2 footprint that is up to 10% smaller. In 2023 alone, the United States avoided emitting more than 4 million metric tons of CO2 by incorporating PLC and other blended cement alternatives. The landmark arrives at a crucial moment: State transportation departments are major cement consumers, and this consumption will only increase as these agencies use Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to rehabilitate roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
Mike Ireland, President and CEO of PCA, said, “This milestone is a huge step forward for sustainable American construction. Switching to portland-limestone cement promises to save millions of tons of CO2. Using a lower-emission product that meets all the performance requirements of traditional cement means the construction sector can build with durability, safety and sustainability in mind.”
This new milestone reflects the growing adoption and availability of PLC, as well as efforts to reduce construction’s carbon footprint. This shift toward sustainable construction materials is a positive step toward transitioning to a green built environment and is a trend that is expected to continue to grow, with recent U.S. Geological Survey data revealing that the U.S. market share for PLC surpassed that of traditional portland cement in June 2023.
For more information on PLC and its positive impact on the construction industry, overall economy, and emissions reduction efforts, see: PCA’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality, cementprogress.com and greenercement.com.
ABOUT the Portland Cement Association
The Portland Cement Association (PCA), founded in 1916, is the premier policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. PCA members represent the majority of U.S. cement production capacity, having facilities across the country. The association promotes safety, sustainability, and innovation in all aspects of construction, fosters continuous improvement in cement manufacturing and distribution, promoting economic growth and sound infrastructure investment.
