ASTM International has released Product Category Rules (PCR) for Portland, blended, hydraulic, masonry, mortar and plastic stucco cements. PCR are the basis for environmental product declarations (EPDs), which provide quantified environmental data using predetermined parameters, enabling a comparison between materials.
Development of these PCR for the cement industry elevates the visibility of cement’s sustainable benefits. EPDs will help consumers choose between building materials based on life cycle analysis, the data for which comes out of the PCR.
“I commend our member cement companies for collaborating on a standardised method for discussing information about the environmental impact of several cement products,” says Cary Cohrs, PCA Board of Directors chairman. “Through this process, we are able to truly understand the impact of cement on the environment.”
“In order to create a comparable EPD, they must follow the same rules,” said Christopher Surak, director of certification programs at ASTM International. “PCRs, similar to standards, are developed in a collaborative manner and ASTM is uniquely positioned to provide the venue for developing an industry PCR.”
The final copy is accessible for public download at the ASTM International website.
Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/23092014/astm-international-issues-pcrs-for-various-cements-532/
