The Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (association) represents the precast concrete industry in Canada. The institute has been collaborating with the Cement Association of Canada (CAC) in a four year research program to develop a sector sustainability strategy for the cement and concrete industries.

In 2006, the Cement Association of Canada published their first Sustainability Report. The report focused on cement manufacturing and includes performance information from 100% of the manufacturers of grey hydraulic cement in Canada as of 2004. The report does not include information related to the manufacturing of concrete. The selection of issues and indicators included in this report was influenced by the World Business Council on Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) Cement Sustainability Initiative, and reflects key topics of interest in Canada. The report presents information related to the following six themes:

The report provides information on environmental, social and economic performance and key sustainability initiatives and the achievements of cement company members. Data is provided for 2004, with supporting trend data where available. A summary of the Canadian cement industry’s current status relating to company actions is outlined in the Cement Sustainability Initiative. The Cement Association of Canada will publish a sustainability report every two years to allow interested parties to monitor our progress in these important areas.

Download the 2008 Sustainability Report here.

Although the research relates specifically to the Canadian Cement Industry, it was of great interest to CPCI members and precast industry trade associations in other countries (UK, Australia). Government and environmental agencies, architects, engineers and owners will also be interested in the research.

CPCI members decided to develop a sustainable strategy for the Canadian precast industry.

CPCI discussed developing a sector sustainability strategy applicable to the precast concrete industry in the fall of 2006 at a Strategic Planning Meeting in Grapevine, Texas.

In January 2007, CPCI facilitated an industry workshop in Ottawa to discuss sustainability. The workshop concluded that CPCI should pursue the development of a sector sustainability strategy and aim for maximum buy-in from its members. CPCI struck a committee to develop a sustainable direction (consultation paper) to be used as the forerunner of the industry sustainable strategy.

The research began with the analysis of the British Precast Association’s Sustainable Strategy. Three steps were identified in the development of their strategy:

The development of the Canadian Precast Strategy follows the same process as British Precast, ensuring the triple bottom line issues of economic, environmental and social development are treated in a balanced way. The ten top business reasons for adopting a sustainable strategy are as follows:

CPCI is in the process of developing a Concrete Code of Practice for the precast industry. The code will be based on the Environmental Management Act (EMA) and the Waste Discharge Regulation (WDR) of British Columbia. The code of practice will establish Canada-wide standards for waste discharge from the precast concrete industry. Operations included in the definition of "precast concrete producer" under WDR of EMA are required to comply with all relevant provisions of EMA, WDR and the code. Specifically, EMA prohibits the introduction of waste into the environment "in such a manner or quantity as to cause pollution." The code addresses air quality management, discharge of process water and storm water and the management of waste solids — as well as registration, monitoring and record keeping.

Initially the Concrete Code of Practice will be a voluntary measure. CPCI members are looking at adopting the code as part of our CPCI Certification Program within the next five years. It has been proposed that the Concrete Code of Practice will be integrated into the CPCI Certification program