February 26, 2024 – Arlington, VA – The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) is pleased to announce the finalization of the Utility Pole Product Category Rule (PCR), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of sustainable infrastructure solutions. Developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the Utility Pole PCR sets new standards for environmental transparency and performance evaluation within the utility pole manufacturing sector.
Published on February 7, 2024, by PCR program operator Sustainable Minds, the Utility Pole PCR represents a culmination of efforts spearheaded by ACMA and supported by a grant from ACMA’s Composites Growth Initiative (CGI) Fund. Over the course of several months, ACMA member companies specializing in composite utility poles, alongside representatives from wood, concrete, and steel pole manufacturing sectors, collaborated in a consensus panel to develop the PCR.
The consensus panel, convened weekly starting in June 2023 to navigate various challenges, including establishing criteria for environmental impact assessment, defining service life expectations for electrical distribution lines, and outlining protocols for manufacturers to provide reference service life for their products.
The Utility Pole PCR enables manufacturers to generate Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for their utility poles, offering standardized information on environmental impacts associated with pole manufacturing and use. EPDs serve as crucial tools for infrastructure owners and designers, facilitating informed decision-making in selecting materials for projects. Federal regulations are increasingly mandating the use of EPDs for projects utilizing federal funds, underscoring the significance of this development for the industry.
Key features of the Utility Pole PCR include its multi-material approach, incorporating insights from various pole manufacturing sectors and its emphasis on conveying use-phase environmental impacts and benefits in EPDs. Furthermore, the PCR was developed in alignment with the latest guidelines from the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment (ACLCA), underscoring its commitment to industry best practices.
“The finalization of the Utility Pole Product Category Rule represents a collaborative effort to enhance sustainability and transparency within the utility pole manufacturing sector,” said President & CEO of ACMA, Cindy Squires, Esq. “We commend all stakeholders involved for their dedication to advancing environmentally responsible practices and look forward to the positive impact this PCR will have on infrastructure development.”
For more information about the Utility Pole Product Category Rule or other ACMA sustainability initiatives, contact John Schweitzer at jschweitzer@acmanet.org.
Media Contact:
Eliana White
Director, Marketing & Communications, ACMA
703.665.5208
About ACMA
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) represents the complete North American supply chain for the fiber reinforced polymer (“FRP”) composites industry. We are manufacturers, material and equipment suppliers, distributors, academia and end users, dedicated to growing the composites market. We serve our members and the industry by promoting the competitive advantage and versatility of composite materials. ACMA offers composites industry educational resources through our Education Hub, CAMX, conferences, webinars, and Certified Composites Technician (CCT®) program. We develop standards and specifications that drive preference for the use of composites in place of traditional materials. We lead advocacy efforts via legislative and regulatory channels to achieve a more viable composites industry. Together, we make composites the sustainable material of preference. Visit acmanet.org for information on membership and initiatives.