Arlington, VA – (July 16, 2024) The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) today announced their joint selection as recipients of the Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Construction Materials and Products grant, under EPA-R-OCSPP-OPPT-FY2023-001. This $6 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the construction sector.
In this strategic partnership, ACMA and IACMI will deploy an industry-funded Life Cycle Assessment-Environmental Product Declaration (LCA-EPD) generator and develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for composite construction materials and products. The project will encompass the development of new Product Category Rules (PCRs) and the modification of existing PCRs as needed. Additionally, the initiative will educate over 200 composites manufacturers and their customers on the use of EPDs and collaborate with universities to develop gate-to-grave data for inclusion in EPDs. This project not only addresses an immediate industry need but also harmonizes technological advancement with environmental responsibility, paving the way for a more sustainable future in construction and infrastructure.
“We are honored to be selected for this grant from the EPA”, said ACMA President & CEO Cindy L. Squires, Esq. “The work funded by this grant and managed in partnership with IACMI will not only address a critical need in the construction industry but also demonstrate our commitment to environmental stewardship. By developing comprehensive EPDs for composite materials, we can ensure that manufacturers and builders have the tools they need to make informed, sustainable choices.”
“The grant will leverage an already significant investment by ACMA and its Composite Growth Initiative to prepare our manufacturers to provide the environmental impact information needed by their customers,” Squires said.
Chad Duty, CEO of IACMI, added, “This project represents a significant step forward in harmonizing technological advancements with environmental responsibility in the composites industry. By working together with ACMA, we aim to pave the way for a more sustainable future in construction and infrastructure, reducing the embodied greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the adoption of composites.”
For more information on this project and other initiatives by ACMA and IACMI, please visit respective websites at acmanet.org and iacmi.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.
About IACMI
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), also known as IACMI – The Composites Institute®, is a 150-plus member community of industry, universities, national laboratories, and government agencies working together to accelerate advanced composites design, manufacturing, technical innovation, and workforce solutions. IACMI is managed by the Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation (CCS), a not-for-profit organization established by The University of Tennessee Research Foundation. A Manufacturing USA institute, IACMI is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office, as well as key state and industry partners. www.IACMI.org