For the 2008 Vancouver Buildex & BC Construction Conference, EcoSmart organized a session with a panel of four speakers discussing concrete and green building issues from the engineer, designer, contractor and concrete supplier perspectives. Topics included: strength, workability and durability; cost and availability; tests, designs and case studies; resource conservation, climate change mitigation, LEED and other sustainability aspects. See presentations on our Knowledge Base.
Finalized AP2K Reports on SCM Use in Canada
October 2007
All the three information reports generated through EcoSmart's AP2K 2007 project have been approved for public release.
EcoSmart undertook a qualitative assessment and related information dissemination activities with regard to the use of Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCMs) in Canada. These activities were a follow up to the federal AP2K project. The goal of the qualitative assessment on SCM use in Canada was to determine changes over the past several years and to gain a better understanding of stakeholders’ position and concerns. Also, there was further dissemination of information on the use of SCMs in concrete in an effort to increase acceptance.
The EcoSmart Foundation completed these activities with the support of the Cement Association of Canada (CAC), the Canadian Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA), the Association of Canadian Industries Recycling Coal Ash (CIRCA), the National Research Council (Institute for Research in Construction), Public Works & Government Services Canada, Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada.
As a part of the dissemination aspect of the AP2K 2007 project, the industry-government collaboration developed a list of references and resources on the use of SCMs. These resources are intended to provide helpful information to the ready-mixed concrete, construction and design industries, as well as federal, provincial and municipal agencies across Canada.
See SCM Basics and our Knowledge Base.
Online Survey on Supplementary Cementing Materials (SCMs)
February - March 2007
Across Canada
The use of Supplementary Cementing Materials, or SCMs, is becoming the norm in concrete construction in Canada, though the benefits and challenges of SCM use are not always well understood. It was determined that there was a need to get stakeholder perceptions on SCMs to help in the development of resources, policies and tools that will benefit everyone with an interest in concrete.
Through the assessment process, an online survey was developed by InterVISTAS Consulting under contract to the EcoSmart Foundation, and with the support of the Cement Association of Canada (CAC), the Canadian Ready-Mixed Concrete Association (CRMCA), the Association of Canadian Industries Recycling Coal Ash (CIRCA), the National Research Council (Institute for Research in Construction), Public Works & Government Services Canada, Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada.
The survey ran from February 15 to March 12, 2007 and the results are being compiled into a report for submission to Natural Resources Canada.
Concrete Technologies for Sustainable Building
November, 23, 2006
Robson Square Conference Centre
Vancouver, BC
Speakers at this half day workshop discussed the need for sustainable concrete technologies in the emerging market for sustainable buildings. For more details, see, the Workshop Announcement on the EcoSmart Foundation site.
Globe 2006
March 29-31, 2006.
Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre
Vancouver, BC
EcoSmart and partners were invited to make presentations to international delegates attending Globe 2006. The presentations are available on our Knowledge Base.
Collaborative Seminar
Series: Responsible Use of SCMs in Performance-Based Specifications
Venues
Across Canada, Spring 2005.
Seminars present the technical and performance benefits
of SCM in concrete. Michel de Spot presented on the highlights
and venue specific impacts / opportunities of the EcoSmart national
program. See the Seminar
Announcement for more information.
