As part of its Session #21, the Strategic Development Council hosted a two-day summit in Washington, DC, on March 29-30, 2007, with over 100 executives from various segments of the concrete industry in attendance. 

The summit was originally envisioned in the fall of 2005 by ACI and PCA as an opportunity to bring together diverse segments of the concrete industry in an effort to provide education and insight into the “green” movement, to understand the potential impact on and opportunities for the concrete industry, and to identify a common vision for the concrete industry regarding sustainability and to identify common industry goals.
In addition to ACI and PCA, the following organizations provide logistical and financial support

Attendees heard Scot Horst, President—Horst, Inc, and Chair of USGBC LEED Steering Committee, provide an overview of sustainability and the relevance to the concrete industry.  Subsequent speakers provided insight into how the private owner-design-constructor community views cement, concrete, and concrete products.  For those in attendance, this was a distinctly different view and, even for those who felt they understood how the industry is perceived, the story was sobering. 

Current initiatives and activities by the government on sustainability were outlined by FHWA and White House representatives. 

Participants also heard how the U.S. and Canadian concrete industries measure up against initiatives and programs in place by European cement and concrete industries. 

Patrick Dolberg, President and CEO of Holcim (US), addressed the attendees on “Linking Strategy and Sustainability.” The dinner keynote address provided an inspiring look at Holcim’s commitment to sustainable development as well as Mr. Dolberg’s own personal commitment to sustainable development as exemplified by past and current initiatives. He concluded his presentation with this challenging statement, “Leading is not only exciting, it’s an opportunity—it would be a shame to miss an opportunity.”

Breakouts sessions provided participants the opportunity to share their experience and insights regarding the industry and sustainability, seeking potential common goals and activities, on which the industry can act. 

The results of the summit will be published in the near future as a Vision of Concrete and Sustainability, and plans are already underway to develop a detailed, action-oriented roadmap of strategies, tactics, and funding needs to reach those goals.