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A two-page guide from Central Concrete (a concrete supplier) to help engineers specify performance-based low carbon concrete mixes. Explains common missed opportunities from prescriptive specifications — such as minimum cement content, maximum w/cm ratio, and maximum SCM content requirements — and how they can prevent the use of lower carbon mix designs. Provides a quick-reference table showing how performance-based approaches can achieve adequate strength, durability, and workability with a lower carbon footprint.

A low carbon concrete case study for a historic single-family home renovation in San Francisco's Presidio Heights — a William Wurster-designed ranch home requiring approximately 500 cubic yards of concrete for foundation, retaining walls, and metal deck applications. All final submittals came in below the cement thresholds set by the Bay Area low carbon concrete working group. Keys to success included early discussions with the homeowner, identifying applications that tolerate longer curing times, and team agreement on carbon reduction goals.

A low carbon concrete case study for a technology company's office campus plazas in San Mateo County and Alameda County. The owner, committed to 75% GHG reduction by 2020 and carbon neutrality by 2030, specified lower carbon concrete for approximately 6,400 cubic yards. Lessons learned include challenges with aesthetics in visible hardscape applications, difficulty scaling new cement alternatives like ground glass pozzolan, and the value of using one project site to test mixes before applying them on another.

A low carbon concrete case study for the Dublin BART station parking structure in Alameda County — a five-story, 516-space post-tension concrete garage totaling approximately 8,624 cubic yards of concrete. Alameda County incorporated low carbon concrete performance specifications into their Sustainable Building Design owner's specification, requiring contractor reporting at the mix design stage and after concrete placement. Demonstrates how a public agency integrated low carbon requirements into an existing procurement framework.

A low carbon concrete case study for Berkeley Way Apartments in Berkeley, CA — a 4-story affordable housing project with approximately 4,000 cubic yards of concrete. The project achieved 55% less cement than national averages by specifying cement content limits from the start. Highlights include early team communication, tracking approved mixes through construction, and the project exceeding Berkeley's 2019 building code amendment requiring 25% substitute cementitious materials, reaching 50-70% SCM content.

A comprehensive 2013 report from the California Department of Transportation documenting Caltrans' activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change impacts across the state transportation system. Covers emissions reduction strategies, infrastructure vulnerability assessment, adaptation planning, and integration of sustainability into agency operations. Provides broad policy context for California's approach to climate action in the built environment.

Published by the California Department of Transportation Division of Engineering Services in 2010, these guidelines provide comprehensive guidance for the design and inspection of Portland cement concrete used in Caltrans projects. Covers concrete mix design, supplementary cementitious materials, admixtures, quality assurance, and inspection procedures. Intended as a companion resource to Section 90 ("Portland Cement Concrete") of the Caltrans Standard Specifications.

This resource provides tips and inspiration for creating a strong contest entry, emphasizing the importance of sharing your personal “4Rs” story, planning sustainable artwork, and using research and past examples to guide your creative process.

In this activity, explore how the League of 4Rs Action Heroes takes action to practice the 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. Reflect on what actions you can take to stop waste!