ACA Publishes Unified Product Category Rule for Cement and SCM EPDs

The American Cement Association announced a new Product Category Rule (PCR) that establishes a common framework for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) concerning cement and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). This unified framework consolidates three previous PCRs, aiming to streamline EPD development, remove duplication, and harmonize assessment and reporting methods. The scope covers various materials, including Portland and blended cements, and is intended for the US and Canadian markets, remaining valid until September 4, 2031.

The PCR sets standards for the life-cycle assessments underpinning EPDs, requiring producers to align on data quality, greenhouse gas reporting, and machine-readable formats. This standardization is intended to improve the consistency and transparency of embodied-carbon reporting as producers increase the use of SCMs in blended cements.