NEU, RAF sign MOU to drive resiliency, sustainability throughout the global built environment

NEU: An ACI Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete (NEU) and the Resilience Action Fund (RAF) today announced the two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) documenting a shared commitment to advancing the adoption of resilient construction practices that will enhance the service life of structures that include concrete or potentially increase the use of concrete in the new and/or existing built environment.

NEU and RAF staff will work together to develop and implement mutually acceptable procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance with the intent of this MOU in establishing any joint activities. Specifically, NEU and RAF will identify opportunities for the construction industry on the principles and economics of resilient practices followed by organizations such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and others. Both organizations will also expand national and international messaging to increase engagement on the resilience and sustainability of concrete structures.

“NEU is excited to enter this agreement with the Resilience Action Fund, as NEU and its staff have been charged with helping deliver the American Concrete Institute’s strategic goal of advancing resiliency and sustainability,” said Kerry Sutton, executive director, NEU. “By working with RAF, we will support our stakeholders in achieving resiliency and sustainability while continuing to be responsible stewards of our world to benefit future generations.”

To learn more about NEU, its Members, and its Allied Organizations, visit neuconcrete.org.

About the American Concrete Institute:

The American Concrete Institute (ACI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the leading global authority for the development, dissemination, and adoption of its consensus-based standards, technical resources, and educational, training, and certification programs. Founded in 1904, ACI is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, with a regional office in Dubai, UAE, and Resource Centers located in Southern California, the Midwest (Chicago, IL area), and the Mid-Atlantic (Baltimore, MD area). ACI has more than 90 chapters, more than 350 student chapters, and approximately 40,000 members spanning more than 120 countries. The American Concrete Institute – Always advancing®. Visit concrete.org for additional information.

About NEU: An ACI Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete:

NEU: An ACI Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete, was established in 2022 by the American Concrete Institute. The Center, based at ACI World Headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, USA, leads the global concrete industry in advancing low-carbon and sustainable concrete technologies, empowering all stakeholders to create a resilient built environment, and leverages ACI’s role as a world-leading authority and resource for the development, dissemination, and adoption of consensus-based standards for concrete design, construction and materials. The Center’s membership is open to government agencies, industries, technical societies, standard bodies, manufacturers, contractors, and professionals. To learn more, visit neuconcrete.org

About Resilience Action Fund :

Resilience Action Fund (RAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2015, whose mission is to empower people with the knowledge and tools for long-lasting homes and communities. This aligns with the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction: 2015-2030, signed by 187 countries in 2015. RAF believes that resilient development practices are a critical and often missing piece of green and sustainable building programs. It has created a library of materials and tools around resilient construction practices and development policies, including the books Resilience – The Ultimate Sustainability and ResilieNomics. RAF has been the lead technical advisor to IFC’s Building Resilience Index. It coordinates with international institutions, universities, public-interest entities, insurance organizations, corporations, and grassroots groups to promote more resilient building policies and practices through public awareness, research, and education. For more information, visit www.buildingresilient.com.