Notes/Preview
The contents of this course include four recorded presentations.
• What can Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) Do for You? by Phil Matisak, Master Builders Solutions
• Benchmarks and Thresholds – How To Use Each by Dirk Kestner, Walter P Moore
• How to Determine the CO2 Contribution from Your Concrete Mixes by Julie Buffenbarger, St. Marys Cement
• Project Level Carbon Budget by Claire Nowasell, Heidelberg Materials
INSTRUCTIONS: Study the materials included in this module. Then, complete and pass the corresponding 10-question quiz with a score of 80% or higher to receive a certificate for 0.15 CEU (equivalent to 1.5 PDH).
Continuing Education Credit: 0.15 CEU (1.5 PDH)
Approved AIA (LU/HSW) and ICC
Access Period: 180 days
Description
This module provides a practical framework for understanding and reducing the embodied carbon of concrete on real projects. Participants learn how to interpret Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), establish appropriate benchmarks and thresholds, and evaluate the CO₂ contributions of common concrete mixes. The course also demonstrates how to develop and apply a project-level carbon budget to guide decision-making. Together, these tools equip design teams to specify lower-carbon solutions while ensuring performance, durability, and constructability.
Document Details
Author: Matisak, Kestner, Buffenbarger, Nowasell
Publication Year: 2026
ISBN:
Categories: Buildings, Carbon Neutral, Definitions, Environmental, Sustainability
Formats: Online Learning
Table of Contents
Learning objectives:
1. Understand what EPDs show and how they help compare the carbon impact of materials.
2. Learn how to use benchmarks and thresholds to set realistic carbon goals for concrete.
3. Identify the main factors that affect the CO₂ of concrete mixes on a project.
4. Learn how a project-level carbon budget can guide decisions that support safe, durable, low-carbon design.
ERRATA INFO
Any applicable errata are included with individual documents at the time of purchase. Errata are not included for collections or sets of documents such as the ACI Collection. For a listing of and access to all product errata, visit the
Errata page.
Return/Exchange Policy
Printed / Hard Copy Products: The full and complete returned product will be accepted if returned within 60 days of receipt and in salable condition. A 20% service charge applies. Return shipping fees are the customer’s responsibility.
Electronic /Downloaded Products & Online Learning Courses: These items are not eligible for return.
Subscriptions These items are not eligible for return.
Exchanges: Contact ACI’s Customer Services Department for options (+1.248.848.3800 – ACICustomerService@concrete.org).
Quantity Discounts
This item qualifies for quantity discounts. Discounts are reflected in the shopping cart.
| Quantity |
Discount |
| 10 - 19
| 25% |
| 20 - 49
| 35% |
| 50+ copies
| 50% |