Discover the latest findings on how Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) wall systems meet NFPA 285 fire-safety standards. This new report, developed by Jensen Hughes for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and the Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association with support from the Concrete Advancement Foundation, details successful fire-testing results and engineering analyses that open new opportunities for safe, sustainable multi-story concrete construction. Read the full report.

When concrete is crushed at the end of a building’s life, it doesn’t stop storing carbon—it keeps capturing more. This new MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub research shows that finer crushed concrete particles can absorb up to 270% more carbon than coarser ones, leading to a 33% higher overall carbon uptake than current models estimate. The findings point to a more accurate and optimistic view of concrete’s role in carbon sequestration and lifecycle accounting. Read the research brief to explore how refined modeling improves carbon estimates for recycled concrete.

Discover how limited data doesn’t have to mean limited insights. In this latest interview with researcher Haoran Li from the MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub, you’ll learn how new approaches streamline life-cycle assessment (LCA) of pavements by focusing on the most influential variables. With up to 78 % of a pavement’s life-cycle impact coming from the use phase, these breakthroughs promise smarter, more sustainable roadway decisions. Read the full article.

A new study from the University of Oklahoma, funded by the Concrete Advancement Foundation, compares insulated concrete form (ICF) homes with traditional wood-framed construction. The findings reveal that while ICF houses cost roughly 20% more to build, they use up to 40% less electricity and maintain more stable indoor temperatures, leading to lower utility bills and greater comfort year-round. Discover how ICF delivers long-term savings, resilience, and sustainability advantages in modern homebuilding. Read the report to see how concrete walls outperform wood in energy, comfort, and cost efficiency.

Natural disasters could cost the U.S. nearly $40 billion annually by 2075, and weak construction is a key driver of the cost. The MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub argues that enforcing tougher building codes, using stronger materials, and offering incentives now can protect lives, homes and taxpayer dollars over the long term. Read the full article to see how smarter construction policy pays off for resilience, infrastructure and community wellbeing.

A new MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub study finds that fully loading ready mixed concrete (RMC) trucks can deliver major environmental and economic benefits. The research shows that carrying more concrete per trip can reduce fuel use by over 30% and cut delivery costs, without increasing pavement wear or infrastructure maintenance needs. This data-driven approach to truck weight policy could help the industry achieve greater efficiency and lower emissions. Read the full report.