3/3/2025

Sustainability Appendix of ACI 318-25 – Overview

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appropriate application of the information.
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WEBINAR 4

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Sustainability Appendix of ACI 318-25 – Overview

Description:
The Sustainability Appendix of ACI Code 318-25 presents essential guidance for promoting longevity
and environmental stewardship in concrete construction projects. The session outlining provisions for
incorporating sustainable practices and materials into the design and construction process, this
appendix serves as a valuable resource for engineers, architects, and contractors seeking to
minimize the environmental impact of their work. It addresses key areas such as material selection
and durability, providing practical recommendations that align with current sustainability standards
and best practices.

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Sustainability Appendix of ACI 318-25 – Overview

Learning Objectives:
• Explain the role of sustainability, resilience and carbon neutrality in
concrete design and construction.
• Apply key provisions in the sustainability appendix N of ACI 318-25
that promote sustainable materials and practices.
• Identify how the concrete industry can contribute to sustainability.
• Explore ACI’s contribution to the sustainability and resilience of
concrete construction.

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Khaled Nahlawi, PhD, P.E.

Distinguished Engineer, American Concrete Institute

Khaled Nahlawi is a Distinguished Engineer at the American Concrete Institute (ACI),

Farmington Hills, MI, USA. His role at ACI is to provide technical and administrative
support to ACI’s technical committees and communicate the work of these committees
to other standards developing organizations and regulatory agencies. He joined ACI in
2009 as a Senior Engineer and, among other duties, has supported the reorganization
effort of ACI 318.
He is the author of ACI MNL-17(21), ACI Reinforced Concrete Design Handbook;
MNL-3(20), Guide to the Code for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing
Concrete Structures; and MNL-66(20), ACI Detailing Manual.
He is the Secretary of the ACI Technical Activities Committee Subcommittee TAC
Repair and Rehabilitation, and ACI Committee 562, Evaluation, Repair and
Rehabilitation of Concrete Structures. He received his PhD from the University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. He has over 25 years of experience in the design and
strengthening of structures. He is a licensed professional engineer in California and
Michigan.

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Sustainability Appendix of ACI 318-25 – Overview

Khaled Nahlawi, PhD, PE
American Concrete Institute
March 4, 2025

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Sustainability Appendix of ACI 318-25 – Overview

Khaled Nahlawi, PhD, PE

ACI 318-25 Appendix C

Sustainability and Resilience

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Learning Objectives

• Understand the concepts of sustainability and

resilience in the context of the concrete industry
• Know ways the concrete industry can contribute to
sustainability
• Recognize ACI’s contribution to the sustainability and
resilience of concrete construction

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Overview
Carbon emissions
cement
concrete
The bigger picture
21st century concrete
Introduction to 318 Appendix C:
Sustainability and Resilience
overview
resources

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Making cement

• PC is made from burning

limestone at 1260o C to 1650o C
and ground to cement powder
• Carbon emissions arise from fossil
fuel and the calcining reaction
(CaCO3 → CaO + CO2)
• Carbon release: 1 ton of PC
produces roughly 1 ton of CO2,eq
emissions Source: Ashby and Vakhitova

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40% increase in
atmospheric CO2
from 1880 to 2021

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Environmental impacts of Concrete Construction

Concrete is constructed using

cement mixed with aggregate. That
process releases nearly no carbon
emissions, the cement is the true
problem when it comes to carbon
footprint. The cement process is the
sole reason why the concrete
industry makes up 8% of overall
global emissions. Source: Keegan Ramsden

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Advantages of concrete structures from sustainability pointview

Concrete is an ideal material for design and construction

of sustainable and resilient structures. Advantages from
sustainability and resilience viewpoints:
• Structural safety, high resistance to hazards
• Serviceability
• Durability, low maintenance requirements
• High thermal mass of concrete
• Acoustic properties
• High fire resistance of concrete structures
• Flexibility

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Benefits of concrete

Benefits of concrete provide:

• Safe and affordable infrastructure
• Flexibility to be used for various purposes: such as for schools,
hospitals, public buildings, marine, infrastructure for transportation, …
• Helps boost the construction industry and overall economy
• Helps inspire new designs for modern buildings and infrastructure

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Overview
Carbon emissions
cement
concrete
The bigger picture
21st century concrete
Introduction to 318 Appendix C:
Sustainability and Resilience
overview
resources

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Concrete in the 21st century

Concrete construction in the 21st century will be driven by durability

in addition to strength and serviceability
• Increasing carbon emissions
• Global warming 
• A credible threat of climate change
Sustainable economic development cannot occur w/o reducing
wasteful consumption of natural resources

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Sustainability in construction

Options for reducing emissions from

cement production:

• Minimizing extraction of raw materials

• The use of biomass for heating
• Replacing some of PC with SCM
• Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
• Develop new cement formulations with
lower energy and carbon footprint – MgO Source: Indiana Office
of Energy Development
cement
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SCM and PC

• Supply and demand of commonly used SCMs and PC

Source: Embodied Carbon Arup 5 June 2023

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Building codes

Structural building codes have

been viewed as pertaining only
to the regulation of structural
engineering practice

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Overview
Carbon emissions
cement
concrete
The bigger picture
21st century concrete
sustainable concrete
Introduction to 318 Appendix C:
Sustainability and Resilience
overview
resources

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Origins of the ACI 318 Building Code

• The first ACI Building Code

was published in 1910

• Since 1910 there have been

23 editions of the ACI 318
Building Code

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Why Do We Change ACI 318?

• Reflects new research

• Construction practices change
• Sometimes tragic events provide introspect
• Earthquakes or other natural disasters
• Collapses or construction accidents
• Observed in-service performance
• New materials
• Or better ways of making established
materials
• Environmental issues
Source: Wecker, ETH 2023

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Sustainability Introduction in ACI 318-14

• Until the 2014 edition, no sustainability provisions

• In ACI 318-14, Section 4.9 – Sustainability
4.9.1 The licensed design professional shall be permitted to specify in
the construction documents sustainability requirements in addition to
strength, serviceability, and durability requirements of this Code.
4.9.2 The strength, serviceability, and durability requirements of this
Code shall take precedence over sustainability considerations.

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Sustainability Provisions in ACI 318-19

• Provision 4.9 did not change from

ACI 318-14
26.4.1.1.1 Compliance requirements:
(a) Cementitious materials shall conform to
the specifications in Table 26.4.1.1.1(a),
except as permitted in 26.4.1.1.1(b).
(b) Alternative cements shall be permitted if
approved by the licensed design
professional and the building official.

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Appendix C

C.2 – Scope

C.3 – Evaluation of Sustainability of Structural Systems

C.4 – Structural System Sustainability – Resilience

C.5 – Concrete Mixture Sustainability Measurements Metrics

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ACI 318-25 – Appendix C – Sustainability and

Resilience

SCOPE:

C.2.1 This appendix provides

requirements for the sustainable (ACI 318-25)

design and resilient design of

structures when required by the (ACI 318R-25)

owner or the AHJ

- 25
C.2.2 The requirements of
Appendix C shall be in addition to
those in Chapters 1 through 26

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Scope

C.2.3 If the provisions of

Appendix C are incorporated in a
design, LDP must identify and
state the applicable sustainability
and resilience requirements in the
construction documents.

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Specifications

Owner establishes EC
goals
Sustainability
consultant

Estimates of Define total GWP

material threshold for each major
quantities bldg. component

Sustainability
specifications
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ACI 318 Definitions

sustainable design – a design

process that considers the
balance among social,
economic, and environmental
principles from the Work’s
conception through the end of
its service life.

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ACI 318 Definitions

resilient design – design process

that anticipates, addresses, and
mitigates risks associated with
known natural or human-caused
hazards by balancing,
construction cost, material
consumption, recovery of
functionality, and potential
financial loss should a particular
hazard event occur. An ability to recover from or adjust easily to
adversity or change

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Resilient design

The design of resilient concrete structural systems includes:

• Assessing the importance of the structure
• Evaluating the hazards to which the structure may be exposed
• Assessing the vulnerability and sensitivity of the structure to
damage
• Assessing the consequences of damage
• Evaluating the interdependent effects of the structure on other
physical and social systems

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Resilience and Sustainability

sustainability gained during the initial
build is not lost after an extreme event

Ex: solar with storage

Sustainable Resilient
Ex: concrete structure
Ex: recycled
renewablematerial
energy fnd, slab, col.,

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Definitions

Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment

(WBLCA) – life cycle assessment (LCA)
of the complete building
Key components of a WBLCA
1. Embodied carbon analysis
2. Operational carbon analysis
3. Material reuse and recycling potential Source: Understanding the 2022 CAL Green Intervening Code: Effective July ‘24

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Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA)

The WBLCA generally involves

several key stages:

1. Material extraction and

production
2. Construction
3. Operation and maintenance
4. Renovation
5. Demolition and disposal

Source: www.archdaily.com/995421/understanding-whole-
building-life-cycle-assessment-for-a-better-architecture

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Appendix C

• C.2 – Scope

• C.3 – Evaluation of Sustainability of Structural Systems

• C.4 – Structural System Sustainability – Resilience

• C.5 – Concrete Mixture Sustainability Measurements Metrics

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Evaluation of Sustainability of
Structural Concrete Systems
C.3.1 Compare relative
sustainability of different structural
systems. The assessment is
deemed to be satisfied by (a) and
(b).
(a) The quantification is part of a
WBLCA conducted per ASTM
E2921.

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Evaluation of Sustainability of Structural Concrete Systems

C3.1(b) The WBLCA must include:

1) Environmental impact categories (ISO
21930) must include GWP, acidification
potential, eutrophication potential, ozone
depletion potential, and smog potential
2) The LC inventory categories must include
water consumption, solid waste, total
energy demand, and total nonrenewable
energy demand.
3) It is permitted to include operational
energy in the WBLCA

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Appendix C

C.2 – Scope

C.3 – Evaluation of Sustainability of Structural Systems

C.4 – Structural System Sustainability – Resilience

C.5 – Concrete Mixture Sustainability Measurements Metrics

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Resilience

C.4.2 The design of the concrete structural system and the

elements must consider resilience for appropriate hazards per
(a) through (e):
(a) intended use of the structure
(b) risks associated with geographic location
(c) consequences of damage or loss of use
(d) tolerance of the owner for varying levels of damage or loss
(e) associated time required to recover from a damaged state

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Resilience

Guidance for determining hazards:

• Fortified Commercial Wind Standards
• RELi rating system adopted by the U.S. Green Building Council
• U.S Resilience Council
• NIST Special Publication 1190
• FEMA
• NOAA
• USGS

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Resilience

C.4.3 The required levels of

performance above the
minimum requirements of this
Code shall be included in the
construction documents.

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Appendix C

C.2 – Scope

C.3 – Evaluation of Sustainability of Structural Systems

C.4 – Structural System Sustainability – Resilience

C.5 – Concrete Mixture Sustainability Measurements Metrics

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C.5 Concrete Mixtures

C.5.1 Design metrics used to specify

sustainable design must account for:

• Local availability of sustainability data

• Sustainable design goals for the Work

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C.5 Concrete Mixtures

Strategies for developing concrete mixtures that meet the Work’s

sustainability requirements include, but are not limited to:
• Use blended cement
• Use supplementary cementitious materials
• Maximization of cement efficiency
• Specifying a later age at which design strength is required
• Use of performance-based (Refer to ACI 329R)
• Use of admixtures
• Use of lower carbon processes for material production
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C.5 Concrete Mixtures

C5.1.2 Concrete producers need to show they are improving their

environmental impact, but only by comparing their own products—not
competing with others.
1. Prove they are reducing environmental impact
2. How to Compare Producers need to show they're
improving their environmental impact,
3. Meeting Project Requirements
but only by comparing their own
4. Clear Testing Method products—not competing with others.

5. No Cross-Producer Comparisons

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C.5 Concrete Mixtures

C.5.1.3 Other ways to make

construction more eco-friendly:
• More sustainability goals
• Setting limits
• Helpful standards (ISO 14044, EPDs)

Sustainability isn't just about

pollution; it can also mean using less
energy, water, or non-renewable
materials Skocek et al. 2024. "Recycled Sand and Aggregates for Structural Concrete: Toward the
Industrial Production of High-Quality Recycled Materials with Low Water
Absorption" Sustainability 16, no. 2: 814. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020814

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Concrete meets specific GWP limits

C5.2.1 Concrete must meet specific

pollution limits (GWP) based on its
type and size.
• Stay Within the Limits
• Using a Benchmark: If the limit is
based on a standard benchmark,
that benchmark is defined in an
industry regional, or local average
The limits should be practical
based on what local suppliers
can provide.

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C.5 Concrete Mixtures

C.5.2.1.1 Concrete mixes can go over the pollution (GWP) limit to:
• Make construction easier
• Meet early strength requirements
• Satisfy other specific needs
However: Total pollution for all concrete in project must stay within overall
project limit
How the Limit is Set: Overall limit is calculated by multiplying the volume
of each concrete type by its pollution limit, then adding those together
Some flexibility is allowed for individual mixes,
but the entire project must stay eco-friendly
overall
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GWP documentation

C.5.3.1 GWP values for concrete mixtures shall be documented in

one of the following:
(a) an independently verified life cycle assessment (LCA) report
(b) an independently verified product-specific environmental
declaration (EPD)
(c) an independently verified LCA tool.

LCA reports, EPDs, and LCA tools shall conform to ISO 14044 and
the relevant product category rule that conforms to ISO 21930.
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C.5 Concrete Mixtures

C.5.4.1 The GWP benchmark

shall be defined in terms of an
industry, regional, or local
average. The GWP for this
benchmark shall be documented
as defined in C.5.3.

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Advantages of a sustainable concrete mixture

• Lower environmental impact: Sustainable concrete mixes

contribute to reduced CO2 emissions and resource consumption,
promoting eco-friendly construction.
• Enhanced durability: Many alternative materials, such as fly ash
and slag, can improve the durability and longevity of concrete
structures.
• Waste reduction: Using industrial by-products in concrete mixes
helps to divert waste from landfills and promote recycling.

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Disadvantages of a sustainable concrete mixture

• Availability: Some alternative materials may not be readily

available in certain regions, which can limit the adoption of
sustainable concrete mixes.
• Cost: Although the long-term benefits of using sustainable
concrete mixes can offset initial costs, some projects may
experience higher upfront expenses.
• Learning curve: The use of new materials and techniques may
require additional training and expertise to ensure optimal
performance.

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Summary

• Reducing CO2 emissions from the cement and concrete

industry is critical but is only one slice of the bigger
sustainable and resilient concrete picture
• The sustainability movement is here to stay
• Resilience is critical for long-term stability
• ACI is committed to the sustainability and resilience of
concrete construction – ACI 318, ACI 323, ACI 130

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ACI 323 – Low Carbon Concrete Code Requirements and

Commentary
Scope
A reference in a:
• building or structural design code
• design and construction standard,
rule, or regulation
• a sustainable construction code
• code, standard, rule, or regulation
• governing the global warming
potential (GWP) of materials
• construction documents
A stand-alone code governing the
GWP of concrete

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ACI 323 – Low-Carbon Concrete—Code Requirements and

Commentary

Purpose:
1.3.1 The purpose of this Code is to provide requirements for
limiting the maximum GWP of concrete used on a project.

1.3.3 This Code does not address strength, stability, serviceability,

durability, and integrity of concrete structures and is not intended
for use where compliance will compromise the required strength,
…, or integrity of the concrete structure.

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Sustainable Concrete Resources

Neuconcrete.org

The Sustainable
Concrete Guide:

Carbon Neutral
Materials and
Technologies

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In conclusion, …

The development and adoption of sustainable concrete mixtures are vital

for the construction industry's future and success:
• Help mitigate the environmental impact of concrete production
• Challenges may arise in terms of material availability, cost, and the
learning curve associated with new technologies
• Long-term benefits of using low carbon concrete mixtures and other
sustainable alternatives and methods are undeniable

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Thank you
For the most up-to-date information please
visit the American Concrete Institute at:
www.concrete.org

ACI 318-25 Appendix C

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Questions?

Sustainability Appendix of ACI 318-25 – Overview

This webinar is sponsored by the American Concrete Institute (ACI).
Thank you to our presenter: Khaled Nahlawi
Please use the question feature to submit your questions.
To earn continuing education for this webinar go to www.ACIUniversity.com.

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April Emerging Approaches for Reducing Concrete CO2 Emissions Using Novel
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