NRMCA Joins NEx as Allied Organization Continuing Focus on Resilience and Sustainability through Nonmetallic Construction Materials
Alexandria, VA – January 30, 2023
The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association is now an allied organization of NEx: An American Concrete Institute (ACI) Center of Excellence that collaborates on education and research on the use of nonmetallic materials in building construction and their adoption in codes and standards. A signing ceremony was held at NRMCA headquarters in Alexandria, VA, on January 9 that was attended by NRMCA President Michael Philipps, NRMCA Chief Operating Officer Nicole Maher, NRMCA Senior Vice President, Codes and Standards, Shamim Rashid-Sumar, NEx Executive Director Dr. Jerzy Z. Zemajtis and ACI/Aramco Liaison Director Gusai AlAithan.
The use of nonmetallic materials for building construction in various industries provides an opportunity to improve sustainability, durability and resilience of structures as well as reduce corrosion, weight and lifecycle costs. Corrosion is a major threat for some construction materials and utilization of nonmetallic materials in many applications will help to extend life safety.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) and Aramco announced the launch of Nex in April 2021. The organization aims to collaborate globally to drive research, education, awareness and adoption of nonmetallic materials and technology in the built environment. Additional core activities include technology acceleration, coordination with ACI committees, technology transfer and professional development, and technology assessment and validation.
NRMCA has advocated for resilience through the Build With Strength coalition and building and fire codes and standards development and has worked toward carbon neutrality through numerous sustainability initiatives. These initiatives include education on embodied carbon quantification and reduction, advocacy for whole building life cycle assessment and execution of NRMCA’s Environmental Production Declaration (EPD) verification program.
“NEx envisions the advancement of non-metallic materials and technology in construction will reduce the global carbon footprint of the construction industry,” said NEx Executive Director Jerzy Zemajtis. “We welcome NRMCA as a new allied organization member and look forward to collaborating on research and advancement of innovative and sustainable technologies related to nonmetallic materials and their adoption in codes and standards.”
“As an industry leader, NRMCA is uniquely positioned to influence the design and construction community to reduce reliance on nonmetallic materials,” added Shamim Rashid-Sumar, NRMCA senior vice president, codes and standards. “We look forward to collaborating with NEx to continue to advocate for resilience and sustainability in the built environment.”