Precast/prestressed concrete industry associations collaborate to advance the industry's interests Focus on environmental sustainability, training, and education PHOTO CREDIT: NPCA Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer The precast and prestressed concrete industry is adapt- ing and evolving to meet new industry demands and con- struction technologies, supported by associations working in uniquely collaborative partnerships. The industry is served by three key groups: The Cana- dian Precast Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI); the Na- tional Precast Concrete Association (NPCA); and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute. The NPCA is the largest of the groups with more than 1,000 members across North America. PCI has about 200 members and CPCI has just over 50 members but carries about 80 per cent of Canada's precast industry volume, says managing director Brian Hall. Hall says all of the associations work with infrastructure interests in Canada, undertaking research and develop- ment to support a commitment to public safety. “We have also set a goal to reduce our impact on the environment.” Hall says this is being targeted through a North Ameri- can Sustainable Plant Program that launched in 2012. He says all three associations are working to create a culture of sustainability, starting with lifecycle assessment pro- grams. These programs take place at two levels. “At the manu- facturer level we look at lifecycle and identify areas where processes have an impact on the environment. Then we look to mitigate and negate the impact on water use for instance or initiate higher levels for dust control and reduce our energy consumption.” The Canadian Design and Construction Report — July-August 2015 – 27