Over the years, it has brought to market many inno- vations, including:the first water reducer, the first accel- erator, the first high-range water reducer, the first mid-range water reducer, and the first hydration-control admixture to the market. “In 1997 we introduced SCC (self-consolidating concrete) in 1997, Green Sense Con- crete followed in 2008 and we were the first to provide Eco-Efficiency Analysis/Life-Cycle Assessment service to our customers in 2009.” So far in 2014, BASF has introduced the first Crack- Reducing Admixture (CRA) as well as the first freeze/thaw durability admixture that is based on micros- pheres rather than air-entrainment. BASF products have been used in many notable proj- ects including the World Trade Center, (transportation hub, both reflection memorial pools, and so far Tower 1 and Tower 2 in NYC); the Perot Museum in Dallas, TX; and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH. Membership in and involvement with various associ- ations and institutes keeps BASF in tune with what in- dustry wants and needs. Kruse is personally a member of the board of directors with PCI (Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute), and a former member of the boardof directors ofCPCI (Canadian Precast/Prestressed Con- crete Institute). He is a Fellow of both organizations, and he is also active with NPCA (National Precast Concrete Association) and ACI (American Concrete Institute). Kruse says the company has also been the first to de- liver an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) service to its customers. “LEED v4 is coming and it’s going to make it more difficult for people to provide the detailed information it requires. We take on that work for our clients and can produce EPDs for them within weeks, eliminating that burden from their workload.” Providing LEED reporting is just one way BASF sup- ports the industry. Kruse says the company is a proud founding member of The Sustainability Consortium. TSC includes more than 90 global members “that work collaboratively to build a scientific foundation that drives innovation to improve consumer product sustain- ability through transparent methodologies, tools, and strategies to drive a new generation of products and supply networks that address environmental, social, and economic imperatives.” Kruse says BASF is proud to be a key player in the construction industry and is committed to providing con- tinued development and innovation. For more information on BASF, visit www.master-builders-solutions.basf.us. The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Summer 2014 – 23