A Proposed Evaluation Framework for New and Emerging LowEmbodied-Carbon Concrete Technologies

New opportunities for carbon reductionsin buildings create a strong need for a common framework and method for those who design, build and influence construction to evaluate lifecycle carbon reductionsfrom design decisions and technology choices.  These opportunities includeawide range of low-embodied-carbon concrete materials being rapidly developed and introduced tothe market.How toevaluatethese newer materials and technologies has become critical for both public-and private-sectoractors seekingto decarbonize building constructionsby leveragingthe InfrastructureInvestmentand Jobs Act (IIJA)andInflation Reduction Act (IRA)funds.We propose an evaluationframeworkto assess the lifecycle carbon reductionsfromadoptionof these technologies, includinga subset of key“must have”(1) technical criteria (embodied carbon level,technologydevelopment stage); (2) market criteria (market size, scalability); and (3) financial criteria (cost of technology implementation compared to business-as-usual)from a range of options. We discuss how to use the framework and illustrateit usinga “heatmap,” rating score and shortcase studyof apromising technology.We also propose a plan to implement this framework that includes (1) standardized measurement and validation methods for verifying emission reductions fromthese technologies, and (2) avenues to implement real world demonstrations. We conclude with recommendations for next steps on framework refinement and commercialization strategy development.