College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
4-2026
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Andrew Kline, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Concrete is essential to modern infrastructure, but is also one of the largest sources of embodied carbon, with cement production alone responsible for a significant share of global CO₂ emissions. Although low-carbon and otherwise “sustainable” concrete technologies are growing, their use in everyday projects remains limited. This research investigates why sustainable concrete options are most often dismissed during the project lifecycle, who drives these decisions, and what conditions are needed to enable broader adoption. Using a combination of literature review and semi-structured interviews with professionals in contracting, life-cycle assessment, sustainability consulting, and materials production, the study maps decision points from preconstruction through post-construction. Findings show that sustainable options are most effectively shaped in preconstruction and early design, but are frequently abandoned at the design-procurement interface due to cost pressures, perceived risk, and prescriptive specifications. The paper concludes with a practical framework for implementation and a description of an “ideal” sustainable concrete mix, along with the steps required to integrate it into routine industry practice.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/1024
Poster Board