NEU presents Validation and Verification Program during the Construction Materials Carbon Progress Summit

NEU: An ACI Center of Excellence for Carbon Neutral Concrete joined leading organizations from the cement, concrete, and steel industries during the 2025 Construction Materials Carbon Progress Summit to convene and document emissions avoidance and reduction measures, lowering embodied carbon metrics in nonresidential and infrastructure construction. Presented by Concrete Products, Cement Optimized, and Climate Earth, the December 4, 2025, event also included experts from the American Cement Association (ACA), the American Coal Ash Association (ACAA), the Natural Pozzolan Association (NPA), Heidelberg Materials (representing the Slag Cement industry), the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), and the Global Steel Climate Council (GSCC). 

The Summit provided an opportunity for each organization to report on the progress toward carbon neutrality they have noted in their area and among their members. Along with this overview of the market, the meeting created an opportunity to discuss how to ensure that materials and technologies will deliver the necessary carbon reduction. 

With the increasing number of product manufacturers and technology development companies making claims to position themselves and their products and/or technologies as viable solutions to reduce carbon emissions in the built environment, it is essential that these products and/or technologies are vetted and assessed for their efficacy. NEU’s Validation/Verification Program provides third-party validation or verification of the environmental claims for both existing and innovative new products/technologies associated with low-carbon cement, concrete, and concrete products, in accordance with international standards. The process is conducted impartially by subject matter experts (SME) based on internationally accepted ISO standards.  

“Reduced-carbon concrete isn’t just an innovation, it is an essential step toward a more responsible built environment,” said Kerry Sutton, executive director, NEU. “At NEU, our mission is to equip the industry with the knowledge, tools, and pathways needed to reduce embodied carbon without compromising performance or constructability. NEU delivers trusted, proven processes for validating and verifying carbon-reduction claims, helping the industry meet environmental goals with confidence and credibility.”  

If you’re interested in learning about the program procedures or applying, visit the NEU website for more information.