Program Highlights Excellence in Construction Projects that Used Lower-Carbon Cement

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 18, 2026) — The American Cement Association (ACA) is proud to announce the ACA Blended Cement Awards program. This new initiative will recognize exceptional construction projects that demonstrate leadership in concrete performance, innovation, and sustainability through the use of blended cement.

These lower-carbon cements are now the material of choice in the U.S. by a ratio of nearly 2 to 1. In 2025, approximately 65 million metric tons of blended cement were consumed, compared to 35 million metric tons of portland or traditional cement. The growth in blended cements has been on an accelerated trajectory. They accounted for a mere 5% of the U.S. cement market in 2021 and just three years later, were the dominant cement used in America.

“Blended cements have surged in use in recent years for good reason,” said Diane Tomb, ACA President and CEO. “They have been tested time and time again and shown consistently to help create strong, reliable concrete structures while reducing projects’ overall carbon footprint.

“By recognizing these outstanding projects, we are spotlighting the innovation, leadership and collaboration required to build more sustainably.”

Project teams using blended cements to construct durable, high-performing structures that were completed in the year 2024, 2025 or 2026, are encouraged to enter their projects in the program. All projects will be evaluated in the areas of concrete mixture optimization, project execution, sustainability achievements, and overall industry contribution.

Five judges selected for their areas of expertise in the broader cement and concrete industry will select award winners in the categories of portland-limestone cement (Type IL), portland-slag cement (Type IS), portland-pozzolan cement (type IP), and ternary cement (Type IT). The cement for the project must have been provided by an ACA member company.

Award entries can be submitted online until the deadline of Friday, August 7, 2026. The number of finalists and winners will be determined based on the number of submissions received.