Concrete Sector Information
Overview
The Concrete manufacturing sector is comprised of companies operating plants that mix cement with water, sand, aggregates, and other materials to make concrete products. There are several types of concrete manufacturing plants, which include:
- Ready-Mixed Concrete Manufacturing (NAICS 327320)
- Concrete Block and Brick Manufacturing (NAICS 327331)
- Concrete Pipe Manufacturing (NAICS 327332)
- Other Concrete Product Manufacturing (NAICS 327390)
Ready-mix concrete plants are found through out the the U.S. and produce products for concrete mixing truck. In 2022, there were over 1300 concrete manufacturing plants in the U.S.
Basic EPA Regulatory Information
EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are the federal agencies primarily responsible for environmental, health, and safety regulations in the concrete sector. State environmental agencies and local government also regulate the concrete sector and requirements can vary based on location. The following links are intended to help Smart Sectors partners and the public learn more about how EPA works with the concrete sector.
- Industrial Stormwater Fact Sheet - Sector E: Glass, Clay, Cement, Concrete, and Gypsum plants (PDF)
- Stormwater Best Management Practices - Concrete Washout (PDF)
- National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
- Clean Air Act Minor New Source Review Basic Information
- Stormwater best management practices
- AirKnowledge Aggregate, Asphalt, & Concrete Batching Operations Training Materials
- Helpful procurement guidelines for sustainable materials management
EPA Resources
- ENERGY STAR Focus on Energy Efficiency in Ready Mix Concrete Manufacturing — ENERGY STAR is an EPA voluntary program that saves businesses and consumers energy and money.
- SmartWay Transport — EPA's SmartWay Transport program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking and improving freight transportation efficiency. Any company or organization that ships, manages or hauls freight in its operations can become an EPA SmartWay Partner.
- Sustainable Materials Management Prioritization Tools — Free, life cycle-based tools that offer a starting place to establish priorities for environmental improvement, focus limited financial and human resources where action could offer greater holistic benefit, and consider key industries for collaboration.