NPCPA - Why Now?

The question of how NPCPA will function without duplicating the efforts of existing organizations has been asked by many in our industry. It is a great question and it really focuses on not only the "how?", but also the "why?" as well as the "why now?".

I agree that our industry organizations have been instrumental in the development and promotion of pervious concrete for the better part of this last decade. Nine years ago, ACI formed committee 522, which has produced both a Report and Specifications for pervious concrete. Five years ago, NRMCA adopted the role of trainer with the development of the craftsman certification program and the Association's National Resource Directors have taken the lead in national promotion through the National Accounts Program. Three years ago, ASTM formed the pervious concrete sub-committee for writing pervious concrete standards. In addition, PCA and ASCC, as well as many regional, state and local associations, groups, and individuals have supported and contributed their resources to promotion of pervious concrete.

It is undeniable that the cement/concrete industry is proud and supportive of its child, the "green sheep of the family". And coming from someone who has been involved with pervious concrete for more than 25 years, we have done an incredible job taking pervious concrete to its current level. We in the cement/concrete industry have always been aware of the financial benefits to our industry (e.g. cement companies sell more cement, concrete producers sell more concrete, concrete contractors install more concrete) so we have a vested interest in pervious concrete as a result. And, perhaps because of this interest, coupled with pervious concrete being non-proprietary, we as an industry feel that we "own" pervious concrete. However, I propose that we change this thinking.

Now, before there is a call to burn me at the stake as a heretic, please let me explain.

Through the efforts of those previously mentioned, we have long touted the environmental and financial benefits of pervious concrete to regulators, specifiers, designers, and owners. In fact, we have marketed pervious concrete as the pavement of choice for true sustainability and the market has responded, not only by accepting pervious concrete, but by producing “champions” that actively promote and campaign for “our product”. This begs the following questions:

1. Do the purchasers (or owners) of pervious concrete pavements have a vested interest in pervious concrete, as they are concerned with product quality as well as life cycle and maintenance?
2. Do the designers and specifiers of pervious concrete projects have a vested interest in pervious concrete, considering their reputation may be affected by the product’s success, or lack thereof?
3. Do the regulators who pass ordnances requiring use of pervious concrete have a vested interest in pervious concrete?

If, like me, you answer yes to these questions, you realize that pervious concrete really “belongs” to everyone that has this vested interest. And when we as an industry come to that realization and capitalize on it, just imagine what we can accomplish in promoting pervious concrete.

The designers and specifiers that have a voice in NPCPA will “champion” pervious concrete to their clients and among their industry leaders through groups like ASCE, AIA, ASLA and USGBC. The owners that have a voice in NPCPA will “champion” pervious concrete to their industry leaders through groups like RILA and NEWH. The regulators who have a voice in NPCPA will “champion” pervious concrete among their communities and to their peers through groups like APWA and AWSPS.

Any clear thinking business person would agree that this is a worthy aspiration. However, previously, we did not have an adequate vehicle to accomplish this goal. PCA, as a cement association, has no allowance for these “voices”. NRMCA, as the voice of ready mix producers, is also not fitted for these groups. Likewise, ASCC (contractors) and ACPA do not provide a place for association. In fact, we as an industry, primarily, only associate with our market “across the table”. As you may see, we have a missing piece in the pervious concrete puzzle.

NPCPA is uniquely shaped to fit in this puzzle, allowing us to develop and support champions outside our industry. Working alongside and in support of ACI, ACPA, ASCC, PCA, and NRMCA, NPCPA fills the gaps in our collective efforts in advancing pervious concrete. NPCPA provides a venue for interchange to all those vested in pervious concrete. As founding members of NPCPA, our existing industry associations will sit on the same side of the table with outside industry groups that are turning to pervious concrete to meet their sustainable goals.

Many today feel that the economy is on the upswing and will continue to improve. Now is the time to build these relationships, before the market gears up and is too busy to change its status quo. It is my hope that all those in the concrete industry will join NPCPA and will help build lasting relationships with the users of pervious concrete.