Definitions
Blended cement is a cement mix produced by a cement manufacturer in which a quantity of portland cement which would otherwise be present has been replaced by a quantity of SCMs.
A carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is the concentration of carbon dioxide that would cause the same amount of radiative forcing as a given mixture of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
A greenhouse gas offset (GHG offset) is the result of an action implemented to avoid, sequester or displace emissions of greenhouse gas. GHG offsets are measured in carbon dioxide equivalents.
Monitoring is defined as activities of collecting and recording data in accordance with the methodology contained within the Monitoring and Verification Plan that allow the assessment of the GHG offsets resulting from the Program.
Portland cement is cement which meets the specification set forth in ASTM C150-07 Standard Specification for portland cement, as developed and published by ASTM International.
A supplementary cementitious material (SCM) is a material that acts as a partial replacement for portland cement in blended cement and SCM concrete. SCMs eligible for use in this Program are:
- Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (‘slag’, ‘GGBFS’), ASTM C989 Grade 100 or 120
- Fly ash, ASTM C618
- Silica fume, ASTM C1240
- Rice hull ash
- Cement Kiln Dust (CKD)
SCM concrete is a concrete mix in which a quantity of portland cement which would otherwise be present has been replaced by SCMs resulting in a lower quantity of portland cement in the concrete mix than would otherwise have occurred.
A third-party verifier is an independent entity who audits the emission reductions quantified by reviewing documentation, calculations, and processes to ensure their validity and accuracy.
