Sustainability at AVR

Concrete That’s Strong, Sustainable, and Built for the Future

Did you know that concrete can be strong, sustainable, and green? At AVR, we’re on a mission to deliver the highest quality concrete and aggregates while also committing to building a better future for everyone in Minnesota—and beyond. We use eco-friendly materials, more sustainable processes, and the most innovative technology in our products and services to reduce waste and minimize our environmental footprint—without compromising on performance.

Green, Sustainable Concrete Starts at the Source

We’re building a greener Minnesota with AVR concrete and pumping services, one pour at a time. By integrating green materials, resource-efficient systems, and eco-friendly technologies, we aim to reduce environmental impact while delivering top-tier concrete performance. Here’s how we do it:

Aerial view of sand and gravel processing facility with multiple conveyor belt systems, sorting equipment, and aggregate stockpiles for concrete production

Lower Emissions: Local Pit Advantage

Our not-so-secret sustainability cheat code? Local concrete and aggregate pits. Opting for local resources as close to job sites as possible means we dramatically minimize transport emissions while simultaneously supporting the regional economy. It’s greener, smarter, and keeps dollars circulating close to home—while letting the planet thrive.

Concrete bridge underpass with decorative stone masonry retaining walls, colored concrete pathway, and ornamental lighting in park-like setting

Sustainable Sources: Smarter Concrete Materials

Most companies cut corners and opt for the cheapest materials for a larger profit—without thinking about the economic impact or long-term costs. Here at AVR, we find the perfect balance between high-quality concrete and sustainable materials that are best for your project, best for the planet, and built to last.

AVR Sustainable Concrete Materials

AVR emphasizes the use of sustainable concrete materials to ensure we lower our emissions as much as possible while still providing the strength and resilience your concrete needs.

One of the largest contributors to concrete’s environmental impact is Portland cement. While incredibly effective, it’s also energy-intensive and carbon-heavy to produce. That’s why we use supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)—byproducts from other industrial processes that replace a part of cement in each mix while also improving concrete performance.

Here are the sustainable concrete materials we use:

Fly Ash

A byproduct of coal-fired power generation, fly ash can replace a significant portion of cement in concrete, reducing embodied carbon and improving workability, finishability, and long-term strength.

Slag Cement

Produced from steel manufacturing, slag cement is another high-performance SCM used in AVR mixes. When combined with Portland cement, slag reduces permeability and increases durability while significantly lowering the CO₂ emissions associated with cement content

Silica Fume

Collected during silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production, silica fume is an ultra-fine pozzolan that dramatically increases concrete density, compressive strength, and resistance to chloride penetration. We use silica fume strategically in high-performance and infrastructure applications, such as bridge decks and parking structures.

Natural Pozzolans & Future SCMs

As traditional SCM supplies shift, AVR is also evaluating and incorporating emerging green alternatives, including natural pozzolans, calcined clays, and reclaimed materials. These help future-proof concrete against material shortages while supporting sustainable development.

AVR’s Eco-Friendly Building Credentials

Our sustainability initiatives offer more than our eco-friendly ready mix—we’re also certified green building partners. We’re a trusted partner with projects. By choosing AVR, you’re choosing to build with purpose. Together, we can:

Choose eco-conscious materials
Utilize circular resource systems
Gain certified expertise
Achieve green building goals
Meet regulatory requirements

Our sustainability credentials include:

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
Highly energy-efficient systems for residential and commercial construction

High SCM Content Mixes
Customized blends that prioritize sustainability without sacrificing performance
Closed-Loop Truck Washouts
AVR’s concrete plants recover water and aggregate from returned concrete, reducing waste and conserving water
Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA)
Produced by crushing and screening old concrete, reclaiming both coarse and fine aggregates for reuse in new construction

Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)

Transparency is key to true sustainability. At AVR, we provide Environmental Product Declarations (EDPs) for specific plants and mixes, so project teams can make more informed, sustainable material choices.

What is an EPD?

An EPD is a third-party verified document with confirmed data on the environmental impact of a specific concrete mix—including its embodied carbon, resource use, and lifecycle emissions. With EPDs, specifiers and project teams can make informed decisions to:

Select lower-carbon materials
Align with green building standards
Support climate action goals with real data

EPDs not only promote accountability but also encourage innovation in mix design and material sourcing to produce more sustainable concrete.

Why Do EPDs Matter in Concrete?

Concrete sustainability is increasingly important as the construction industry works to reduce its environmental footprint, and EPDs help to shift that transparency into an industry effort. In the concrete industry, EPDs help:

Enhance Transparency
Promotes responsible, data-driven building practices

Compare Materials
Evaluate and select lower-carbon alternatives

Drive Innovation
Encourages continuous improvement in sourcing and mix design

We provide plant and mix-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in accordance with strict international standards certified by ASTM.

Request an EPD

Build Green with Sustainable Concrete Standards

Sustainable construction starts ASAP. The earlier you discuss project specs and sustainability targets, the better—especially with material suppliers. Are you ready to minimize embodied carbon and meet green building goals? Contact our team at AVR today to start exploring sustainable concrete options, access certifications, and request EPD documentation for your next project.