Concrete Masonry Checkoff is Reimagining What’s Possible with Concrete Masonry Units

While concrete masonry units (CMU) are often praised for their strength, many of its economic and environmental benefits remain underutilized or overlooked altogether.

Last October, I spoke at the Code Council’s 2024 Annual Conference to share more about the Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) and how we’re working with architects, engineers and contractors to reimagine what’s possible with concrete masonry.

CMC shares in the Code Council’s vision to drive meaningful change through safe, affordable and sustainable structures, and CMUs can play a key role.

Building Beyond Minimum Standards

At the conference, my message was about going the extra mile. Enhanced building codes have saved countless lives – an obvious win – but we must also consider people’s livelihoods.

The economic, emotional and environmental toll tied to rebuilding any time disaster strikes is not sustainable. CMUs can largely prevent total-loss scenarios, keeping people safe and ensuring they have something to return to after a disaster strikes.

Consider these statistics:

• In 2023, the U.S. experienced 28 weather-related disasters exceeding $1 billion each in damages. (NOAA) 
• In 2022, wildfires destroyed nearly 2.7 million acres nationwide. (HHS.gov) 
• Nearly 50 percent of homes and businesses in the U.S. face extreme risks from hazards such as floods, wildfires and high winds. (Realtor.com) 
• Hurricanes have made landfall in 12 states since 2020. (NOAA)

One of the biggest misconceptions about CMU construction is that it comes with a hefty price tag. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety reports that achieving fortified home certification adds approximately three to 10 percent to construction costs compared to minimum code compliance—a small investment compared to the cost of rebuilding.

Similarly, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found that every dollar invested in resilient construction saves $13 in future damages, cleanup and economic losses.

How the Concrete Masonry Checkoff Empowers Designers

I also previewed some of our expanded digital capabilities that CMC will be rolling out in 2025. Chief among them is our Block Design Collective, a virtual destination where architects and engineers can access complimentary concrete masonry design services in four key areas:

1. Online Resources: Access an extensive library of technical documents, design tools, sample specifications, Revit plug-ins, software training and on-demand learning modules.
2. Technical Education: Enhance your understanding of concrete masonry through lunch-and-learns, webinars, “how-to” video shorts, plant tours and topic-specific presentations.
3. Cost & Concept Proposals: Collaborating with local producers and contractors, the CMC provides preliminary designs, cost estimates and scheduling support to evaluate whether concrete masonry aligns with your project goals.
4. Design Assistance: Benefit from free, localized support on code compliance, detailing, material specifications, structural design, fire ratings, acoustics and more. The CMC ensures responsive and reliable expertise tailored to your needs. 

Looking Ahead: Resilience Summit 2025

CMC has been working closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce to host a Resilience Summit in Washington, D.C. later in 2025. The goal of this event is to bring together stakeholders from across the built environment who want to see safer, more responsible construction become the norm.

Meaningful dialogue sets the stage for action, and we’re excited to collaborate with the Code Council and other key industry organizations to keep our communities safe and vibrant.

For more information about the Concrete Masonry Checkoff and its resources, visit beautyofblock.com. Code Council members can also follow The Beauty of Block on LinkedIn for updates on the Resilience Summit and other developments.