Mid-cycle update to asphalt mixture PCR strengthens transparency and industry standards
The National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), acting as the program operator for the North American Product Category Rules (PCR) for Asphalt Mixtures, issued a mid-cycle update to the PCR (Version 2.1), effective April 1, 2026.
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PCR for Asphalt Mixtures: Version 2.1 |
| Effective Date: April 1, 2026 |
| Expiration Date: All valid EPDs are extended to September 30, 2027 |
| Version 2.0 to 2.1 Transition: Valid Emerald Eco-Label EPDs will be updated automatically |
| Geographic Expansion: Now includes Mexico along with the USA and Canada |
This strategic update follows a comprehensive review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under its Construction Materials Opportunities to Reduce Emissions (C-MORE) program. EPA’s review confirmed that NAPA’s PCR passed all Baseline Criteria for the C-MORE program.
This proactive alignment with state-level legislative initiatives, such as Buy Clean, ensures that the PCR for Asphalt Mixtures incorporates best practices and that Emerald Eco-Label licensees are well-positioned for current procurement requirements across 17 states and in the private market.
The revisions underscore NAPA’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and reliability for environmental product declarations (EPDs). By proactively addressing EPA feedback, NAPA ensures that asphalt mixture EPDs remain the gold standard for decision-makers seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects.
Enhancing Transparency and Industry Alignment
The transition to PCR Version 2.1 focuses on clarifying the underlying processes and definitions that govern asphalt mixture EPDs. Key updates include:
- Standardized Definitions: Definitions are updated to align with the ACLCA PCR Open Standard, providing greater exactness in how data specificity and EPD types are communicated throughout the supply chain.
- Expanded Geographic Scope: Mexico is now included in the PCR for Asphalt Mixtures, following the same successful path used for Canada, thus creating a more unified North American standard.
- Rigorous Reviewer Standards: Like prior versions, the PCR was reviewed by an independent third-party panel of experts including pavement academics and LCA practitioners, meeting strict requirements that ensure impartial verification.
- Methodological Consistency: The updates in Version 2.1 do not change calculation methods or impact indicators; they are designed to improve clarity and documentation rather than altering the core data.
Minimal Impact, Maximum Confidence for Licensees
NAPA has taken steps to ensure this mid-cycle update is seamless for current licensees of the Emerald Eco-Label EPD-generating software. To maintain continuity, NAPA will automatically update all valid EPDs within Emerald Eco-Label to reflect Version 2.1.
“Version 2.1 provides asphalt EPD users with robust, transparent tools to lead the transition to sustainably designed and constructed pavements,” said NAPA’s Amlan Mukherjee, Senior Director, Sustainability & Intelligent Construction.
“Our goal is to provide the marketplace with absolute confidence in the integrity of our data while we look toward the next generation of standards,” he added. “These updates underscore our commitment to transparency and ensuring a sound underlying processes.”
Six-Month Extension on Validity
In conjunction with this update, NAPA is extending the validity date of the current PCR and all valid EPDs by six months. The new expiration date is September 30, 2027, providing a stable transition period as the industry prepares for the launch of Version 3.0.
“For decision-makers relying on asphalt EPDs, there is no substantive difference between Versions 2.0 and 2.1, and they can be used interchangeably,” Mukherjee said.
The Leaders in Sustainable Paving
NAPA’s member-driven volunteer leadership and staff remain committed to sustainability initiatives that drive good business, affirm common sense guidelines, and use resources responsibly. As leaders in these sustainability practices, the asphalt pavement industry continues to advance programs like the PCR for Asphalt Mixtures and The Road Forward, the industry’s commitment to net zero asphalt pavement production and construction by 2050. NAPA members can license Emerald Eco-Label at a 50 percent discount to create fully validated EPDs, optimize operations, and secure their data to protect competitiveness and intellectual property.
To review the updated program documents, visit AsphaltPavement.org/EPD.
Acknowledgements
NAPA thanks the PCR Committee Members who supported this mid-stream update.
- Noah Shaltes, PCR Committee Chair – Lindy Paving
- Milad Ashtiani – University of Washington/Carbon Leadership Forum
- Chait Bhat – Asphalt Institute
- Ben Bowers, National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University
- Kyle Brashear – National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association
- Rick Church, Asphalt Recycling & Reclaiming Association
- Heather Dylla – Construction Partners Inc.
- Navneet Garg, Federal Aviation Administration
- John Hickey –Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon
- Matthew Hinck, CalPortland
- Bob Kluttz – Asphalt Technology Consultant LLC
- Deb Mishra – Virginia Tech
- Binita Patel – CRH Americas Materials Inc.
- Kevin Shearmire – Oregon Department of Transportation
- Richard Steger – Ingevity
- Heather Warner – Allan Myers
- Tara Wetzel – Mathy Construction Co.
- Craig Wieden – Colorado Department of Transportation
