Sustainability Library - Sustainability Resources and Practical Guidance
Sustainability means different things to different organizations. For some, it’s driven by customers or corporate leadership. For others, it’s tied to reporting requirements, ESG expectations, or supply chain pressure. Whatever brought you here, most companies are just trying to understand what’s expected and what’s actually worth doing.
This Sustainability Learning Center provides clear, practical guidance to help you make informed decisions without overcomplicating things. Whether you’re responding to customer requests, building internal tracking, or deciding how far to take a sustainability effort, this is a place to get grounded before committing time and resources.
Maybe you’re not quite ready to reach out yet, and that’s completely fine. Sustainability conversations often come with vague expectations, unclear metrics, and pressure to move quickly without a clear plan. That’s exactly why we built this Sustainability Learning Center: one straightforward place to understand what sustainability programs actually involve and how they intersect with real business operations.
From sustainability basics and data tracking to customer-driven requests, reporting frameworks, and program scope decisions, this is where you’ll find experience-driven guidance. Every article, video, and resource here is based on real programs RMA has helped companies design and manage, with a focus on practicality, defensibility, and effort that aligns with business value.
Looking for more information? Explore our sustainability resources covering programs, reporting, certifications, costs, and practical ways businesses can become more sustainable.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely trying to decide what level of sustainability effort actually makes sense for your organization. That’s a smart approach. Sustainability initiatives take time, coordination, and data, and not every company needs the same solution.
Whether you’re responding to customer questionnaires, setting internal goals, tracking metrics, or trying to avoid overcommitting to a program that creates more work than value, we hope this page has helped clarify your options. At RMA, we help organizations build sustainability programs that are realistic, supportable, and aligned with operational reality.
If you’re ready to talk with someone who approaches sustainability from a practical, business-first perspective, fill out the form here. A member of our team will reach out to learn about your drivers, answer your questions, and help you decide the most reasonable next step. No pressure, no sales pitch, just clear guidance rooted in real-world experience.
We’ve worked with organizations across a wide range of industries to help them think more intentionally about sustainability, take realistic steps forward, and build programs that are credible and manageable. Scroll below to see how other companies have partnered with RMA to approach sustainability in a way that actually fits their operations.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I first met Doug of RMA in 2002 when I attended an environmental course he developed for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Doug’s ability to effectively communicate and explain the voluminous environmental regulations pertaining to the concrete industry is remarkable. He is truly a gifted speaker and teacher. If you are new to the industry or the environmental field, I strongly recommend participating in Doug’s courses. Since then, we’ve worked together on several projects including an NPDES permitting, and most recently, further development of the Green-Star EMS Program at NRMCA. Doug’s passion, experience, and insight are always welcomed assets on any environmental project.
Ryan Sewell
US Concrete
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I’ve known Doug of RMA for over 4 years and have seen him tirelessly and passionately promote best management practices to the industries and good stewardship of the environment while exhibiting a refreshingly honest and compassionate concern for the business. It does not take long for one to see and feel Doug’s enthusiasm and commitment when talking to him or hearing him educate a group on the subject of environmental compliance. He manages to do this while helping the end user accomplish this sometimes incompressible task economically. Having hired RMA to assist with decoding the mass of sometimes confusing and contradicting US EPA and state DEP regulations, I can say with confidence that they know our industry very well. I heartily recommend RMA and Doug Ruhlin for anyone needing professional and ethical council with environmental compliance.
Owen Blevins
Mid-Atlantic Concrete Equipment
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Simply put, as a consultant to the ready mixed concrete industry, Doug Ruhlin and the staff of RMA are one of the foremost authorities in terms of environmental regulations, permits, and responsibilities.
Gary Mullings
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Doug Ruhlin has significantly helped bring sustainability to the concrete industry. The first work we did together was on the NPCA Sustainability Committee. His impact was immediate and positive. Doug brings a holistic view of sustainability. I would ask Doug to explain a concept to the committee and he would arrive prepared and armed with a PowerPoint presentation. He is great communicator and possesses a wealth of knowledge on sustainability and environmental affairs. I hope to continue working with Doug for many years as we continue our good work with the committee.
Claude Goguen
National Precast Concrete Association
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Doug of RMA has prospered as an environmental consulting firm by seamlessly combining his experience as an educator with his expertise as a respected environmental professional to analyze and communicate complex technical issues to both company management as well as the general public. This unique talent has helped cement Doug's reputation as THE environmental voice for the construction materials industry.
John Hayden
Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have come to know RMA through our affiliation with the New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association. I continue to be impressed with their knowledge and professionalism. Perhaps more importantly, their passion for our industry and the work that he does is unparalleled. I do not hesitate recommending him for your environmental needs.
Ken Yuhas
Grace Construction Products
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have known Doug Ruhlin of RMA for nearly 20 years. RMA has been a leader in the environmental arena for all of that time. They're intimately versed in the key environmental issues that affect aggregates and concrete producers; they know the laws, regulations and both industries thoroughly. RMA has helped steer the formulation of new regulations and they have helped to direct industry's response to the current and new regulations - in multiple states. I would not acquire an existing operation or start a greenfield plant or quarry without consulting Doug.
Tarek Khan
BASF
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I've worked regularly with RMA since 2018. The team is outstanding and every interaction has been positive. They have a legacy of industry expertise already built and they're constantly exploring new ways to help clients.
Travis Keener
Hydration Engineering, PLLC
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
RMA has provided consistent and reliable support for all environmental matters brought to them. They can be both to the point or really dig into the issue depending on what is needed. Highly respected!
Bryan Wigginton
CalPortland
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
After an extensive search, our firm hired RMA to educate our team on industry environmental best practices. Doug and his team were very thorough in their presentation and supporting documentation, and gave us a real world expectation of what we should be mindful of regarding reclaiming, slurry water, pH levels, permitting and other topics. I would highly recommend RMA to any company interested in understanding the important elements of environmental compliance, sustainability and those interested in positioning themselves as leaders in environmental stewardship.
Owen Blevins
Mid-Atlantic Concrete Equipment
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I've had the privilege to work with RMA on multiple occasions. I cannot recommend them enough. In the complex, ever-changing world of environmental management - they help make it digestible. Everyone there is incredibly approachable and has a wealth of knowledge. Once you work with them, you won't want to work with anyone else.
Jacob Canale
Silvi Materials
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We have been using RMA for several years. They always go above and beyond our expectations.
Phillip Hudson
Cumberland Supply
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Could not ask for better support! RMA should be your choice as well!
Bryan Wigginton
CalPortland
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Wonderful staff. Provides detailed explanations in a manner that is easy to understand. Quick to respond.
Susan Allen
Shore Sand and Gravel
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A great consulting company.
Patrick Buster
Braen Stone Company
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
RMA will provide the support you need. If they do not know it already, guaranteed they will do the research. Highly recommended!
Bryan Wigginton
CalPortland
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Doug and his firm consistently offer the highest quality of environmental services in the ready mixed concrete industry.
Frank Cavaliere
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Whether you need help with a single requirement or want to hand off your entire environmental program, we get it done right, the first time. You'll feel protected, confident in your company's regulatory standing, and ready for whatever comes next.
Tel: 888-RMA-0230 | Email: info@rmagreen
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