Research on concrete building materials by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will soon change the way buildings are constructed.

Preliminary research findings will likely help set a new standard in life-cycle assessment (LCA) modeling for building materials, according to a statement. The studies will quantify the cradle-to-grave environmental costs of paving and building materials, and is said will result in the most comprehensive LCA model produced to-date.

"This groundbreaking research highlights the dramatic cost savings for builders, homeowners, municipal governments and taxpayers," said Gilberto Perez, president of Houston, Texas-based CEMEX USA. "The preliminary research shows that not only do concrete homes, buildings and roads last longer, but using these materials provides energy savings and a reduction of carbon emissions."