AGC releases decarbonization playbook to help assess, track, reduce GHG emissions

The Associated General Contractors of America released a new, first-of-its-kind, decarbonization playbook designed to help firms assess, track, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on projects.

The AGC Playbook on Decarbonization and Carbon Reporting in the Construction Industry is part of the association’s efforts to make sure construction firms play a leading role in crafting carbon-reduction measures for the industry, according to an AGC news release. The new resource outlines a four-step process firms can follow to work with partners to confirm who should be accountable for various carbon emissions associated with a construction project.

It also provides guidance on how to document who is accountable for emissions to limit surprises and risks for all the players involved in a project. The playbook includes resources to help firms calculate the carbon footprint of their projects including the carbon emissions related to the manufacture of key materials like concrete, steel, asphalt, and flat glass.

It also lays out ways for firms to track and report emissions related to the construction process such as carbon emissions from transporting materials and operating equipment on the jobsite.

Turner Construction, Whiting-Turner Contracting, STO Building Group, and DPR Construction top the rankings of the nation's largest general contractors, CM at risk firms, and design-builders for nonresidential buildings and multifamily buildings work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2021 Giants 400 Report.