The General Services Administration recently released a document that outlines standards for low embodied carbon materials and products to be used on federal construction projects. (Read the draft of GSA Inflation Reduction Act Low Embodied Carbon Material Standards.)
Using the EPA’s Interim Determination, GSA is proposing a “substantially lower” standard for materials/products as defined by a global warming potential in the top performing 20%, (or lowest 20% in embodied greenhouse gas). If a top 20% product or material is unavailable in a project’s location, alternatives in the top 40% may be substituted.
But if a material in the top 20% is available elsewhere and could be transported to the project’s location from an unusual distance, GSA will analyze the transportation emissions for two or more of the options to determine if they are suitable.
“GSA’s goal is to procure materials and products available today and in the near future with the lowest levels of embodied carbon,” the document says. “GSA’s procurement actions and demand signals will help grow the United States market for even lower-carbon construction materials, and will spur ongoing industry innovation.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2022
N.Y. governor calls for ban on natural gas in new buildings
Action follows New York City’s ban.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2022
EPA may expand product lineup that can earn WaterSense label
Would include systems that enhance water quality at the tap.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2022
Canada’s Trudeau seeking building codes changes, net-zero emissions building strategy
Prime minister also wants net-zero electricity grid by 2035.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2022
Greater emphasis on building materials needed to achieve net-zero carbon offices
Engineered wood, straw, and bamboo can be keys to achieving goal.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2022
AISC seeks comments on draft earthquake standard for steel buildings
Includes new limits for cross-sectional slenderness of steel columns based on latest research.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
California’s wildfire building code significantly reduces structural loss
As other states consider upgrading their codes, Golden State provides useful model.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2022
Regulator holding back climate-friendly, energy-saving equipment deployment, critics say
Heat pumps, solar power could be made more accessible for low-income communities in Massachusetts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2022
Cost hikes drive nearly one million renters out of homeownership qualification in 2021
Household income needed to pay a mortgage rose to $62,872 from $55,186.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2022
New ratings services focus on climate risk for homeowners
Efficacy of models used in risk assessment varies.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2022
Virginia contractors having a tough time finding diverse subs to meet state goals
Survey of primes may indicate similar issues at federal level.
