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 | Jul 7, 2021
Intl. Code Council appoints committees to lead energy code development
One-third of appointees are government regulators.
Codes and Standards | Jul 1, 2021
COVID-19 made payment delays to contractors much worse
Only one in ten companies is always getting paid in full.
Codes and Standards | Jun 30, 2021
New resource for public sector organizations to develop energy data management program
Dept. of Energy document contains more than 30 examples of successful implementations.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2021
Biden China policy may spur more increased U.S. PV manufacturing capacity
Senate bill proposes advanced solar manufacturing production credit.
Codes and Standards | Jun 28, 2021
Local and state building energy performance standards aim to curb climate change
Owners must up the ante on operations and retrofits.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2021
Biden Administration will restore ‘Waters of the U.S.’ protections ended by Trump
Early revision more likely to hold up in court, says legal expert.
Codes and Standards | Jun 23, 2021
Denver unveils renewable heating and cooling plan
City releases roadmap to decarbonizing existing homes and buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jun 22, 2021
Actually, few companies plan to significantly reduce their office footprint
CBRE survey shows that many firms will continue with hybrid work.
Codes and Standards | Jun 21, 2021
Vancouver, B.C., may delay new zero emissions building standards
Building permit delays may postpone new standards by a year.
Codes and Standards | Jun 17, 2021
Buffalo’s parking reform having noticeable impact on development
Elimination of mandatory parking allotments encourages new projects.
