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 | Dec 1, 2020
Pandemic spurs nearly 16 million people to move from major cities
Most of the movement seems permanent.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
USGBC ready to catalyze LEED Positive future
New programs, updates will spur shift to regenerative strategies.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
Updated spec for self-adhering flashing surrounding exterior fenestration products released
FGIA document was last updated in 2013.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
Finalized 2021 Energy Code leaves out future-proofing provision
Appeals process nixed requirement for residential electrification readiness.
Codes and Standards | Nov 23, 2020
GBCI turns over GRESB ownership to global investment firm
Organization assesses sustainability performance of real estate and infrastructure portfolios and assets.
Codes and Standards | Nov 23, 2020
New industrywide clay brick EPD launched
Contributes toward LEED v.4.0 and v.4.1 materials and resources requirements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2020
The ‘15-minute city’ could transform municipal planning
Concept aims for car-free living.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2020
Commissioning study finds median energy savings of 3% to 16%
Berkeley Lab examines results of commissioning across building types.
Codes and Standards | Nov 17, 2020
Midtown Manhattan’s empty offices could be converted to affordable housing
Advocates envision idle offices re-zoned to alleviate housing crisis.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2020
New concrete detailing manual includes downloadable CAD files
American Concrete Institute document contains guidance on codes for structural concrete.
