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 | Nov 12, 2020
California rent control measure defeated
Golden State voters reject Proposition 21.
Codes and Standards | Nov 11, 2020
NY court ruling makes it easier for condo boards to sue investors for construction defects
Investors would be tapped for damages on such cases.
Codes and Standards | Nov 10, 2020
Researchers and industry leaders will form national institute for AI in construction
Goal is to identify high-impact areas for application in design and construction.
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2020
Jobsite injuries in New York City decline 20% since 2017
Safety training cited as a cause of improvement.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2020
Commercial building owners having tougher time securing insurance policies and renewals
Insurers’ fears of civil unrest in wake of election prompt builder’s risk coverage moratoriums.
Codes and Standards | Nov 4, 2020
Turn rooftops into revenue generators with solar arrays
Lease or ownership models for PVs make more sense than ever.
Codes and Standards | Nov 3, 2020
The argument against gas stoves includes degraded indoor air quality
Asthma seems to be aggravated by cooking with flame.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2020
Wildfires can make drinking water toxic
Updated building codes could mitigate the danger.
Adaptive Reuse | Oct 26, 2020
Mall property redevelopments could result in dramatic property value drops
Retail conversions to fulfillment centers, apartments, schools, or medical offices could cut values 60% to 90%.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2020
New seismic provisions for the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program released
The provisions present a set of recommended improvements to the ASCE/SEI 7-16 Standard.
