Uptake of low-carbon materials expected to get a boost from federal building plan

Low-carbon materials will get a sizeable boost via purchases through a federal $3.4 billion building plan to modernize U.S. border crossings.
 
The $3.4 billion building plan requires the inclusion of sustainable building materials, which could help spur their production more widely. The funds will modernize and expand 26 border crossings with Mexico and Canada around the country. The projects are intended to make the movement of goods and travelers more efficient.
 
The average age of the nation’s land ports is about 40 years old. Trade has grown about 8% a year in recent years, spurring longer wait times at the borders.
 
Products may be required to have environmental product declarations that specify the carbon emissions associated with their production and use. The border-crossing projects are part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to encourage low-carbon building materials in procurement for federal projects.