Legislators in New York and New Jersey are considering bills that would promote the use of low-carbon concrete on state projects.
Both legislative houses in New York have approved a measure that would require the Office of General Services to set guidelines sourcing concrete with lower embodied carbon for state contracts. Contractors would be mandated to follow the guidelines and certify that the concrete they use is in compliance.
In New Jersey, the legislature is deliberating a bill that would establish a discount rate for contractors using low-carbon concrete when they submit bids for state projects. The bidding advantage would be based on the global warming potential values for concrete. The discount could be as much as 8% of the total cost of the project.
The production of cement is estimated to be responsible for as much as 7% of total global carbon emissions. Cement manufacturers have developed portland-limestone cement, a blend with higher limestone content and lower carbon. Another lower carbon manufacturing process uses fly ash to replace as much as 50% of the portland cement in concrete. A third alternative involves injecting carbon dioxide into ready-mix concrete at the batch plant.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2018
Building code officials should vet building product evaluation methods
Evaluation service providers should be properly accredited.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2018
U.S. military needs to do more to address climate change risk for facility design
GAO report cites hundreds of overseas facilities in peril.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2018
China Construction America faces billions of dollars in liability in lawsuit
Court filing alleges massive fraud and breaches of contract in Baha Mar Resort Project.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2018
Smart building tech can reap utility savings of 8% to 18% in commercial buildings
Potential for increased deployment of smart building technology is great beyond early adopters.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Dec 21, 2017
Interactive map includes detailed information on historic New York City buildings
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission launched a new, enhanced version of its interactive map, Discover NYC Landmarks.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2017
Moody’s says cities may face credit downgrades if they don’t address climate risks
Credit ratings giant will ask what communities are doing to mitigate risk exposure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2017
Schools with optimal indoor environments boost student performance and energy efficiency
World Green Building Council report confirms that lighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics impact learning.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2017
Mayors sign Chicago Climate Charter; will strive to meet Paris accord goals
Pledge to push for more local authority to reduce emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 13, 2017
New report examines ongoing costs of green infrastructure options
The report compares solutions to reduce stormwater.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2017
Total cost of structural fires in U.S. reached $328.5 billion in 2014
Costs associated with losses was $55.4 billion.