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 | May 28, 2020
USGBC outlines how it will support pandemic recovery efforts
Includes emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED green building program.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2020
Office market could be COVID-19 casualty
As companies get used to work at home, post-pandemic office market could collapse.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2020
Architectural Reuse Council will step up efforts to reuse construction waste
Cabinets, appliances, lighting, and lumber diverted from landfills to be repurposed.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2020
Is CLT really a green solution?
Sustainability depends upon forest stewardship, product manufacturing process.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2020
St. Louis is first Midwest city to pass building energy performance standard
Allows owners broad flexibility on how to achieve goals.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2020
Supreme Court says Georgia cannot copyright its entire official code
Ruling may have implications for other states claiming copyright for building codes.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
Strategies to reduce personal contact in multifamily properties
Design can improve health amid COVID-19 pandemic.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
Canada Green Building Council says building industry lacks zero-carbon skills, knowledge
Net-zero target requires shift in thinking and practices.
Codes and Standards | May 18, 2020
California’s grid can support all-electric buildings
Load-shifting will help reduce peak demand.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2020
European cities to revamp transportation after pandemic reopening
Road closures, new rules for public transit will be imposed.