The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has launched a six-month pilot program to test interim requirements for using low embodied carbon (LEC) construction materials in projects funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). This initiative, in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, includes eleven construction projects across eight states and the District of Columbia, valued at over $300 million. The pilot aims to gather market insights to refine material requirements and assess availability, compliance, and supply chain dynamics related to LEC materials: asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel. Adjustments made from industry feedback include simplifications in compliance determination and separate global warming potential (GWP) limits for varying steel production processes. GSA's LEC material requirements align with existing federal laws such as the Buy American Act and emphasize sustainability in construction practices. The results of this pilot will provide critical insights to finalize GSA's LEC material guidelines while supporting a transition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in federal construction projects.
The GSA's Public Buildings Service (PBS) hosted an Industry Day on August 2, 2023, to outline initiatives related to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), focusing on low embodied carbon (LEC) materials for construction and renovation within Region 7. The IRA represents the largest U.S. investment in climate and energy, aiming for significant greenhouse gas emissions reductions and the pursuit of a net-zero operational emissions portfolio by 2045. The IRA allocates $3.375 billion to GSA for various projects, encouraging the use of materials with lower embodied emissions.
Key pilot projects include three Land Ports of Entry (LPOE) in Texas, prioritizing LEC materials and targeting RFP issuances from October 2023 to January 2024. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to quantify the environmental impact of materials used. EPDs are critical for meeting federal Buy Clean initiatives and ensuring project compliance with IRA funding requirements.
The document details the GSA’s plans, processes for procurement, and timelines of upcoming projects, with an initial call for expressions of interest. It reflects the federal government's commitment to sustainability and innovation in its construction practices while creating job opportunities and reducing long-term operational costs.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) holds a Virtual Industry Exchange regarding its Low Embodied Carbon (LEC) Pilot Projects under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This initiative aims to source low embodied carbon materials such as concrete, asphalt, steel, and glass that meet specific environmental product declaration (EPD) criteria. The presentation materials will be available on SAM.gov, with key contacts identified for inquiries regarding embodied carbon policy and specific projects.
Important details include that GSA has adopted third-party-verified EPDs for establishing carbon limits based on North American data. Companies lacking past performance in LEC materials may still be considered, as the focus is on the provision of compliant EPDs and complex paving experience. Future opportunities are forthcoming, with project solicitations expected by late 2023 and early 2024. GSA emphasizes a criteria for selection, prioritizing materials with the lowest possible greenhouse gas emissions, scored according to their GWP parameters.
Overall, the pilot encourages innovation and market research for locally-sourced, sustainable materials while addressing logistical concerns related to material transportation. The initiative reflects federal efforts to incorporate green building practices in public infrastructure projects.