The GSA Public Buildings Service hosted an Industry Day on August 2, 2023, to outline the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), focusing on low-embodied carbon (LEC) materials. The IRA represents a significant federal investment in climate and energy, aiming for net-zero emissions in federal operations by 2045. Key goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating jobs, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering innovation in sustainable materials. The GSA has allocated $3.375 billion for various programs promoting LEC materials in construction projects, with funding available until 2026 and 2031 for certain initiatives.
Three pilot projects in Texas are highlighted, focusing on using LEC materials for pavement repairs and replacements at land ports of entry. The document emphasizes the importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which enable the tracking and assessment of a product's environmental impact, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions. The source selection for GSA projects will favor low-carbon materials and consider candidates’ embodied carbon reduction plans. Upcoming steps include issuing a Sources Sought notice with specific submission requirements. Overall, the event underscores the government's commitment to sustainable construction practices and the integration of climate-conscious materials in federal building projects.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) issued the "Interim IRA Low Embodied Carbon Material Requirements," effective May 16, 2023, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in federal construction projects. This initiative aims to support the United States in achieving significant climate goals like net-zero operational emissions for federal buildings by 2045.
The GSA is piloting a program under IRA Section 60503, allocating $2.15 billion for low embodied carbon materials including concrete, asphalt, steel, and glass. Contractors must ensure that at least 80% of the total cost or weight of construction assemblies meets specified low embodied carbon limits based on third-party Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Specific carbon limits are established for each material type, with detailed compliance documentation required. The document emphasizes that existing laws, like the Buy American Act, will take precedence over the new requirements. These measures reflect a significant step towards sustainability in federal procurement and construction, addressing both environmental justice and the climate crisis.
The U.S. General Services Administration's (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS) hosted a Virtual Industry Exchange regarding its Low Embodied Carbon (LEC) Pilot Projects under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Key points addressed include access to presentation materials via SAM.gov, guidance for inquiries, and an emphasis on sourcing local, compliant materials that meet Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) standards. The pilot program seeks low embodied carbon solutions, allowing flexibility in material sourcing and transportation to address logistical challenges.
While past performance in complex paving work will be considered, companies without relevant experience may still participate based on innovative material solutions. Opportunities for contractors are anticipated to emerge in late 2023 and early 2024, particularly for task orders related to specific infrastructure projects. The selection process will prioritize contractors providing materials with the lowest possible global warming potential (GWP), and the program currently does not focus on salvaged materials but may consider those with recycled content that meets standards.
Participants are encouraged to prepare by understanding GSA's requirements and accessing EPD resources. This initiative underscores GSA's commitment to sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprints in federal construction projects.