The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a landmark legislation aimed at reducing costs for families, lowering the federal deficit, and addressing the climate crisis through significant measures to cut carbon pollution. It allocates $3.4 billion to the General Services Administration's (GSA) Public Buildings Service specifically for construction and renovation projects involving low-embodied carbon materials, the adoption of emerging sustainable technologies, and the transformation of GSA facilities into High-Performance Green Buildings. Key benefits of the IRA include decreasing harmful emissions, creating quality jobs, fostering innovation, and enhancing efficiency for long-term cost reductions. It is essential to note that buildings contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions; building operations account for 28%, while materials and construction contribute an additional 10%. Further details can be found on the GSA's official website. This document reflects government efforts to stimulate environmentally friendly practices through funding opportunities aligned with federal grants and proposals.

The GSA’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) outlines requirements for materials used in construction funded by the IRA, specifically targeting concrete, asphalt, steel, and glass. General contractors must provide materials that meet specified project needs, supported by a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which details the product's environmental impact based on industry-standard guidelines. The primary goal is to prioritize materials with the lowest global warming potential (GWP), categorized as Top 20%, Top 40%, or Better Than Average based on their reported GWP. The document stresses the importance of EPDs for all low embodied carbon funding allocated to the GSA and the Federal Highway Administration, totaling $4.15 billion. Concrete strength classes are specified with corresponding GWP limits, indicating permissible emissions per cubic meter for different compressive strength levels. This initiative highlights the GSA's commitment to using low-carbon materials to reduce environmental impact in federally funded projects, ultimately contributing to sustainability goals within government procurement processes.

The document outlines proposed projects under the IRA Region 10 for the modernization of various Land Ports of Entry across multiple states including Alaska, Idaho, and Washington. The plan encompasses six key projects: the Alcan Land Port of Entry, Kenneth G. Ward Land Port of Entry, Pacific Highway Land Port of Entry, Sumas Land Port of Entry, Porthill Land Port of Entry, and enhancements to the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building's plaza. Each project has an estimated budget range, with costs varying from $15 million to over $190 million. This document serves to inform stakeholders of the planned federal projects aimed at upgrading border facilities, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing security measures. The outlined initiatives reflect a strategic governmental investment in infrastructure critical for facilitating trade and immigration processes in the region, showcasing the federal government's commitment to modernizing entry points and boosting economic functionality.