The Biden administration’s Investing in America agenda has in it a $2 billion investment by the U.S. General Services Administration- GSA for more than 150 construction projects. These projects will prioritize cleaner construction material usage, specifically those that have low-embodied carbon- LEC. The funding will be used to support projects at federal facilities across 39 states, the District of Columbia, as well as the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Asphalt, concrete, glass, as well as steel are some of the construction materials that have a high carbon footprint and also contribute to almost half of the greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing in the US. Furthermore, they make up 98% of the construction materials that the government purchases, as well as funds for infrastructure investments.
The Inflation Reduction Act, which is the largest climate investment ever made, allocated $3.375 billion to GSA with the intent of investing in federal buildings. The goal is to reduce carbon emissions and, at the same time, stimulate innovation, mainly through the acquisition as well as installation of LEC materials within construction projects. The announcement, in a way, advances the Buy Clean Initiative of the Biden administration.
Leading by Example
GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan made the announcement of investments in Topeka, Kansas, during a visit as part of the Investing in Rural America Event Series.
The GSA has gone on to announce its plan to invest close to $25 million in construction materials for the LEC in Topeka. This investment aims to assist the Frank Carlson Federal Building and Courthouse in decreasing its greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time improving efficiency, safety, along with overall comfort. The GSA plans to install blast-resistant aluminum frames and also seal LEC glass to replace the windows as well as doors. This upgrade will not only lessen the building’s energy consumption but simultaneously extend its overall lifespan. The sidewalks along with the parking area made of concrete pavement will be upgraded using LEC concrete, and this aims to effectively address deterioration issues, eliminate tripping hazards, and also increase accessibility in a sustainable manner. Apparently, the project is scheduled to be designed during this fiscal year, and construction is scheduled for 2025.
Carnahan stated that by integrating clean construction materials across 150 projects nationwide, they are actively contributing to the creation of well-compensated jobs within the clean manufacturing sectors of the future. Additionally, this initiative happens to be a strong indication that the domestic market for sustainable products is firmly put in place and will continue to thrive.
John Podesta, who is the Senior Advisor to the President for Clean Energy Innovation and Implementation, expressed his gratitude for the recent announcement made by GSA. He highlighted that the federal government, because of moves such as this, is setting a positive example in terms of addressing the climate crisis by actively promoting the requirement when it comes to low-carbon manufacturing.
Projects
The GSA has identified more than 150 federal government building projects that will prioritize the procurement of LECÂ materials.
- $384 million for asphalt
- $767 million for concrete
- $464 million for glass
- $388 million for steel
The cluster of investments includes a variety of projects such as facade and window replacements, structural repairs, repaving projects, and seismic upgrades. These projects are being carried out in buildings that are of prominent importance, such as the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House within New York City and also the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in Seattle. Additionally, investments are also being made in land ports of entry that are located along the northern and southern borders. Over the lifespan of the project, it is estimated that these investments will result in a reduction of almost 41,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and will also provide support to more than 6,000 jobs on a yearly basis.
It is well to be noted that the projects represent a significant advancement in President Joe Biden’s efforts to achieve federal sustainability endeavors that include having a federal building portfolio with net-zero emissions by 2045 and also achieving net-zero emissions procurement by 2050.
The projects will be greatly influenced by lessons which were learned from GSA’s pilot, launched in May this year and will continue until this month. The pilot followed the guidelines that were set by the U.S. EPA in their interim determination.
Janet McCabe, who happens to be the EPA’s Deputy Administrator, expressed the agency’s excitement about collaborating with GSA and other federal agencies so as to facilitate construction projects that reduce climate pollution, safeguard public health, and also contribute to economic growth in communities all through the country. At the EPA, they collaborate with the construction materials manufacturing industry as well as NGOs to monitor the climate impacts of their operations. Additionally, they are also actively involved in creating a labeling program that will effectively identify construction materials that happen to have low carbon footprints on the market.
