The US General Services Administration (GSA) has announced a USD2bn investment in over 150 federal building projects, focusing on the procurement of materials with minimized carbon emissions, as reported by Reuters on November 6. This significant initiative is made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which granted the USD3.375bn to invest in federal buildings, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and foster innovation. The GSA’s strategic approach involves prioritizing the acquisition of cleaner construction materials, specifically those classified as “low-embodied carbon” (LEC) materials. These materials, including asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel, are selected for their lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions associated with their production, application, and disposal.

Asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel collectively contribute to nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions produced by US manufacturing. This investment aligns seamlessly with the US government’s environmental objectives, which include achieving a net-zero emissions federal building portfolio by 2045 and attaining net-zero emissions in government procurement by 2050. Furthermore, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized that this investment would stimulate the growth of a market for low- and zero-carbon materials. This encouragement is expected to incentivize industrial manufacturers to leverage other IRA initiatives designed to support them in reducing their emissions, fostering a more sustainable future.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/us-invests-2-billion-lower-carbon-construction-federal-buildings-2023-11-06/

https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/bidenharris-administration-announces-2-billion-for-cleaner-construction-projects-to-tackle-the-climate-crisis-spur-american-innovation-and-create-goodpaying-jobs-as-part-of-investing-in-america-agenda-11062023