Title:
Update on EPA Program for Low Embodied Carbon Construction Materials
Author(s):
Peter Bacas
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F24_PeterBacas.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
11/3/2024
Abstract:
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) leverages federal procurement and funding of buildings and infrastructure to catalyze markets for American-made construction materials and products with lower embodied carbon. As a key part of this work, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is building out a $250 million grants and technical assistance program to help American manufacturers report and verify greenhouse gas emissions via Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Further, IRA provided the EPA with an additional $100 million dollars to develop and carry out a program to identify and label construction materials and products that have substantially lower levels of embodied greenhouse gas emissions. As “Buy Clean” and other green procurement policies expand in the U.S., purchasers and designers need to be able to easily identify materials that meet their performance needs, comply with local and state laws, and contribute to their organizations’ climate goals. This session will provide an overview of the current state of building and infrastructure EPDs in North America and highlight ongoing efforts by the federal government and international organizations to improve Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Product Category Rules (PCRs) and background (secondary) data –all to enhance data quality of EPDs for concrete and other materials. The EPA will also share updates from the EPD Assistance Program, including issuing grants totaling approximately $100 million and providing direct technical assistance to advance EPD improvements and availability in North America.