Inflation Reduction Act will fund 150 low-carbon materials projects in communities nationwide
Announcement advances Biden-Harris Administration’s Buy Clean Initiative, under which the federal government is, for the first time, prioritizing the purchase of cleaner industrial materials
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on Monday announced a $2 billion investment for more than 150 construction projects that use cleaner construction materials, known as “low-embodied carbon” (LEC) materials, as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda. The funding will support projects across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and will catalyze the market for American-made low carbon asphalt, concrete, glass and steel. This investment from the Inflation Reduction Act will expand America's industrial capacity for manufacturing goods and materials of the future, tackle the climate crisis, and create good-paying jobs for American workers in communities across the country. The announcement furthers the Biden-Harris Administration’s Buy Clean Initiative, under which the federal government is, for the first time, prioritizing the purchase of asphalt, concrete, glass and steel that have lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions associated with their production, use, and disposal.
Administrator Robin Carnahan announced the investments alongside White House Senior Advisor John Podesta during a visit to Topeka, Kansas as part of the Investing in Rural America Event Series. GSA plans to invest about $25 million for LEC construction materials to help the Frank Carlson Federal Building and Courthouse reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while improving efficiency, safety, and comfort. GSA will replace the windows and doors with blast resistant aluminum frames and insulated LEC glass that will reduce the building’s energy use and extend the building’s useful life. The concrete pavement sidewalks and parking area will be upgraded with LEC concrete to sustainably address deterioration, correct tripping hazards, and improve accessibility. The project is slated to be designed this fiscal year, with construction in 2025.