US Government Invests $2 Billion in Lower-Carbon Construction
US Government Takes Action to Tackle Climate Change
The Biden administration has announced a significant investment of $2 billion in federal building projects across 39 states. This investment aims to minimize carbon emissions by utilizing materials that have lower levels of associated greenhouse gas emissions. By leveraging the government’s purchasing power, this initiative is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to address climate change.
Prioritizing Environmentally-Friendly Materials
The Government Services Administration (GSA) will prioritize the purchase of asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel that meet a global standard for environmental products. These materials will be produced and disposed of with lower levels of associated greenhouse gas emissions. By setting these standards, the US government aims to drive innovation and encourage the construction industry to adopt more sustainable practices.
The Role of Government in Decarbonization
John Podesta, senior adviser to President Joe Biden, emphasized the significant market share that the US government holds, particularly in the concrete and asphalt industries. He believes that this market influence will push the industry towards greater levels of innovation in decarbonizing construction materials.
Investments to Tackle Emissions
The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act provides nearly $4 billion to the GSA for investing in low-carbon buildings. These investments will help address emissions from sectors that are traditionally challenging to decarbonize. Podesta and GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan recently announced $25 million in planned investments to retrofit a federal building and courthouse in Topeka, Kansas, making it more energy efficient.
Addressing Carbon-Intensive Materials
Asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel are known for being carbon-intensive construction materials. In fact, they contribute to almost half of all greenhouse gas emissions in US manufacturing, according to the GSA. By prioritizing the use of these materials with lower carbon footprints, the government aims to reduce its environmental impact in the construction sector.
Towards Net-Zero Emissions
The Biden administration has set ambitious goals for its federal building portfolio. By 2045, they aim to achieve a net-zero emissions portfolio, and by 2050, they aspire to have net-zero emissions in government procurement. These targets align with the broader global efforts to combat climate change and transition to a more sustainable future.
With this $2 billion investment, the US government is taking a proactive stance in promoting lower-carbon construction. By prioritizing environmentally-friendly materials and retrofitting existing buildings, they are setting an example for sustainable practices and showcasing the potential of government action in addressing climate change.
