Construction materials are not just the foundation of buildings; they are also a major source of global pollution and responsible for 15% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That’s seven times more than what the entire aviation sector emits annually. Particularly problematic are concrete and steel, with concrete being the world’s most-used resource after water.
The Biden administration is aiming to transform the building industry with a significant push towards sustainable construction materials. Through a new EPA initiative, the administration is distributing $160 million in grants to assess the environmental impact of cutting-edge materials such as hemp, bamboo and recycled steel, moving the U.S. towards a greener future.
Funded by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, this initiative seeks to reduce climate pollution by finding alternatives to traditional, high-emission materials. It’s a step toward not only reducing the country’s environmental footprint, but also pioneering new, eco-friendly building practices.
“I fought to include funding for urgently-needed clean construction and manufacturing initiatives in the historic Inflation Reduction Act because it is a win-win that will increase jobs and reduce deadly carbon pollution that is driving climate change,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. “With industrial sector emissions a top culprit of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions this decade, we must do everything we can to support innovators and job-creators in clean construction materials and manufacturing. That is why today’s announcement from EPA is so exciting and important to us, our children and future generations.”
The grants have been awarded to 38 different companies, universities and trade organizations. Their goal is to enhance environmental transparency and promote smarter, more climate-friendly purchasing. This is being achieved through the rollout of high-quality environmental product declarations (EPDs), which provide a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impacts of construction materials throughout their life. This helps buyers like the federal government make well-informed choices.
The initiative is a key component of the broader Federal Buy Clean Initiative, which leverages the U.S. government’s purchasing power to develop a market for cleaner construction materials. It is designed to boost the production of eco-friendly materials in the United States and strengthen America’s role as a leader in clean construction technology.
