U.S. EPA launches label program for low-carbon construction materials

As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to combat climate change and boost American manufacturing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new label program for cleaner construction materials. This initiative, backed by substantial funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to decarbonize the building industry by promoting products with lower embodied carbon emissions.

Redefining 'clean' U.S. construction

The program focuses on key carbon-intensive materials such as asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel, which form the backbone of most federally funded construction projects. By establishing clear criteria for what constitutes "clean" materials, the EPA seeks to drive demand for eco-friendly alternatives and spur innovation in the sector.

"America has an opportunity to lead the world in developing cleaner construction materials to cut climate pollution and reap unprecedented economic opportunities. By clearly labeling what 'buy clean' means for products like concrete, glass and steel, EPA will help accelerate demand for these materials and continue to build the clean energy economy."

-Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention

Environmental product declarations at the heart of U.S. sustainability

At the heart of this initiative are environmental product declarations (EPDs), which provide crucial data on the life-cycle environmental impact of materials. The EPA plans to use EPDs for U.S. construction materials as a key factor in determining which products qualify for the new label, ensuring a data-driven approach to sustainability.

This announcement comes shortly after the EPA’s allocation of nearly $160 million to 38 organizations, empowering those businesses to develop comprehensive EPDs. This investment is expected to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers, particularly in sectors where they already lead in environmental performance.

A multi-faceted approach to emissions reduction

The label program is part of a broader U.S. strategy to achieve ambitious climate goals through the Inflation Reduction Act. 

"The Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant carbon-cutting piece of legislation in history. GSA is proud to work with the EPA, other government agencies, and private industry to use our buying power to drive the development of more sustainable building materials, create good-paying jobs, and lower operating costs for the American taxpayer."

-Elliot Doomes, Commissioner of the Public Buildings Service at the U.S. General Services Administration

Transforming transportation infrastructure

The impact of this initiative extends beyond buildings to transportation infrastructure. 

"The use of lower carbon materials, that have the durability of conventional materials while lowering greenhouse gas emissions, is one pathway that FHWA is pursuing to help us achieve President Biden's goal of net zero emissions by 2050. EPA's announcement today supports transportation agencies throughout the country with tools to ensure we are appropriately implementing low carbon materials."

-Hari Kalla, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Associate Administrator for Infrastructure

The role of EPDs in sustainable construction

Environmental product declarations serve as vital tools for transparency in the construction industry. These standardized documents allow for fair comparisons between products, enabling builders and buyers to make informed decisions based on environmental impact. As the industry shifts towards sustainability, EPDs are becoming increasingly crucial for green building certifications and environmentally conscious procurement strategies.

How will this affect U.S. manufacturers?

The U.S. Federal government has emphasized environmental product declarations (EPDs) in several new programs, including the Buy Clean initiative, the EPA grant money awarded for EPD creation, and the GSA’s Request for Information on low-embodied carbon construction materials. This focus highlights the growing significance of EPDs in the construction industry's transition towards sustainability. As the Inflation Reduction Act drives the U.S. government to set increasingly ambitious emissions reduction goals for the built environment, EPDs will be the primary source of verified information used to determine which products qualify for sustainable labeling and procurement programs. 

For U.S. manufacturers, developing EPDs for their construction materials is no longer optional, but a critical step to remaining competitive and compliant in a market that is rapidly demanding greater transparency and environmental stewardship. One Click LCA's EPD Generator is the easy-to-use tool that can help manufacturers create EPDs quickly and affordably. By proactively creating EPDs, manufacturers can position themselves to benefit from these new government initiatives, accessing lucrative procurement contracts and demonstrating their commitment to sustainability to both public and private sector customers.