$32M low-carbon construction grant awarded to New York State DOT

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has secured a $32 million federal grant to promote the use of low-carbon materials in infrastructure projects, marking a significant step in the fight against climate change. Awarded under the Federal Highway Administration's Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants program, this funding, established through the Inflation Reduction Act, underscores a national commitment to reducing embodied carbon in construction in the United States.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change through initiatives like this grant. This aligns with New York’s aggressive climate goals, including achieving a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

“Whether it’s droughts, wildfires, or record-breaking snowstorms, New Yorkers are feeling the effects of climate change in their daily lives, and these low-carbon grants are an important tool in our efforts to stop it.”

–Governor Kathy Hochul, New York State

A critical focus on embodied carbon

Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions generated during a building or infrastructure's life-cycle, from material extraction and manufacturing, to transportation and construction. Unlike operational emissions, which can be reduced over time through energy efficiency, embodied carbon is locked in once materials are used — making early action vital. 

The grant enables NYSDOT to expand its Low Carbon Transportation Materials program with a comprehensive strategy that includes:

• Stakeholder engagement: Developing targeted outreach and training for staff and industry professionals to raise awareness about low-carbon options.
• Material evaluation: Ensuring that low-carbon materials meet stringent technical and performance standards.
• Regulatory updates: Crafting or updating technical specifications to prioritize materials with lower embodied greenhouse gas emissions.
• Verification processes: Establishing reliable methodologies to identify, verify, and integrate low-carbon materials into state infrastructure projects.

How this affects US construction manufacturers 

The $32 million grant awarded to NYSDOT to promote low-carbon materials will have significant implications for manufacturers supplying infrastructure projects in New York State. Suppliers will face increased demand for products with verifiable environmental credentials, as NYSDOT plans to establish new specifications and processes for identifying, verifying, and incorporating low-carbon materials. This shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity: manufacturers will need to invest in sustainability measures, such as producing environmental product declarations (EPDs), to demonstrate compliance and compete in this evolving market. However, those who adapt quickly and offer innovative, low-carbon solutions will gain a competitive edge as the state accelerates its climate action agenda.

How will low-carbon materials be measured under the grant?

The NYSDOT has indicated that the grant will fund the development of a process to identify, verify, and use materials with lower embodied greenhouse gas emissions. While specific measurement methods have not been publicly disclosed, it is likely that tools such as environmental product declarations (EPDs) and life-cycle assessments (LCAs) will play a critical role in quantifying and comparing the environmental impact of materials. These assessments evaluate emissions across the entire life-cycle of products, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling, ensuring a comprehensive measurement of a product or project’s entire carbon footprint.

Beyond compliance: Transforming the construction industry

Governor Hochul’s leadership emphasizes that adopting low-carbon construction materials is not just about meeting regulatory requirements — it’s about reimagining the construction industry to align with climate priorities. The grant supports bold action to reduce emissions at a systemic level, creating infrastructure that not only supports New Yorkers today but safeguards future generations.

According to UNEP, the infrastructure sector is responsible for 79% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The importance of using low-carbon materials extends beyond climate impact. For businesses in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector, embracing sustainable practices enhances competitiveness and positions companies as leaders in a rapidly evolving market. 

AECOM was already identified in August of 2024 as the lead designer for two replacement bridges along the Bronx River Parkway, projects which will likely be built with low-carbon materials. AECOM global transportation business CEO, Mark Southwell, noted that AECOM is well-positioned to support NYSDOT in its mission to “create a more resilient transportation network that connects communities, protects the environment and supports the economic well-being of New York State.” 

One Click LCA: Empowering sustainable decisions

One Click LCA is at the forefront of supporting professionals in the AEC and manufacturing sectors with tools to navigate this transition. Our software simplifies the creation of environmental product declarations and streamlines life-cycle assessments, providing actionable insights to reduce embodied carbon, and it offers AEC professionals the largest database of lower-carbon materials in the world. By leveraging our solutions, professionals can make informed decisions about material selection, improve project sustainability, and stay ahead of market demands.

The $32 million NYSDOT grant is a clear signal that the future of infrastructure lies in sustainability. By combining innovative materials with forward-thinking policies, New York State is taking tangible steps toward a greener future.