On August 7, the EPA announced a new label program designed to help purchasers identify climate-friendly construction materials for federal projects, supporting the Biden administration’s Buy Clean Initiative. This initiative aims to use the federal government’s purchasing power to promote American-made, lower-carbon building materials. Construction material production is responsible for over 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, driving climate change.
The label program will focus on materials such as steel, glass, asphalt, and concrete, which are significant sources of climate pollution and are widely used in federal projects. The program will introduce a tiered rating system based on life-cycle emissions, with labeled materials listed in a central registry to simplify their identification and procurement. Developed with input from various federal agencies, including the Transportation Department, the program aligns with the Federal Highway Administration’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Labeling requirements will be reviewed and updated every two to four years to reflect market shifts and sustainability goals. The program is supported by $100 million from the Inflation Reduction Act and builds on Biden’s December 2021 executive order to green federal procurement and pursue a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. Supporting documents, including Product Category Rule Criteria and data quality methodologies, were also released to aid in the program’s implementation.
The EPA’s new label program represents a significant step toward sustainable construction practices and climate action. By introducing a tiered rating system for materials like steel, glass, asphalt, and concrete, the initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction, a major contributor to climate change. Backed by $100 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, this program supports the Biden administration’s goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. Regular updates to labeling requirements will ensure the program adapts to market and sustainability advancements. Overall, this initiative leverages federal purchasing power to drive innovation and promote lower-carbon building materials.
