The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has unveiled a $2-billion investment for more than 150 construction projects across 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, using cleaner construction materials known as low-embodied carbon (LEC) materials.
This initiative—a key component of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda—aims to bolster the market for U.S.-made low carbon asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel, in the hopes of combating the climate crisis, while driving innovation and generating well-paying jobs.
Notably, it supports the Buy Clean Initiative, the federal government’s inaugural prioritization of cleaner industrial materials. Asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel constitute nearly half of U.S. manufacturing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 98 percent of government-funded construction materials. By fostering demand for LEC materials, the investment aims to fortify the nation’s industrial base.
Approximately $25 million of the investment will enhance the Frank Carlson Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse’s sustainability. The project includes the replacement of windows and doors with blast-resistant aluminum frames and insulated LEC glass, reducing energy consumption and extending the building’s life. LEC concrete will upgrade sidewalks and parking areas, addressing deterioration and tripping hazards, while enhancing accessibility.
Funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the $3.375 billion allocation to GSA is the largest climate investment in history. Asphalt, concrete, glass, and steel projects will receive substantial allocations—$384 million, $767 million, $464 million, and $388 million, respectively. The investments include facade replacements, structural repairs, repaving, and seismic upgrades across diverse federal buildings, with an estimated reduction of up to 41,000 tonnes (45,194 tons) of GHG emissions.
These projects align with President Biden’s sustainability goals, targeting a net-zero emissions federal building portfolio by 2045 and net-zero emissions procurement by 2050. The GSA’s plan, informed by a pilot launched in May 2023, emphasizes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) standards for lower GHG emissions based on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
“EPA is thrilled to be partnering with GSA and other federal agencies to support construction projects that cut harmful climate pollution, protect public health, and help grow the economy in communities across our county,” says EPA deputy administrator, Janet McCabe. “At EPA, we are also working with the construction materials manufacturing industry and NGOs to help track the climate impacts of their operations and to develop a labeling program that will clearly identify lower carbon construction materials in the marketplace.”
