The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled nearly $50 million in funding as part of a $160 million initiative aimed at reducing embodied greenhouse gas emissions in construction materials. This investment is crucial for advancing the development and use of cleaner materials like concrete and steel, which are vital for modern infrastructure and the nation’s economic growth.
EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe emphasized the significance of these investments: “As America builds and upgrades its infrastructure, cleaner construction materials become increasingly vital. Our funding will expand market access for climate-friendly materials and support American jobs in the clean energy sector.”
Among the key recipients, the Portland Cement Association (PCA) has been allocated $2.4 million to enhance the number of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) from its members. This funding will support PCA in distributing up to $1.5 million in grants to eligible producers over the next five years and provide technical assistance for developing and verifying EPDs. PCA CEO Mike Ireland noted, “This grant represents a major step towards our environmental goals, allowing us to communicate detailed impact data and accelerate our path to carbon neutrality.”
The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) has secured $9.63 million to promote low-carbon concrete. This grant will support efforts to educate the architectural and engineering communities, increase the number of EPDs from ready-mixed concrete plants, and enhance data quality. NRMCA President Michael Philipps highlighted the importance of the grant: “It accelerates our move towards low-carbon concrete solutions and supports broader industry adoption.”
Additionally, a $9.975 million grant has been awarded to a joint project by the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA), Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI), and American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA). This funding will update the precast concrete Product Category Rule (PCR) and develop product-specific EPDs. NPCA CEO Nick Rhoad and PCI CEO Bob Risser both emphasized the grant’s role in advancing sustainability and efficiency in the precast concrete sector.
Finally, the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) received $9.65 million to enhance the aggregates industry’s EPD and sustainability practices. Key initiatives include developing comprehensive training programs, creating digital tools for environmental reporting, and establishing best management practices for CO2 reduction and sequestration.
NSSGA CEO Michael Johnson expressed enthusiasm for the grant’s impact: “This support will enhance transparency and help the aggregates industry lead in carbon reduction, aligning with our ongoing environmental and sustainability efforts.”
