What it is
NEEP article examines embodied carbon policies in Northeast states, focusing on Buy Clean programs requiring Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for concrete, steel, glass, and asphalt in state projects. Several states have mandatory reporting (NY, MD) and NJ offers up to 8% tax credit for low carbon concrete.
Why it matters
State-level Buy Clean policies establish maximum GWP thresholds and mandatory reporting for construction materials, affecting public sector projects (24% of US embodied carbon 2013-2023). GCs and MEP contractors bidding state work must navigate new EPD requirements and material specifications, adding documentation to procurement workflows.
Evidence from source:
- Maryland Buy Clean Act requires mandatory EPD reporting with maximum GWP thresholds starting July 2026 for cement/concrete
- Public sector contributed 24% of embodied carbon footprint of US construction 2013-2023
- New York Executive Order 22 mandates material quantity and EPD reporting for concrete, asphalt, steel and glass
Links
- Canonical source: https://neep.org/blog/can-we-afford-ignore-embodied-carbon-our-buildings
- Topic: /topics/code-standards/
- Topic: /topics/incentives-policy/
Open questions
- How do EPD reporting requirements affect electrical infrastructure material selection and project timelines?
- Do any regional embodied carbon policies address electrical distribution equipment or UPS systems?