The White House launches low-carbon construction plan with major cities and companies

The Biden administration has secured new commitments from key cities, states and corporations to reduce emissions from cement and steel, aiming to cut construction-related pollution.

Brian Dabbs reports for E&E News.

In short:

• New York, Los Angeles and Washington State committed to cutting concrete emissions for infrastructure by up to 30% by 2028.
• Major companies like Amazon and Heidelberg Materials pledged to use low-carbon materials in construction and data centers.
• The initiatives align with the Federal-State Buy Clean Partnership to reduce emissions from construction materials nationwide.

Key quote:

“The production of construction materials is a major source of pollution. These new commitments will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to make U.S. manufacturing the cleanest and most competitive in the world.”

— White House memo

Why this matters:

Construction materials like cement and steel are major carbon emitters, responsible for nearly 8% of global emissions. Reducing their carbon footprint is crucial for hitting climate targets and reducing industrial pollution.