Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced the University of Kentucky Research Foundation as the recipient of approximately $2,097,521 in grant funding. This initiative aims to support efforts to report and reduce climate pollution from the manufacturing of construction materials. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), construction materials used in buildings and infrastructure contribute more than 15% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions.
The United States leads globally in producing clean construction materials. These grants, part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment in history—will help businesses measure carbon emissions associated with extracting, transporting, and manufacturing their products.
The grants will bolster the Federal Buy Clean Initiative, which leverages the U.S. government’s purchasing power to increase demand for clean construction materials used in federal buildings, highways, and infrastructure projects. The funds will be distributed to businesses, universities, and nonprofit organizations across all 50 states to disclose environmental impacts associated with manufacturing various construction materials.
The University of Kentucky Research Foundation’s project will develop a digital platform for data collection and quality enhancement while defining mechanisms for data screening, verification, and management. Fifteen projects nationwide will serve as data sources with an aim to create a blueprint for industry-wide use.
This project seeks to address critical data gaps in transport, construction, and usage stages within the industry. Collaborating with industry stakeholders and guided by a technical advisory committee, it aims to set new standards for data-driven decision-making in promoting environmental product declarations (EPDs) and life cycle assessments.
EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe stated: “As America continues to build more and upgrade our nation’s infrastructure under President Biden’s leadership, cleaner construction materials like concrete and steel are increasingly essential for the nation’s prosperity.” She added that these investments would expand market access for climate-friendly construction materials while fostering American jobs crucial for a clean energy economy.
These grants will aid businesses in developing robust EPDs that reveal environmental impacts across a product's lifecycle. Investments in data tools will make high-quality EPDs available for 14 material categories including both new and salvaged or reused materials. These efforts aim to standardize markets for low-emission construction products making it easier for governments at all levels to ensure their funded projects use more sustainable materials.
Additionally, EPA is expanding technical assistance opportunities across America by offering initial EPD development support and directing businesses towards resources like those provided by the ENERGY STAR Industrial program. Federal agencies can compare climate impacts of various materials driving near-term greenhouse gas reductions further supported by a new label program identifying low-carbon construction materials.
Together with technical assistance programs enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022—which invests significantly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions—the grants aim to support American jobs while promoting sustainable practices within the construction industry. The act also allocates over $2 billion each to the General Services Administration and Federal Highway Administration towards using low embodied carbon materials in federal building constructions/renovations and certain transportation projects respectively.
Selections are contingent upon completing legal requirements with grantees expected to receive funding by late summer.
