The administration of US President Joe Biden announced on September 15 that it will take additional steps to prioritize procurement of low-carbon building materials, including steel and metal products, for use in federally funded projects.
According to a White House fact sheet, the federal government will prioritize the procurement of steel, concrete, asphalt, and flat glass, which have fewer internal emissions associated with their manufacture, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal.
The White House said that in addition to federal purchases, the Buy Clean program will also cover federally funded projects, noting that the Department of Transportation is managing more than $120 billion in infrastructure spending in fiscal year 2022.
p>The White House said it is taking these actions to encourage the development of low-carbon building materials made in the US. Washington recalled that the US federal government is the largest direct buyer in the world and the main sponsor of infrastructure in the United States.
Along with prioritizing green materials procurement, the White House will also increase data transparency through supplier reporting to help US manufacturers track and reduce emissions.
