flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Uptake of low-carbon materials expected to get a boost from federal building plan

Codes and Standards

Uptake of low-carbon materials expected to get a boost from federal building plan

Initiative to modernize and expand 26 border crossings requires new sustainable building materials.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | April 7, 2022
Border crossing
Courtesy Pixabay

Low-carbon materials will get a sizeable boost via purchases through a federal $3.4 billion building plan to modernize U.S. border crossings.
 
The $3.4 billion building plan requires the inclusion of sustainable building materials, which could help spur their production more widely. The funds will modernize and expand 26 border crossings with Mexico and Canada around the country. The projects are intended to make the movement of goods and travelers more efficient.
 
The average age of the nation’s land ports is about 40 years old. Trade has grown about 8% a year in recent years, spurring longer wait times at the borders.
 
Products may be required to have environmental product declarations that specify the carbon emissions associated with their production and use. The border-crossing projects are part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to encourage low-carbon building materials in procurement for federal projects.
 

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2021

Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates

New features include Python Plugin features and additional tabular reporting options.

Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021

Federal plan to double Canadian lumber tariffs draws intense criticism

Builders advised to stock up to deal with shortages.

Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021

Passive House standards proving their worth in multifamily sector

Energy performance beats conventionally built by 32% to 58%.

Codes and Standards | May 27, 2021

Pittsburgh combats construction fraud

Crackdown on tax, insurance, and workers’ comp malfeasance.

Codes and Standards | May 26, 2021

Proposal to add photovoltaic panels to the R2 Standard for electronics recycling

Hundreds of facilities in 33 countries could begin recycling PVs.

Codes and Standards | May 25, 2021

International Energy Agency lays out roadmap to net zero

Focus is on energy generation, but building efficiency also plays a role.

Codes and Standards | May 24, 2021

Biden Administration will make new investments in building energy efficiency

Focus on grid-interactive buildings; Energy Star expansion; new targets for energy, water reduction.

Codes and Standards | May 20, 2021

Solar panel trade group issues guidelines to rid use of components built with forced labor

Growing concern that PV industry is dependent on work camps in China.

Codes and Standards | May 19, 2021

Smart electric panels can aid transition to renewable energy

Allow customers better control of circuits; utilities can better manage demand.

Codes and Standards | May 18, 2021

Cross-laminated timber performs better than expected in shear test

Tests conducted in support of new criteria for design of CLT diaphragm.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021