GSA Releases Concrete and Asphalt Standards for Federal Contractors to Reduce Climate Impacts

On March 30, 2022, the General Service Administration (GSA) released its “Low Embodied Carbon Concrete Standards for all GSA Projects.” The standards contain Global Warming Potential (GWP) limits for various classes of concrete. Federal contractors must use concrete that meets these standards for all GSA projects that use at least ten cubic yards of concrete, though the GSA allows a waiver from these requirements in certain circumstances.  

On March 29, 2022, the General Service Administration (GSA) released its revised “Environmentally Preferable Asphalt Standards for all GSA Projects.” Under these standards, contractors must provide “environmentally preferable asphalt,” which is defined as material manufactured or installed using at least two of the following techniques:

“a. Greater than 20% recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) content (specify percentage, and whether in-place or central plant recycling is used);

 b. Warm mix technology (reduced onsite mix temperature);

c. Non-pavement recycled content (e.g. roof shingles, rubber, or plastic);

d. Bio-based or other alternative binders;

e. Improved energy/ carbon efficiency of manufacturing plants or equipment (e.g. using natural gas or electric for heating materials);

or f. Other environmentally preferable features or techniques (please specify).”

These asphalt standards apply to all GSA projects that use at least ten cubic yards of asphalt, and GSA likewise allows for a waiver in certain circumstances.