Regulation Database – U.S. General Services Administration
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.
2021 U.S. General Services Administration Climate Adaptation Plan
On October 7, 2021, twenty-three federal agencies released plans detailing how they will adapt to climate change and increase resilience to climate change impacts. The plans include a variety of resiliency and adaptation measures, including steps to develop a more resilient supply change, to enhance protections for workers and communities, and to increase climate literacy and leadership within Federal agencies. The climate adaptation and resilience plans were previously submitted to and reviewed by the National Climate Task Force, White House Council on Environmental Quality’s Federal Chief Sustainability Officer, and the Office of Management and Budget. President Biden mandated these plans in his January 27, 2021 Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.
- U.S. General Services Administration Climate Adaptation Plan (Sept. 1, 2021)