When it comes to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suffice it to say, that the industry has had its fair number of conflicts with the agency over regulations and enforcement. So it is a banner day when we can say that EPA did something good for the industry.
On July 16, EPA announced the selection of 38 “Reducing Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Construction Materials and Products Program” grants, totaling nearly $160 million, to support efforts to report and reduce climate pollution from the manufacturing of construction materials and products.
- The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) was awarded a five-year, $9.65 million grant. Over the next five years, NSSGA will become program operator for aggregates industry Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). NSSGA will have full-time staff to administer the program, facilitating more robust updates and ensuring comprehensive oversight.
- The Portland Cement Association will receive $2.4 million to lead a project that will improve both the quantity and quality of industry EPDs including a partnership with the Slag Cement Association, American Coal Ash Association and Natural Pozzolan Association.
- Heidelberg Materials North America will receive up to $5 million to create a robust, web-based tool that can help ready-mix concrete, cement and aggregate facilities to quickly produce high-quality EPDs.
- The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association secured a $9.63 million grant.
- The National Precast Concrete Association, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute and American Concrete Pipe Association will receive a $9.975 million grant.
“Thank you to the EPA and their staff for this important funding. We look forward to working together to enhance the transparency and availability of environmental impact data within the aggregates industry,” said Michael Johnson, president and CEO of NSSGA. “The unwavering support from our members, industry partners and 23 state associations has been instrumental in securing this grant and will be crucial, as we move forward to accomplish the initiatives. This builds on our industry’s robust efforts to be a leader in the carbon solution, as we continually protect the environment and sustainably produce critically needed materials.”
The construction materials industry continues to be a beacon of sustainability, and we deserve more credit for it.
Mark S. Kuhar, editor
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(330) 722‐4081
Twitter: @editormarkkuhar