Policy Precedents
New York State Procurement
NY A2591/S542 directs New York’s state agencies and departments to create a low-carbon concrete standard for concrete used on any state-funded project — a standard that will be informed by a task force of experts from the public and private sectors.
Hawaii Setting the Precedent
In January 2019, the State of Hawaii tabled legislation which would require “all state building construction that uses concrete to use post-industrial carbon dioxide mineralized concrete unless use of these materials will increase costs or delay construction.”
Portland Requires EPDs
As of January 1, 2020, the City of Portland, Oregon’s purchasing policy came into effect. It requires “product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and using those EPDs and related mix performance information to select lower impact mixes for Portland Cement Concrete” in order to reduce emissions associated with concrete use on City projects.
Honolulu — A Global First
In April 2019, Honolulu, Hawaii became the first municipality to pass a resolution that “requests the city administration to consider using carbon dioxide mineralization concrete for all future city infrastructure projects utilizing concrete.”
First DOT Demonstration
In May 2019, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) demonstrated the use of CO2 mineralized concrete supplied by Island Ready-Mix for the Kapolei Interchange Phase 2 project on Oahu Island, reducing 1,500 pounds of carbon.
Colorado HB 21-1303
This bill requires the state to establish maximum carbon content limits for construction materials including concrete, and requires concrete producers to disclose the carbon content of products purchased by state agencies through the use of Environmental Product Declarations.
Marin County Makes History
On January 1, 2020, California’s Marin County passed the Bay Area Low-Carbon Concrete Codes, the first in North America. It sets maximum limits for the usage of cement in concrete based on carbon emissions, also referred to as Global Warming Potential (GWP).
U.S. Conference of Mayors
On the heels of the adopted Honolulu resolution, a motion that urges all member cities to prioritize the use of CO2 mineralized concrete in city projects that require concrete was passed unanimously by the United States Conference of Mayors, which covers more than 1400 cities.
Langford Low-Carbon Concrete Policy
The City of Langford, British Columbia, is the first in Canada to have adopted a low-carbon concrete policy. Effective in June 2022, all concrete supplied to City-owned or solicited projects will be required to be produced using CO2 mineralization technologies, or an equivalent which offers concrete with lower embodied CO2. The policy also applies to private construction projects greater than 50 cubic meters (about 65 cubic yards). Vendors are also now required to submit Type III Environmental Product Declarations for concrete materials.
Proposed Policies
California SB 778
Requires concrete producers to disclose the carbon content of concrete products purchased by state agencies through the use of Environmental Product Declarations and offers incentives to producers that can provide low-carbon products.
New Jersey A5223 / S3732
Requires concrete producers to disclose the carbon content of concrete products purchased by state agencies through the use of Environmental Product Declarations and offers incentives to producers that can provide low-carbon products.
Austin Recommends Reducing CO2
In June 2019, the City of Austin, Texas passed a resolution recommending “supporting the development of pilot programs that utilize Carbon Dioxide Mineralization Concrete for future Austin infrastructure projects.”