Sources: Office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul; CP staff

Beginning in January 2025, concrete producers will be required to provide environmental product declarations for New York State agency project deliveries above $1 million and 50 yards, or NYS Department of Transportation work above $3 million and 200 yards. Under just-adopted Buy Clean Concrete guidelines, producers will also need to demonstrate that their mix materials exhibit environmental impact below certain thresholds. The guidelines include exceptions for emergency projects and those requiring high-strength or fast-setting concrete mixes, and do not apply to state authorities.

“Adopting Buy Clean Concrete guidelines marks a monumental step in our journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly New York State,” says Governor Kathy Hochul. “By setting mandatory emissions limits on concrete used in state-funded projects, we’re creating a tangible roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the board.” 

“The guidelines go a long way to encourage collaboration between all stakeholders, sharing best practices with a common goal for reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lowering our collective carbon footprint,” adds NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.

The New York Office of General Services and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority oversaw Buy Clean Concrete development. A stakeholder group convened to gain insight on low embodied carbon concrete included representatives of NYSDOT, New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, plus licensed professional engineers, registered architects and construction interests. 

“New York State is a leader in targeting lower carbon concrete mixes, conduct[ing] meaningful stakeholder consults that resulted in achievable initial carbon limits with phased reductions over time,” observes Jordan Palmeri, senior researcher at the University of Washington-hosted Carbon Leadership Forum.

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