The construction industry is taking significant steps toward sustainability, with major commitments from states and companies to reduce carbon emissions in key materials like cement and steel. These efforts, announced in collaboration with the White House, represent a crucial shift toward greener construction practices.

At ConstructionOwners.com, we recognize the importance of these initiatives, as they directly impact the future of infrastructure projects across the U.S. With public procurement driving a large portion of cement demand, these pledges are more than just symbolic—they reflect a strategic shift that construction owners must be aware of and prepare for.

New York State has committed to reducing the emissions of concrete used in state infrastructure by 30% by 2028, while Los Angeles is targeting a 15% reduction for new infrastructure materials. As builders, this kind of forward-looking legislation could soon become the norm, requiring careful planning and adaptation of materials and processes to meet new environmental standards.

Heidelberg Materials North America’s pledge to cut company emissions by 25% by 2030 and National Ready Mixed Concrete Company's goal of demonstrating near-zero emissions concrete projects by 2027 highlight the industry's response to these environmental pressures. This commitment to innovation in building materials aligns with the Biden Administration’s Federal-State Buy Clean Partnership, which aims to bolster procurement of low-carbon construction materials.

For construction owners, the message is clear: reducing emissions is becoming central to public and private sector projects. As the White House memo states, “These new commitments will advance the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to make U.S. manufacturing the cleanest and most competitive in the world.” For those of us managing large-scale construction projects, integrating low-carbon materials could soon be a requirement for securing contracts in both the public and private sectors.

The construction sector is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions, much of which comes from cement production. With initiatives like this, and growing investment in "green cement" expected to surpass $47 billion by 2028, it’s essential for construction owners to stay ahead of the curve.

Ash Lauth of Industrious Labs noted that nearly 40% of U.S. cement is used in public projects—this reflects the critical role that government procurement plays in decarbonization. Construction owners, particularly those involved in public infrastructure projects, must be proactive in adopting these cleaner technologies to remain competitive and compliant.

The stakes are high: without swift action, the global concrete sector could see emissions grow by 50% in the coming years. As we move forward, construction companies will need to navigate this evolving landscape of environmental regulations, technological advancements, and shifting market demands. At ConstructionOwners.com, we aim to keep construction owners informed and equipped to make decisions that align with both the environment and their bottom line.