New York State Receives $32 Million Grant to Support Low-Carbon Construction Materials
The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has received a $32 million grant to support the use of low-carbon materials in construction projects, announced Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday. The funding, provided by the Federal Highway Administration as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, will aid in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change.
Fighting Climate Change through Sustainable Construction Practices
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of addressing climate change, stating, "Whether it’s droughts, wildfires or record-breaking snowstorms, New Yorkers are feeling the effects of climate change in their daily lives, and these low-carbon grants are an important tool in our efforts to stop it." The DOT’s primary goal is to advance the identification and usage of construction materials with lower embodied carbon, which accounts for about one-third of the total carbon emissions from the construction industry.
Reducing Environmental Impact through Standardized Procedures
The DOT aims to advance overall standards for reducing the environmental impact of construction, including developing training for agency staff and industry stakeholders and establishing new procedures for evaluating and implementing strategies that reduce carbon emissions.
Training and Evaluation for Sustainable Construction
The grant will also enable the DOT to develop and implement new procedures for evaluating and implementing strategies that reduce carbon emissions. This includes training for agency staff and industry stakeholders on sustainable construction practices and the use of low-carbon materials.
Conclusion
This significant grant will play a crucial role in New York State’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact and combat climate change. By promoting the use of low-carbon materials and implementing sustainable construction practices, the state can make a significant difference in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the $32 million grant?
A: The grant is to support the use of low-carbon materials in construction projects, reducing the environmental impact of construction and combating climate change.
Q: What is embodied carbon?
A: Embodied carbon is the estimated amount of greenhouse gases released during an infrastructure’s life, making up about one-third of the total carbon emissions from the construction industry.
Q: What is the goal of the New York State Department of Transportation’s low-carbon construction initiative?
A: The goal is to advance the identification and usage of construction materials with lower embodied carbon, develop training for agency staff and industry stakeholders, and establish new procedures for evaluating and implementing strategies that reduce carbon emissions.
