On November 2, 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that would “expand[] the Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing” (Recommendations) to, among other things, advance the goals of the Labelling of Low-Embodied Carbon Materials Program established in section 60116 of the IRA. That program aims to improve the labelling of construction materials and products that have substantially lower levels of embodied greenhouse gas emissions associated with all relevant stages of production, use, and disposal, as compared to estimated industry averages of similar materials or products.
According to the November 2 announcement, “[t]he Recommendations help purchasers easily identify credible and effective environmental performance standards/ecolabels/certifications by product/service category for incorporation into federal procurement ( e.g., contracts and e-procurement systems).” Federal purchasers are required “to procure products and services meeting the Recommendations to help facilitate net-zero emissions procurement and other sustainability goals.” Outside organizations can apply to EPA for assessment of whether they meet the Requirements. In the November 2 notice, EPA announced that it would host a webinar on November 15, 2022, for organizations considering applying “to learn more and ask questions about the assessment process.” EPA also announced that applications must be submitted by January 1, 2023, and indicated that “[o]nce all applications are received, EPA will issue an estimated timeline for full assessments.”