C-MORE: Construction Material Opportunities to Reduce Emissions

• About C-MORE
• Grant Program
• Technical Assistance
• Improving Data Quality
• Setting Thresholds
• Labeling Materials & Products

EPA is implementing programs to support construction material manufacturers in lowering operating costs, achieving efficiencies and accessing new markets for low embodied carbon construction materials. 

Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production (the extraction, transport and manufacturing) stages of a product’s life. (Many initiatives to track, disclose and reduce embodied carbon emissions also consider emissions associated with the use of a product and its disposal.)

Embodied Carbon of Construction Materials

Because 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with the production of construction materials, a growing number of municipalities, state governments, and large corporations have implemented or plan to implement “buy clean” policies to encourage manufacturers of construction materials to report and reduce embodied carbon.  

EPA is helping ensure that manufacturers have a consistent method of reporting on their embodied carbon emissions across the U.S., instead of facing a confusing and costly series of requirements in different markets and regions of the country. EPA is working with federal agencies and industry stakeholders to achieve a consistent, harmonized and reliable approach for this reporting. 

Manufacturer Benefits of Lowering Embodied Carbon

By addressing embodied carbon, U.S. manufacturers can:

• Lower operating costs, achieve efficiencies and access new markets.
• Respond to customer demand and meet public and private sector requirements.
• Gain market advantage by differentiating their products.

Four Key Materials

EPA is focusing on the following types of construction materials: 

• Concrete 
• Glass 
• Asphalt 
• Steel 

Additionally, EPA is providing technical support to inform development of EPDs and improved data quality for other construction materials, including salvaged and reused materials.

Learn about EPA's efforts to reduce embodied carbon in construction materials.

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