Massachusetts Senate Bill S1981

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 7/8/24

Caption

Requiring state procurement of low-carbon building materials

Impact

If enacted, S1981 will significantly influence the way state construction projects are executed by mandating that specified construction materials comply with strict global warming potential limits. The bill instructs the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to establish a maximum acceptable global warming potential for each category of eligible material by January 1, 2024. This innovative approach not only contributes to lowering emissions in the construction industry but also encourages the adoption of cleaner technologies and materials, aligning with state and national climate goals.

Summary

Bill S1981, introduced by Senator Cynthia Stone Creem, mandates the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to require state procurement of low-carbon building materials. The legislation aims to amend Chapter 7C of the General Laws by creating guidelines for eligible materials and setting standards for their greenhouses gas emissions. The bill emphasizes the importance of using building materials with lower carbon footprints in public projects, reflecting a growing commitment to environmentally sustainable practices in public construction.

Contention

While S1981 is poised to make substantial strides in promoting sustainable procurement practices, there may be contention surrounding the implementation details, particularly related to how the maximum acceptable global warming potentials will be determined and monitored. Concerns may arise regarding the potential additional costs and procurement complexities that state agencies would face. There could also be debates over the composition and operation of the technical advisory committee responsible for setting these standards, as well as discussions on how to ensure adequate competition in contractor bidding processes while adhering to the environmental guidelines set forth by the bill.