GSA stipulates low-carbon materials for Homeland Security contracts

RENDERING: National Capital Planning Commission

Proposed DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Headquarters.

The U.S. General Services Administration and Department of Homeland Security will steer nearly $288 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds to make the latter agency’s new headquarters campus buildings models for sustainability, starting with procurement prioritizing low-embodied carbon concrete, steel, and asphalt. The funding will enable GSA to complete the construction of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Headquarters, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Headquarters, plus DHS Garage and Gatehouse at the St. Elizabeths campus in Washington, D.C. Agency officials note how the procurement goals further the Federal Buy Clean Initiative to catalyze investments in cleaner construction materials. 

“We’re modeling a comprehensive approach to sustainability in the federal footprint—using low-embodied carbon materials and new technologies,” says GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. 

“The Inflation Reduction Act funding will help our Department fulfill its mission to keep our country safe,” adds Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “These projects will save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars annually and model modern environmental and sustainability standards.”