The U.S. General Services Administration on September 20, 2023 awarded a $5.3 million option to buy windows of low embodied carbon glass made in the USA for the Lewis F. Powell Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Richmond, Virginia. GSA said it was its first purchase of low embodied carbon materials under the federal Buy Clean Initiative.
The purchase
- The glass is made in the USA by Vitro Architectural Glass.
- It meets GSA’s top-40% limit for flat glass, with a verified global warming potential of 1,350 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per metric ton.
- The option is part of a $16.5 million renovation that fixes windows, roof, gutters and storm drains, with completion set for October 2024.
- GSA has $2.15 billion for low embodied carbon materials and expects to need more than one million square feet of glass.
GSA said market research shows even lower-carbon glass, in the top 20%, is available. Buy Clean promotes clean construction materials made in the USA for federal projects.
“We’re thrilled to be working with homegrown manufacturers who are striving to create their products in a way that’s less harmful to the environment.”
Robin Carnahan, GSA Administrator
FAQ
Who makes the glass?
Vitro Architectural Glass, in the USA.
How much is the award?
A $5.3 million option within a $16.5 million renovation.
What is Buy Clean?
A federal effort to use cleaner construction materials made in the USA.
Source & credit
Source: U.S. General Services Administration, September 20, 2023: “GSA buys American-made sustainable glass for Virginia courthouse as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda”.