Carbon Intensity of Construction and Building Materials Act Heads To Governor

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill, Assembly Bill 2446: Carbon Intensity of Construction and Building Materials Act, passed the Assembly Floor and is headed to the Governor’s desk. This measure is the first in the nation, and would require the State to develop a framework for measuring and then reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the construction of all public and private buildings. 

“With AB 2446, we hope to bring conscious design to reduce materials used and the employment of low carbon construction materials to help both people and the planet,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “The decisions we make today impact generations to come.”

The bill would require the California Air Resources Board to include a comprehensive strategy to achieve a 20% net reduction in the GHG emissions of building materials by December 31, 2030 and a 40% net reduction no later than December 31, 2035. This bill would require a life cycle assessment to determine the carbon intensity of both residential and non-residential buildings in the State.  AB 2446 would also require the Board to leverage State and Federal incentives to reduce the cost of implementing the framework and to increase economic value for the State.

“Creating a framework for measuring and then reducing the average carbon intensity of the materials used in the construction of new buildings, including those for residential uses is critical for the future of California,” said Holden.

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