Major US contractors urge materials manufacturers to go green

Image: Urban Drone King via AdobeStock - stock.adobe.com

The contractorsCAN (Carbon Action Network) group wrote to manufacturers calling on them to contain Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

The letter, sent earlier this month, has been shared by Missouri-based Clayco, which is one of a number of major companies involved in the contractorsCAN network, alongside the likes of Clark Construction, Skanska, Turner, Holder and Yates Construction.

The letter read, “In recent years there has been a growing awareness of the need for transparency regarding the environmental impact of products. One essential tool in achieving this transparency is the EPD.

“An EPD is a document that communicates the lift-cycle environmental performance of a product, helping consumers make informed choices that align with their sustainability goals.”

It called on manufacturers to take a “proactive stance” in promoting environmentally friendly practices and called obtaining EPDs a “crucial step” in that direction.

“By providing clear and credible information about the environmental impact of your products, you not only meet the increasing demand for transparency but also contribute to the overall sustainability of the construction industry,” the letter continued.

It recognized the move would involve investments in assessment and documentation but said “we believe the long-term benefits, both environmentally and economically, far outweigh the initial costs.”

Building Transparency, a Washington-based non-profit that helps to co-ordinate contractorsCAN, has published resources on how to obtain an EPD here.