Bill > A08456

This bill introduces comprehensive regulations to reduce embodied carbon emissions in buildings by establishing new requirements for construction projects over 25,000 square feet. The legislation defines embodied carbon emissions as the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a building material's entire lifecycle—from extraction and manufacturing to transport, installation, maintenance, and disposal. The bill provides three compliance options for construction projects: (1) maintaining at least 45 percent of an existing building's structure and envelope, (2) demonstrating a reduction in early-stage life-cycle emissions for specific construction materials like concrete, steel, and engineered wood products, or (3) conducting a whole building life-cycle assessment comparing the proposed building to a reference building. By 2030, construction projects must achieve a 15 percent reduction in embodied carbon emissions, with a target of 30 percent reduction by 2033. The bill requires design professionals to document and report their carbon emissions reductions using standardized forms and requires the department to create a public database and educational resources to support implementation. Additionally, the department will conduct random audits of 3 percent of projects annually and report progress towards carbon emission reduction goals every three years.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8456