Cement and Concrete in Construction
Green purchasing guidance for cement and concrete in building construction.
Required specifications
Purchasers must include these specifications, unless not possible:
- Products may not be made with coal fly ash.
Preferred specifications
Purchasers should include these specifications, unless not possible:
- Products that are certified as “carbon neutral.”
- Porous cement and concrete.
- Cradle to Cradle Product Certificate or Material Health Certificate: v3.1 at the Silver level or higher OR v4.0 at the Silver level or higher.
- Certification by UL GREENGUARD Gold (low emitting only)
Things to avoid
Purchasers should avoid these specifications whenever possible:
- Persistent and bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals unless there is no feasible alternative.
- Coal fly ash
Laws, rules, and executive orders
These laws, rules, and executive orders must be included in the contract language:
- EO 04-01: Persistent Toxic Chemicals
- EO 20-01: State Efficiency and Environmental Performance (SEEP)
Find these products on statewide contracts
Find products that meet Washington’s green purchasing specifications:
- Contract 07121: Roadway Maintenance Products
End of life
Surplus goods that still can be used
- Use surplus disposal to get rid of items you no longer need. Keep materials out of landfills and make funds for your agency.
Recycling and disposal
Hazardous waste disposal guidelines and options:
- Department of Ecology: Dispose, recycle, or treat dangerous waste
- Washington Recycles
Contact us
Cheral Manke
Contracts & Procurement
Phone 360-407-9042
Email cheral.manke@des.wa.gov
Leatta Dahlhoff
Environmental Technical Analyst
Phone 360-407-8108