Construction and Agriculture
Clean Construction
Diesel equipment provides the power needed for almost all construction activities. However, emissions from construction equipment impact the health of people working on and living near construction sites.
While EPA regulations apply to new engines, older diesel engines can remain in operation for 30 years or more. Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust in and around construction areas is important for human health and the environment.
EPA offers funding, as appropriated annually by Congress, for projects that reduce emissions from existing diesel engines. EPA’s Clean Construction also provides information on strategies for reducing emissions from older engines, including idle-reduction practices that save money and fuel while reducing emissions.
Construction fleet owners are finding that operating Clean Diesel fleets makes them more competitive for Green Building jobs. As Green Building standards and codes are becoming more common, construction fleets are becoming cleaner.
Project owners also play important roles in reducing diesel emissions at construction sites and in nearby buildings that take in emissions through air intakes, doors and windows. To help protect the health of on-site personnel and maintain good community relations, project owners should establish a Clean Diesel policy for their projects.
Construction Rebate Program
2013 Construction Rebate Program
Key Elements of a Successful Clean Diesel Policy
- Include Clean Diesel specifications or performance standards in contracts.
- Use Model Contract Specification to provide Clean Diesel language in construction contracts.
- Emphasize the Clean Diesel policy during the bid process and throughout project.
- Hold construction managers accountable for successfully implementing the Clean Diesel policy by making sure they:
- thoroughly understand all elements of the policy
- fully educate all contractors on Clean Diesel requirements throughout the duration of the project
- implement a tracking system
- see that all contract requirements are met
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Respond to and resolve all issues regarding the policy.
Resources
Printed Clean School Bus publications can be ordered from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications
- Best Practices for Clean Diesel Construction: Successful Implementation of Equipment Specifications to Minimize Diesel Pollution(9 pp, 1 MB, August 2010, EPA-420-F-10-018, About PDF)
- Cleaner Diesels: Low Cost Ways to Reduce Emissions from Construction Equipment(38 pp, 450 K, March 2007, EPA-R-07-002, About PDF)
- Construction Fleet Inventory Guide(116 pp, 11 MB, July 2010, EPA-420-B-10-025, About PDF)
- Model Contract Specification
- Clean Construction USA - The Green Building Sector is Growing Rapidly. Grow With It(2 pp, 500 K, August 2010, EPA-420-F-10-018, About PDF)
- EPA's ENERGY STAR
The following links exit the site Exit
- Clean Construction Pilot Credit that can be used toward Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification
- Diesel Technology Forum: Construction
- California’s Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling
- California-Carl Moyer Program
Clean Agriculture
EPA’s Clean Agriculture helps farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses reduce emissions from older diesel engines currently in use. Because these engines can last 30 years or more and are not subject to EPA’s emissions standards for new diesel engines, they will continue to emit harmful pollutants. Reducing exposure to diesel exhaust is important for human health and the environment.
EPA offers funding, as appropriated annually by Congress, for projects that reduce emissions from existing diesel engines. EPA’s Clean Agriculture also provides information on strategies for reducing emissions from older engines, including idle-reduction practices that save money and fuel while reducing emissions.
Resources
Printed Clean School Bus publications can be ordered from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications
- Clean Agriculture USA - Cleaner Air Over Greener Fields(2 pp, 450 K, Aaugust 2010, EPA-420-F-10-07, About PDF)
- Diesel Technology Forum: Agriculture Exit
- USDA Partnerships with Farmers and Ranchers to Address Climate Change
- USDA’s Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture & Forestry – Fact Shee(5 pp, 150 K, About PDF)
- USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)