Demand for aggregates and industrial sand to support renewable energy development is rapidly increasing. Innovative infrastructure projects are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community resiliency to withstand the effects of climate change. The aggregates and industrial sand industries are committed to taking reasonable steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while supplying essential materials. Our greenhouse gas emissions are inherently low due to the characteristics of our products and processes. The plants and facilities that produce these necessary construction materials use relatively little electrical energy or fossil fuels. 

Despite low baseline emissions, these industries continue to be leaders in responding to climate change and are constantly evaluating ways to reduce energy use. For example, companies are promoting recycling, making crushing and screening processes more efficient and using new refrigerants with lower warming potential for air-conditioned truck cabs and offices. The aggregates and industrial sand industries have undertaken many greenhouse gas mitigation efforts, such as investing in fuel-efficient mobile equipment; installing renewable energy generation facilities; using biodiesel fuels for mobile equipment; and improving operational efficiency. The end producers of asphalt, concrete, and cement are using innovative technology to further reduce the carbon footprint of the materials they produce using the aggregate. We support incentives, grants and opportunities that will drive investments into modern technologies and equipment that reduce energy use, air emissions, and increase sustainability.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator

NSSGA has provided a greenhouse gas emissions calculator since 2008 to assist aggregate producers and pulverized mineral producers calculate emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in an accurate, consistent and verifiable manner. The GHG inventories provide emission baselines and are a useful tool for evaluating options for reducing GHG emissions. 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator

User Guide

NSSGA appreciates the increased focus in Congress and by the administration to create opportunities that promote the use of sustainable building materials. It is imperative the programs established by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Biden administration’s procurement actions follow the law, as written by Congress and incorporate industry input. The industry led aggregates Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) process is a critical tool to achieving shared sustainability goals. Creating new burdensome procedures and regulations will only slow our ability to deliver sustainable materials that are being developed by America’s aggregates producers.

Construction aggregates are used in many environmental applications such as landscaping, erosion control, water filtration systems, wastewater, and sewage control, and drinking water. NSSGA members are responsible stewards of water resources, and regularly undertake land reclamation activities that include wetland restoration, creation, and enhancement, as well as wetland mitigation banking for internal and external use. Land reclamation activities conducted by NSSGA members have long been known for their ability to create much-needed additional flood storage capacity.

Water uses of aggregates include:

• Filtration
• Sewage treatment
• Wastewater control
• Septic tank leaching fields
• Infiltration for aquifier replenishment
• Acid Neutralization
• Streams
• Lakes
• Concrete and Asphalt Construction for Public Works Infrastructure
• Sewage treatment plants
• Water purification plants
• Dams, reservoirs and water supply
• Utility lines (water, sewerage, electrical)

Aggregates facilities are heavily regulated before, during and after operation at the local, state and federal level. NSSGA members support reasonable regulations based upon the law and sound science that allow the timely extraction of materials vital for infrastructure projects, but object to those that are redundant, burdensome and do not provide environmental improvement. 

• Waters of the US (WOTUS) Definition: To provide aggregates and industrial sand in a timely and responsible manner for vital infrastructure and environmental projects, producers need clean water and clear rules. The changes to the definition of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule makes it difficult for the industry to supply the unprecedented infrastructure projects under the IIJA and other federal investments. NSSGA believes a proper balance can be struck to responsibly protect federal waters, while allowing state control of land use, as intended under the Clean Water Act. Further, we are disappointed this rule was finalized while the Supreme Court is actively deliberating changes to WOTUS. The changes implemented by this rule will have substantial consequences on the aggregate and industrial sand industries’ ability to deliver critical raw materials to public works project sites on time and within budget.
• Particulate Matter (PM) Rule: EPA is proposing to reduce the standard for fine PM (PM2.5) to a level that will send many parts of the U.S. into nonattainment. Such a reduction could create problems for aggregates and industrial sand operators in many areas of the U.S., as this will affect permitting and potentially limit production. 
• Endangered Species Act: The Endangered Species Act, as enacted, has historically done a poor job of recovering threatened and endangered species. NSSGA supports common-sense reforms to allow more state and local expertise and programs to solve complex species and habitat issues, as well as voluntary efforts by industry to create and enhance habitats.
• Other Permits: In addition to federal permits, NSSGA members are also required to meet state and local permit conditions that include important protections for air and water quality.  NSSGA members install controls and monitor regularly so that the environment and community are protected.