New Jersey State Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation requiring developers to offer a more environmentally friendly concrete product as an option in new construction is now law.

“We want to encourage the use of concrete products utilizing ‘carbon footprint-reducing technology.’ Concrete is the most widely used construction material, but it is responsible for 8 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions,” said Bateman (R-16). “Technology now allows concrete to be produced with less energy, reducing carbon emissions, and this bill will support its adoption in the marketplace.”

The new law (S3091 / A4933) establishes tax incentives and government purchasing preferences for the use of earth-friendly unit concrete products that utilize the new technology.

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A tax credit of $2 per square foot of qualified product, capped at $3,000 for a residential build, and $30,000 for a commercial property.

 “The credits will encourage investment in building material that will reduce greenhouse gas and help reduce climate change,” Bateman said. “It is a relatively painless way to cut our carbon footprint and improve the environment.”

The new law also requires the Environmental Protection commissioner to establish standards and procedures for certifying a concrete product that generates at least a reduction of half the carbon of traditional concrete.

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