West LA Times

The City Council of Santa Monica, California, has approved an ordinance mandating the use of low-carbon concrete for all new construction projects, swimming pools, and spas. This move is part of the city's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce embodied carbon emissions.

Chief Sustainability Officer Shannon Parry expressed her enthusiasm for the city's progress, stating, "I’m thrilled to see our city continue to advance towards the goal of carbon neutrality." She highlighted the readiness of the concrete industry to supply low-carbon alternatives and emphasized the importance of this step in the fight against climate change.

Local concrete suppliers and builders have shown support and readiness to provide low-carbon concrete options, which are not only environmentally friendly but also often more cost-effective than traditional cement mixes. The city has already been using low-carbon concrete mixes in its infrastructure projects, with the Moongate structure at Woodlawn Cemetery serving as an example.

The ordinance allows for exemptions to provide flexibility in certain situations, such as emergencies, supply chain challenges, or when the cost of traditional concrete mix is higher than low-carbon options. Compliance checks will be integrated into the Plan Check process to ensure adherence to the new requirements.

Noteworthy national examples of developments using low-carbon concrete include the One World Trade Center in New York and the Wilshire Grand Center in downtown Los Angeles. The ordinance is set to undergo a second reading on May 14 and will come into effect 30 days later, marking a significant step towards sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices in Santa Monica.