Minnesota allocated $565,000 to help concrete producers develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). While the grant application closed in February 2025, producers who haven’t yet developed EPDs should begin now to stay competitive for 2026 state projects.

Starting in 2026, facility-specific EPDs will be required for producers bidding on state-funded construction. Here's what ready-mix producers need to know — and how to prepare.

Minnesota's Buy Clean Law: HF 2310

Minnesota's Buy Clean Buy Fair Act (House File 2310) requires EPDs for state-funded construction projects starting in 2026.

The law covers:

• New state buildings larger than 50,000 square feet

• Major renovations exceeding 50,000 square feet where costs exceed 50% of assessed value

• Construction or reconstruction of two or more lane miles of trunk highway

EPDs become mandatory once Global Warming Potential thresholds are established by January 15, 2026.

These thresholds define the maximum allowable emissions for building materials and will be enforced by the Environmental Standards Procurement Task Force. Projects initiated after this date must include EPDs during bidding — no exceptions.

The Grant Program Details

Minnesota offered $565,000 in total EPD funding:

• $255,000 from the Department of Administration

• $310,000 from MnDOT

The University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research administered the program. Grants closed on February 7, 2025.

Funding Breakdown

• Up to $49,999 per manufacturer

• Up to $150,000 for industry groups representing multiple producers

What costs are covered:

• Data collection and documentation

• Life cycle assessment consulting

• EPD creation and development

• Third-party verification

• Software implementation

EPD development has historically been seen as an expensive endeavor, but with the grant program covering most of these expenses, this an essential opportunity for producers.

How reimbursement works:

Reimbursements follow standard state processes: producers cover costs up front, then submit for reimbursement.

EPD Requirements for Minnesota Projects

To meet state requirements, producers must develop facility-specific and supply chain-specific Type III EPDs aligned with ISO 14025 standards.

Technical specifications:

• Scope: Cradle-to-gate lifecycle assessment (stages A1-A3)

• Coverage: Raw material extraction through manufacturing

• Standards: NRMCA PCR or NSF PCR for concrete

• Verification: Third-party verification is mandatory, via organizations like NRMCA and ASTM

Minnesota prioritizes product-specific EPDs over industry averages. This means producers need EPDs that reflect their actual plant operations, energy sources, and supply chains.

MnDOT's Emerging Framework

While MnDOT hasn't yet implemented mandatory EPD requirements in their 2025 Standard Specifications, they're actively developing the framework.

The department has allocated $310,000 for grant funding and participates in research through MnROAD testing programs evaluating alternative cementitious materials and carbon reduction strategies.

Future MnDOT requirements will likely:

• Prioritize product-specific EPDs

• Focus on Global Warming Potential as the primary metric

• Align with Section 2461 concrete specifications

• Maintain current quality standards while adding environmental performance criteria

Producers should expect MnDOT to follow the same facility-specific approach as other state agencies.

The Time is Now: Key Timeline for Producers

Key timeline for producers:

• July-December 2025: Data collection, modeling, and verification

• January 2026: GWP thresholds announced

• 2026 onwards: Mandatory EPD submission for covered projects begins

Strategic tips for staying ahead:

Establish ongoing data collection systems. EPDs must be updated every five years, so build systems that can support long-term compliance.

Start EPD development now. Even without grant funding, producers need facility-specific EPDs to compete for state projects starting in 2026. Reach out to us if you want help.

Stay informed on policy development. The Environmental Standards Procurement Task Force, jointly overseen by the Department of Administration and MnDOT, will announce GWP thresholds in January 2026. Monitor their updates to understand specific requirements.

Connect with industry peers. Organizations like the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota or Minnesota Concrete Council can provide guidance on EPD development and share industry best practices.