Construction Fleets Initiatives
Clean Construction Contract Language
Diesel-powered non-road equipment, which is a category that includes construction and agricultural equipment, contributes approximately 32 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) per day in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) ozone nonattainment area in 2026, or approximately 17 percent of all ozone-forming NOX in this area.Contract specifications that require lower-emission construction equipment at worksites are one strategy that can reduce air pollution from construction equipment. NCTCOG has developed sample contract language for use in construction contracts to ensure that low-emission construction equipment and best operational practices are used on jobsites in the NCTCOG region. The sample contract language is included in the Public Works Construction Standards North Central Texas, which are approved by the NCTCOG Executive Board.
An excerpt of the contract language and supporting forms is available here [2023 Fifth Edition Construction Standards - TR AQ.pdf] NCTCOG encourages local governments to include this language in construction contracts as an air quality measure. A full copy of the Public Works Construction Standards North Central Texas, Amended Fifth Edition (2023) is available for purchase here.
Resources and Tools
- Sample contract language and supporting documentation encouraged by NCTCOG: 2023 Fifth Edition Construction Standards - TR AQ.pdf
- “Air Quality Funding Update” email notices are sent periodically as grant programs and other incentives are available to replace, repower, or upgrade equipment used in the NCTCOG region. Sign up here.
- FHWA Infrastructure Carbon Estimator: Final Report and User’s Guide The report and accompanying tool can be used to compare strategies for reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation infrastructure construction or maintenance, including using different types of equipment to complete a project. The tool is designed for use by planners and to help policymakers determine project priorities.
- The EPA Clean Construction Program is aimed at reducing emissions from diesel construction equipment. The program inventories a variety of resources and offers funding as appropriated by Congress.
Background
Prior to developing the sample contract language, in March 2010, the Regional Transportation Council approved a one-year Clean Construction Demonstration Project which evaluated the potential impacts of implementing the Clean Construction Specification, both for industry and local governments. NCTCOG staff partnered with local governments across the region on a voluntary basis to incorporate the Clean Construction Specification into public works contracts and/or collect responses to the Contractor Questionnaire.For more information, please contact Lori Clark at lclark@nctcog.org.