Metal in LEED v4

by Jonathan McGaha | March 31, 2014 12:00 am

This month, I will participate in the Modern Trade Communications’ Webinar Series[1]. This installment focuses on several topics related to using metal products in LEED construction, including how the use of metal during construction affects the LEED rating system; the integration of metal building systems (wall or roof panels, insulated panels and other materials) in LEED buildings; the typical metal products we see in LEED certified buildings, and a brief discussion of the upcoming changes to the LEED rating system. However, the time we have will not be sufficient to have any type of rich discussion about the changes that LEED v4 will bring to all designers, manufacturers, engineers and contractors, so I thought I’d use this month’s column to delve into that topic a little bit more.

All of the past versions of the LEED rating system included credit points that were achieved through the use of materials that were made with high amounts of recycled content, and additional points were granted if those products were produced within 500 miles from the project location. During that time, metal and metal-based products fit well into the LEED design strategy. A building constructed of structural steel, exterior insulated metal wall panel and metal studs was sure to achieve the two LEED credit points available for use of products with high recycled content. If a project team was fortunate enough to have the project’s location in close proximity to the mini mill and fabrication shop, they could bank on two more credit points for the use of locally produced materials. Without changing the way we designed, manufactured or constructed, if these metal products were incorporated into a building, several LEED points could easily be picked up.

Anyone in the industry who grew complacent during the days of easy material credit achievement may not have seen or currently see that those “good old days” are gone, or at least will be gone once the use of LEED v4 becomes mandatory for those seeking LEED certification for their buildings. This newest version of the LEED rating system places a higher importance on transparency. In the sustainability world, transparency is defined simply as a manufacturer’s willingness to show the public how and of what their products are made.

The folks at the U.S. Green Building Council[2] listened to their customers (LEED users), who were sending signals that tension was building in the sustainable marketplace. Using the recycled and regional credits from the older version of the rating system is a good example of where the USGBC still wants to see designers specify materials that are locally sourced and made with high amounts of recycled content. At the same time, those products should be produced by a manufacturing base with such a comfort level that they willingly communicate what is in their products, and how they are manufactured, through transparent communication.

In the world of LEED v4, transparent communication comes in many different forms, all of which contain specific information pertaining to the product. These are known generically as Product Declarations, which can be seen as Life Cycle Cost Assessment
(LCA), Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Health Product Declarations (HPDs). To make things even more confusing are the sub-groups within these new acronyms, like Product Category Rules
(PCRs), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and simple Declarations
(nothing more than a product label). Some of these products are currently being used internationally, and others are beginning to be used in the United States.

This alphabet soup of sustainability jargon becomes even more frustrating when you stop and realize that there is no standard form for this type of information currently in use. Manufacturers that currently disclose their product information do so in their own way. It is no wonder why there are more than a few U.S.-based manufacturers that are holding off for a while so they can see which direction the trend is moving and whether there will be “one” standard format that all manufacturers will use worldwide when self-rating the level of “greenness” in their products.

The USGBC recognized that there was growing market tension as they developed the early versions of the LEED rating system. The organization witnessed the current manufacturing base respond well to the need for more products that were manufactured locally with high amounts of recycled content. During the development of LEED v4, the USGBC saw a number of market trend indicators that communicated a growing tension in the marketplace. Venders are easily filling the current needs of the consumer, but as the market needs change and there are no new products to satisfy the “new consumer,” market tension will occur and will continue to build until the manufacturing base satisfies the needs of the consumer.

LEED v4 is significantly different than previous versions of the rating system. The performance standards have become more stringent, prerequisites have been added, more emphasis has been placed on community connectivity and, of course, material credits are based on transparency. Times of market tension can be stressful for some manufacturers. The savvy manufacturer has already started looking into EPDs HPDs and LCA for its products now. They are not going to allow themselves to be the last ones to jump on board and volunteer their information to the public.

These manufacturers understand that this type of market tension creates opportunities for new products and goods to be introduced to the consumer. In the end, if the market shows something is needed, the manufacturing base here in the United States will figure out a way to produce a product to fulfill that need. At the same time, the manufacturers know that if they produce these products, the market will consume.

How do you better position your product for use with the LEED v4 rating system? Share how your product is made, including the base materials or ingredients used, extraction point and manufacturing location. Providers that educate their consumer base about their concern for the environment through product declarations will find themselves well prepared when LEED v4 becomes the industry standard.

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Thomas Taylor, a 30-year veteran of the construction industry and noted expert on sustainability, is the general manager of St. Louis-based Vertegy. His recent book, “Guide to LEED 2009: Estimating and Preconstruction Strategies,” provides step-by-step information about the LEED 2009 for New Construction process. To learn more about Vertegy or Thomas’ new book, visit www.vertegyconsultants.com[3] for more information.

Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/metal-in-leed-v4/

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