Generally, every prescriptive-based green building rating system offers a certain percentage of credits that can be achieved with the use of wood. Recent examples that are now recognizing LCA-based data include LEED v4, Green Globes, the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), and the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen). Here is an overview of some key considerations:
LEED v4
In the Materials and Resources chapter of LEED v4 (2013), prescriptive, singleattribute credits that were part of the previous version of the system—for material reuse, recycled content, certified wood, and rapidly renewable materials—have been replaced with credits related to LCA, LCA-based EPDs, material ingredient verification, and raw material extraction. EPDs need only be collected to gain credit; there is no requirement that they be understood or acted upon.
Building Codes
ASHRAE 189.1, the IgCC, and CALGreen are also shifting toward performance- based assessment. The ASHRAE standard provides alternative prescriptive and performance pathways, one option of which requires that LCAs be conducted for a minimum of two building design alternatives with equivalent functions. Assessment must also demonstrate at least a 5% improvement in at least two categories, including land use (or habitat alteration), resource use, climate change, ozone depletion potential, human health effects, ecotoxicity, eutrophication, acidification, or smog. Completion of an LCA eliminates the need to adhere to prescriptive low-impact material requirements.
The booming green building industry paired with evolving green rating systems and building codes that embrace a more systematic assessment of building products has left us with an opportunity to strengthen the wood products market in North America. To have an informed conversation with users, ensures you are up to speed on the latest changes that recognize the environmental benefits of wood. Keep available EPDs and transparency briefs on hand to help explain to customers how they can take advantage of your wood products.
