New LEED Credit Awarded for Carbon Neutral Products
Projects seeking certification under the LEED green building rating system can now earn an "Innovation in Design" point by using building products and materials that have been certified as carbon neutral by a reputable, independent third-party certifier, and that the product’s entire line of supply and manufacture is climate neutral, according to USGBC.
Projects seeking certification under the LEED green building rating system can now earn an "Innovation in Design" point by using building products and materials that have been certified as carbon neutral by a reputable, independent third-party certifier, and that the product’s entire line of supply and manufacture is climate neutral, according to USGBC.
Products and materials are climate neutral when there are zero net greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, from the entire life cycle of the product. The manufacturer calculates the total impact utilizing life cycle analysis and then obtains carbon emission reduction credits, such as through green power off-set purchases or carbon sequestration projects.
The offsets must equal or exceed the emissions produced during extraction, processing, manufacture, transport and end use of a product, and be certified by a recognized third party using sound scientific and accounting principles.
Innovation in Design points are awarded to LEED projects that develop new solutions, employ new technologies, educate, or realize exemplary performance in another area.
“Reducing and off-setting the greenhouse gas emissions created by the manufacture and use of building materials is critical,” says Scot Horst, chair of the LEED Steering Committee. “This Innovation and Design point rewards proactive suppliers who take a climate leadership position with their products and ensure that climate benefits can be delivered on a credible, measurable and transparent basis.”
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