Identifying Local Resources for LEED Green Associate Credit: Locating Sustainable Materials Nearby
In the pursuit of sustainable construction, the use of local materials has become a significant factor in earning LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Here's a breakdown of what local materials mean for LEED Green Associate certification and how to meet the distance requirements.
Firstly, it's important to note that the purchase location of a material is not a determining factor in whether it is considered a local material. Instead, the focus is on the extraction, harvest, recovery, or manufacturing process.
According to the USGBC (United States Green Building Council), local materials for LEED Green Associate certification are those that are extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within a 100-mile (160-kilometer) radius of the project site. For instance, stone that is quarried and processed 80 miles from the project site and purchased 75 miles away qualifies as a local material.
However, it's essential to remember that the specific distance requirements for local materials can vary depending on the LEED rating system and version being used. For LEED v4 and LEED v4.1, both extraction and manufacturing must occur within a 100-mile radius.
On the other hand, materials from farther than 100 miles in extraction or manufacturing, such as bamboo flooring harvested 2,350 miles away and manufactured 200 miles away, or quarry tile extracted 370 miles away and manufactured in a city 1,600 miles away, do not qualify as local materials.
Similarly, a vinyl flooring manufactured 500 miles away but sold at a warehouse just 2 miles from the project site does not meet the local material criteria.
By using local materials, project teams can potentially gain points towards LEED certification in the Materials and Resources category. This not only supports the local economy and community but also helps reduce transportation emissions, air pollution, and energy consumption.
Moreover, the LEED projects can earn credits for using local materials under the Materials and Resources category. To gain these credits, one must meet the distance requirements for extraction, manufacturing, and purchasing of materials.
To aid individuals in passing the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earning the certification, the USGBC provides free practice questions and answers.
In conclusion, understanding the distance requirements for local materials is crucial for LEED certification. By focusing on materials extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within a 100-mile radius of the project site, project teams can contribute to a more sustainable and locally supportive construction industry.
