855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 264
Extracted Content
Option 2. Interiors Life Cycle Assessment (1–4 points)
For tenant improvements and renovation projects, conduct a cradle-to-grave (modules A–C, excluding operating energy and operating water-related energy) life cycle assessment (LCA) of the project’s entire scope of work, including structure and enclosure (if any); ceiling; wall; flooring; and interior partition assemblies, including acoustic insulation, metal framing, finishes, coatings, and furniture. LCA data sets must be compliant with ISO 14044 . Biogenic carbon may only be included for calculations that include C-stage emissions. Include results for the following impact categories in the Interiors LCA report:
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GWP (greenhouse gases), in kg CO2e
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Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, in kg CFC-11e
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Acidification of land and water sources, in moles H [+] or kg SO2e
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Eutrophication, in kg nitrogen eq or kg phosphate eq
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Formation of tropospheric ozone, in kg NOx, kg O3 eq, or kg ethene
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Depletion of nonrenewable energy resources, in MJ using CML/depletion of fossil fuels in TRACI
Compare results to a baseline developed for the project and earn points according to Table 2.
Table 2. Points awarded for interiors LCA
| Pathway | Threshold | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | Conduct an LCA of the project’s complete interior design and compare against a baseline interiors project. | 1 |
| Path 2 | Meet the requirements of Path 1 and demonstrate at least a 10% reduction in GWP compared with the interiors project baseline | 2 |
| Path 3 | Meet the requirements of Path 1 and demonstrate reductions compared with the interiors project baseline of at least 20% for GWP and demonstrate at least a 10% reduction in two additional targeted impact categories | 4 |
REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED
The goal of this credit is to raise awareness about the upfront embodied carbon associated with interior finish materials. It aims to promote using various tools and resources to reduce embodied carbon for the interior scope of work. There are multiple options for compliance and points are earned by evaluating the embodied carbon of materials and demonstrating a reduction of GWP. This credit is meant to provide flexibility while incentivizing the completion of a life cycle analysis of the project interior based on software tools and/or product research through EPD analysis.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 253