855773520-LEED-v5-ID-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 265

Extracted Content

Option 1. Reduce Embodied Carbon of New Materials

Projects can earn points by demonstrating a reduction in embodied carbon. The reduction is measured by comparing the project’s total embodied carbon to the calculated industry average. Points are awarded based on the extent to which the project’s embodied carbon is lowered relative to this benchmark, encouraging the use of low-carbon strategies such as material optimization, specification of products with lower embodied carbon impacts, and sourcing reused or salvaged materials.

To achieve this option, project teams will create a bill of materials that lists all the major materials used in the scope of work, their material quantities, embodied carbon intensities, and unit of materials in the project. For each material, the worksheet should multiply the material quantity by its embodied carbon intensity to calculate the total embodied carbon contribution for that material. Points will be awarded according to Table 1 in the credit and the accompanying embodied carbon reductions achieved.

Option 2. Interiors Life Cycle Assessment

This pathway is intended to reward projects that seek embodied carbon reductions by conducting an interiors LCA. The most significant decisions can be made to reduce embodied carbon early in projects, not after design is complete, when material substitutions may not be allowed or may become cost-prohibitive. Using a fully integrated and collaborative design process, decisions can collectively be made by the owner, designers, and contractors to substantially cut embodied carbon emissions.

The analysis can be implemented by utilizing software tools that include interior assemblies, by gathering EPDs or product-specific LCAs for interior products, or through a combination of both approaches. The LCA process must be compliant with ISO 14044 . Tools and data may have limitations; therefore, project teams are advised to document all assumptions if a full analysis is not possible. At a minimum, project teams pursuing this credit must:

• Define the project boundary and scope of work.

• Provide information on where life cycle data was obtained (document data sources).

• Demonstrate how the LCA impacts were quantified.

• Include modules A-C in the system boundary at a minimum.

• Include results for all impact categories listed in the credit

• Exclude operational energy and operating water-related energy

• LCA data sets must be compliant with ISO 14044 .

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 254