855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 409
Extracted Content
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Refer to the most recent Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) Material Baselines report. [104]
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Consult other widely used, well-established, authoritative publications or databases in the industry and supported by extensive peer-reviewed research.
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Use industry-wide EPDs relevant to the project region (see Table 1).
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Table 1. Common industry-wide EPD data for North America
| Material | Organization |
|---|---|
| Concrete | National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) |
| Steel | American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) |
| Steel | Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) |
| Masonry | National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) |
| Wood | American Wood Council (AWC) |
| Insulation | North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) |
Tools and databases A variety of free tools and databases are available for finding EPDs and calculating embodied carbon as part of common building design software/tools, enhancing usability in design workflows. Below is a list of different types of tools and databases relevant to embodied carbon and LCA for analyzing and comparing materials and products.
The data sources within these databases vary, from EPDs, manufacturer-provided data, academic research, industry statistics, government publications, and other databases. These differences in data sources can influence the accuracy and comparability of the results. Some databases account for regional variations in life cycle inventory (LCI) data, baseline LCA values, and EPD information, while others may only support analysis within specific countries or regions. Refer to the table below for credible and widely recognized LCA tools and data sources and standardized methodologies, supported by robust, up-to-date databases.
RESULTS OF THE EMBODIED CARBON QUANTIFICATION
When tallied up, the results of the embodied carbon quantification represent the total embodied carbon calculated from the cradle-to-gate (A1–A3) stages of materials used in the project’s structure, enclosure, and hardscape. With the results of this quantification, teams can identify the high GWP materials early in design and prioritize alternatives or modifications.
Table 2. Common LCA software and reporting metrics
| LCA Software | Reporting Metrics |
|---|---|
| Athena | A1–A3 stages (cradle-to-gate) |
| Tally | A1–A5, B1–B7 stages, and C1–C4 |
104 “Carbon Leadership Forum Material Baselines for North America / August 2023”, Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF), (2023), https://carbonleadershipforum.org/clf-material-baselines-2023/.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 399