855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 410
Extracted Content
| LCA Software | Reporting Metrics |
|---|---|
| OneClick LCA | A1–A5, and optional B and C |
High-priority embodied carbon sources High-priority embodied carbon sources such as concrete steel and insulation are responsible for significant embodied carbon emissions. There is an incredible opportunity for embodied carbon reduction in these high-impact materials through policy, design, material selection, and specification. For example, optimizing a structure to minimize the use of concrete can lower demand for concrete and reduce emissions by 22%. [105] In addition, projects can explore mandates to procure structural steel produced in the U.S. to reduce transportation emissions.
Projects must identify the three primary contributors to embodied carbon using the analysis from this prerequisite. Use strategies within design and procurement to reduce carbon emissions from the structure, enclosure, and/or hardscape materials. A hot spot analysis is mandatory to identify the most carbon-intensive materials, allowing teams to focus on areas with the greatest potential for impactful reductions.
For each of these key sources, explain how the team evaluated and implemented projectspecific strategies to reduce their environmental impact. For instance, structural materials such as concrete and steel often emerge as hot spots due to their high embodied carbon. An acceptable analysis would include examining options like low-carbon concrete mixes, recycled steel, or changes in design that reduce material use and are ideally part of an early design analysis to ensure the greatest impact.
Core and Shell only Projects must include the embodied carbon measurements and material supplier information in the tenant guidelines. This involves sourcing EPDs, conducting a WBLCA to calculate embodied carbon impacts, and documenting suppliers’ sustainability attributes like recycled content or certifications. The guidelines should offer recommendations for low-impact material selection and outline opportunities for material reuse. This ensures that tenants have information
105 “Increase Material Efficiency and Reduce Use”, Carbon Smart Materials Palette™, Architecture 2030, (n.d.), https://www.materialspalette.org/increase-material-efficiency-and-reduce-use/.
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 400