855773644-LEED-v5-BD-C-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition - Page 424
Extracted Content
Option 3. Track Carbon Emissions from Construction Activities (1–2 points)
Earn points for tracking carbon emissions during construction activities according to Table 3.
Table 3. Points for tracking emissions during construction activities
| Pathway | Type of construction-phase emissions to track | LCA modules | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Path 1 | Track all fuel and utility usage for contractor jobsite operations | A5 | 1 |
| Path 2 | Track all fuel and utility usage for contractor and subcontractor jobsite operations | A5 | 2 |
REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED
The goal of MRc2: Reduce Embodied Carbon is to implement strategies that reduce embodied carbon through the various stages of a project, from early design development through construction activities and procurement. There are several pathways to reduce embodied carbon. Each way can be tailored to different project stages and objectives.
The intention of this credit is to provide flexibility but increase carbon literacy through incentivizing completing a WBLCA alongside product research through EPD analysis. This allows project teams to earn a maximum of six points, but meeting the baseline or industry average can achieve no more than two points in this credit.
For example, if a project team aims to achieve the maximum six points for this credit but are only able to achieve a 20% reduction in GWP as identified in their WBLCA, they can take either Path 1 or Path 2 in Option 2 to earn the additional two points. Path 1 and Path 2 are not allowed to be combined. Project teams could also pursue Option 3 and track construction phase emissions to earn points in action or exclusion of Option 1 or Option 2.
Option 1. Whole-building Life Cycle Assessment
This pathway rewards projects seeking carbon reductions in the early design phases (Schematic Design and Design Development). The most significant decisions can be made early on in projects to reduce embodied carbon, rather than after the design is complete when material substitutions may not be allowed or become cost prohibitive. When 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.
A WBLCA allows projects to demonstrate reductions in life cycle stages from raw material extraction and manufacturing, through construction, demolition, and disposal and provides owners and design teams with a better understanding of the full life cycle impacts of design
U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, April 2025 Launch Edition 414