Final Review and Comment Period Opens for LEED 2012; New Implications for Materials Used in Construction

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has made available the newest draft of its green building rating system for public comment until May 28, 2012.  The 2012 version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) up for review contains changes pertinent to contractors, specialty contractors and manufacturers of building materials—such as a new credit addressing “chemicals of concern”. Review the draft LEED 2012 and comment online via the USGBC’s website at www.usgbc.org/LEED2012.  The USGBC accepts comment only through its website commenting tool.  Users must submit comments credit-by-credit (or for specific prerequisites).  Comments are due May 28.  LEED 2012 will go up for ballot voting by USGBC members on June 1-30. Perhaps of greatest controversy throughout the review process for LEED 2012 is the proposed Avoidance of Chemicals of Concern credit—intended to reduce the presence of potentially hazardous substances from the material supply chain. (See the Materials and Resources category.)  Previous versions of the credit would have restricted for LEED projects the use of many chemicals commonly found in building materials such as flame retardants and PVC (polyvinyl chloride).  As a result of industry response to the previous versions, USGBC has significantly changed the language for this credit.  The current version requires the use of building products and materials that meet the requirements of the European Commission EC No. 1907/2006 Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) program.  Since REACH is a non-U.S. standard, there may be long-term implications for use in LEED projects in the U.S. as the REACH program continues to develop.  It may be wise for the USGBC to retain this proposed credit in its pilot credit program until more experience may be gained. AGC is discussing issues surrounding this proposed credit with two industry coalitions and will continue to research the REACH program and the potential impact on materials used in construction.  If AGC members are aware of implications of the REACH program on materials commonly used in construction products, please contact AGC’s Melinda Tomaino at tomainom@agc.org.