I am looking for a list of the typical products that are considered an assembly and thus require calculation of the assembly recycled content.
We recently received reviewer comments requesting this information, but when we look through our list of materials it appears that just about everything could be considered an assembly product. The language in the reference guide is confusing and seems to be contradictory.
How do you treat items such as wallboard and ceiling panels? What are the most common assembly items?
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11474 thumbs up
January 20, 2011 - 10:10 pm
Mark, can you clarify what the reviewer was asking for? They made this request about all of your materials, without being specific about which materials triggered the request? That seems a little odd.The example we usually give for an assembly is a piece of furniture—it's composed of disparate elements, each with different weights, and each with a different supply chain and recycled content story.In contrast, I think anytime something is coming basically from one factory and the manufacturer can easily give a recycled content figure for the item as a whole, I would question whether it needs assembly status. Carpet, wallboard, ceiling panels would all fall under this in my book.Trying to think of an "assembly" item other than furniture... windows and doors? What other items do you think are questionable?
Mark Benson
72 thumbs up
January 21, 2011 - 10:53 am
Tristan, we have always approached the credit in the way you describe and had no problem until our last two projects.
On one they asked for the following to be broken down as assembly: roof tiles, exit devices, and photopolymer signage.
On the second the only item they listed specifically was concrete, which we agree with. They go on to say there were multiple products listed that need to be broken down as an assembly, but they don't specify which ones.
Thanks for your thoughts on this.
Anne Nicklin
Executive DirectorBuilding Materials Reuse Association
167 thumbs up
January 21, 2011 - 12:14 pm
A couple of things come to mind in looking at this thread. The first is that you may want to be more selective in what you submitted materials list if you can. Include the big ticket items that get you to the credit thresholds and then leave the rest off. If it's not submitted, it can't be questioned.
Other than that, I agree with what both of you are saying. If it comes from the manufacturer as a single product, then the onus is on the manufacturer to provide you with appropriate cut sheets identifying the total recycled content. If your manufacturer gives you suspicious looking documentation (100% recycled exit signs), call them back and confirm that they're following the ISO standards.
It may just be a period of zealous reviewing as the new reviewing teams come on board.
Good luck- a