EPD, option 2 - how to know if the EPD contributes?

Hi Amanda, the Ultimate Guide to LEED on our website shows an example of the table you need to reference.  You are looking for a reduction in GWP.  Different optimized documents carry different weights, see below.   https://getgreenbadger.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-leed-v4-construction/#_...

• Life Cycle Impact Reduction Action Plan (value at ½ product)
• Life Cycle Impact Reductions in Embodied Carbon (value at 1 product)
• Life Cycle Impact Reductions in Embodied Carbon – 10% reduction global warming potential (value at 1.5 products)
• Life Cycle Impact Reductions in Embodied Carbon – 20% reduction in global warming potential and 5% reduction 2 other impact categories (value at  2 products)

Amanda

From my experience, it pretty much has to be a stand-alone document from the manufacturer or outside party that did it that confirms the reductions, that it met the standards, and reductions in other impact categories. You cannot do it from a stand-alone EPD. That's why there are so few compliant products out there (I think the guide you're referencing should be showing examples of the types of documentation that we've seen that are acceptable).

If you go to Transparency Catalogue, they have an update to date list of materials and you can even select LEED EPD Option 2 to get a full list of compliant materials.  There are not many, but there are enough to get the point if you are planful.  Building & Construction Materials

Amanda,  

Given the nature of your question, it appears that you are pursuing EPD's Option 2 under v4 criteria.  There is an addendum in the Credit Library that provides further guidance as follows: 

Inquiry:  How can products contribute to earning Option 2 of the LEED v4 MR credit BPDO – Environmental Product Declarations?

Ruling: In addition to the option outlined in the credit language, products that meet any of the following requirements can also contribute towards Option 2:

1. Demonstrate reduced impact with a product-specific EPD against an industry-wide generic EPD, provided the manufacturer was part of the study and the two conform to the same PCR.
2. Demonstrate reduced impact of the same product, over time, with two product-specific EPDs.

You will want to ensure the documents are comparable, and there is one thing that that is not addressed in the Ruling which might be worth confirming with GBCI.  Given the credit requirements, I believe it is permissible to compare (only) the A1-A-3 impacts.  This represents "Cradle to Gate", however, if you are comparing two EPD's for the same product "over time" you could possibly opt to include additional stages (modules) provided both EPD's declare them.

If you use this method, I would cite the Ruling in your credit documentation.  Finally, note that the "Optimization Plans" or "Optimization Reports" that Tommy and Lauren mention are also acceptable for documenting compliance (at the mentioned valuations).

Hope this helps.  Denise

Amanda,
One clarification to my notes above....The "valuations" of the Optimization Plans or Reports are applicable only if pursing the credit under v4.1 criteria. V4 remains cost based. That said, if you wish to pursue under v4.1 (by providing 5 permanently installed products sourced from at least 3 different manufacturers), the Ruling above would no longer be applicable, since the v4.1 guidance specifically denotes that products must have a compliant "embodied carbon optimization report or action plan separate from the LCA or EPD".