Hello LEED Pros,
I have a letter and an EPD from a manufacturer, and I want to confirm the letters validity regarding how each seperate product counts as 1 product point under the EPD, towards achieving 20+ product points to achieve the Option 1 credit.
The letter for C-F steel products, states that each product (each type of stud, different length) counts as (1) point towards the 20+ points needed to achieve this credit.
Therefore, Stud 1 at 1", Stud 2 at 2", and stud 3 at 3", will collectively = 3 product points under this EPD, towards the 20+ product points needed to achieve this credit.
They give the example of carpet (which I get) and state, 'Therefore, because they (studs) are used for different wall heights, thicknesses and applications, the each stud products can count as one point, towards the 20+ qualifying products needed under the EPD.'
Thank you for your feedback!
- AP
Dave Hubka
Practice Leader - SustainabilityEUA
LEEDuser Expert
525 thumbs up
January 2, 2024 - 8:56 am
It is my understanding that 'unique functions' will contribute to multiple products.
'unique functions' = paints with unique water resistence or cleanability, carpets with different pile heights for different kinds of foot traffic, desk chair vs. side chair, etc..
My guess is that the LEED reviewer will not consider different lengths of the same metal stud as multiple products. Similarly, the LEED reviewer would not consider the same carpet, cut into different lengths prior to delivery to the project site, to be considered multiple products.
My advice would be to try and submit as multiple products, but have a few extra products in the event GBCI does not allow you to count it as multiple products.
Good Luck!
Sarah Buffaloe
Associate, Built EcologyWSP USA
LEEDuser Expert
6 thumbs up
January 2, 2024 - 9:52 am
I agree Dave, studs at different lengths are not serving "unique functions". If the studs were different gauges or material there would be a stronger agrument that they serve different functions.
Allison Para
LEED AdministratorDobco Group
January 2, 2024 - 11:26 am
Thank you very much Dave and Sarah for the confirmation/clarification!
I thought after reading the letter, is there something I don't know?
Thanks again. I'm returning the letter to manufacturer with notes.
- AP
Glen Boldt
ZC Sustainability1 thumbs up
January 2, 2024 - 12:39 pm
Since inches and not feet were used in the description, I am pretty sure they were referring to the dimensions of the section (width and depth) and not the length. So the differences in function would mostly be about structural requirements and how much wall depth is needed for insulation.
I still think these are probably not different products for LEED EPD purposes but that's a littl stronger case.
Emily Purcell
Sustainable Design LeadCannonDesign
LEEDuser Expert
367 thumbs up
January 2, 2024 - 12:54 pm
Do the studs have separate EPDs, or separate GWPs broken out within the EPD? To me that would be a distinction that they are different products, versus a general EPD per kg of steel.
Allison Para
LEED AdministratorDobco Group
January 2, 2024 - 1:38 pm
Thank you Emily! I'm starting to see where the confusion lies, which is in the letter.
The letter indicated the studs (with various inch sizes), would each act as one point as they are used for different applications.
But as Dave, Sarah and Glenn supported,the stud function and steel material are basically the same.
In re-review of the (1) EPD:
The declared product & functional unit or declared unit: Cold-formed steel products; 1 metric ton.
The EPD has Product Specification List
Interior Framing: studs + other products; Exerior Framing: framing; Interior Finishing: beads; Exterior Finishing: beads, joints; Floor Framing product; Clips/Accessories: clips.
Thank you everyone! I did return the letter to the manufacturer in regards to the listing of studs as individual points confusion.
I'll let you know if they have a different response.
Please let me know if there is anything else and happy 2024!