Hi all,
What happens when multiple products are gathered into one EPD? In the context of concrete and masonry products, multiple products can be used on a project, let's say 3 (blocks, pavers, slabs) . However, assuming that only one EPD has been done to cover the environmental impacts of those 3 products, how much point do you get? Are points related to the number of EPD or to the number of products. This is not clear to us.
Thank you
Paula Melton
Editorial DirectorBuildingGreen, Inc.
LEEDuser Moderator
183 thumbs up
August 29, 2016 - 9:27 am
Jean, if they are truly three different products by the definition in the ref guide, I believe they would still count as three products from one manufacturer. The EPD should have different sections detailing how the impacts change from product to product. But check against that definition of a "product" in the ref guide before submitting.
Megan White
Chief Sustainability OfficerIntegral Group
12 thumbs up
November 15, 2016 - 2:29 pm
Jean, thank you for posting this question!
We have a very similar question and looking for some guidance on assemblies and/or products that are made up of multiple materials. Additional examples: Curtain wall systems, windows, skylights, etc. Hypothetically, if there was an industry-wide EPD for Aluminum and Glass, would we be able to claim 2 Industry-Wide EPDs for a window? Or does the Window Industry need to have their own Industry-wide EPD? Or do windows only qualify for Product-specific EPDs?
Thank you!
Leanne Conrad
Project ManagerEntuitive
20 thumbs up
November 15, 2016 - 6:36 pm
Another scenario I am looking at is for concrete. While each mix design is intended for a specific purpose (walls, footings, grade beam, slab, etc) the overall purpose could be defined as the same - building construction/support/strength material. May we use the industry level EPD which was produced by NRMCA and have it count for each separate mix? My initial thought is yes, but I would like to hear your ideas as well.
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
November 15, 2016 - 6:51 pm
Given the liberal intent of the credit language here, I think you could count each mix, and similarly each aluminum product.
This should be tested with real projects and contacting GBCI to confirm, and please report back here as you go!
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
November 15, 2016 - 6:51 pm
Given the liberal intent of the credit language here, I think you could count each mix, and similarly each aluminum product.
This should be tested with real projects and contacting GBCI to confirm, and please report back here as you go!
Megan White
Chief Sustainability OfficerIntegral Group
12 thumbs up
November 15, 2016 - 7:12 pm
Thanks Tristan. We will add to our inquiry list on a specific project for December. Will report back next month!
Ashley Hu
Jr. Sustainable Building AdvisorPerkins+Will
8 thumbs up
April 4, 2017 - 8:11 pm
Hello Megan have you received a response for this question?
Also a related question for everyone, is there a minimum required amount (volume/area/cost) of product that must be used to contribute as one product for option 1?
What is stopping someone form swatching 20 different paint products onto a wall inside of a closet to achieve the credit?