Mechanical Equipment

yes and no.

passive products within the mechanical systems may be included in credit calculations. (e.g. pipes, ducts, conduit, plumbing fixtures, lamp housing, etc.)

Special equipment such as elevators, escalators, process equipment, and fire suppression systems are excluded.

Hi all, Per Interpretation 10409 you can use special equipment.

10409 | U.S. Green Building Council (usgbc.org)

Great find Adam!!

thank you for sharing!

All,

Please note that there are some additional related notes in the "Resources and Tips" tab for the BPDO credits in the v4 Credit Library.  The following is from "Sourcing of Raw Materials" -

• "Ensure that the products listed in the BPDO Calculator fall only under Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) 2012 MasterFormat Divisions 3-12, 21-28, 31 (section 31.60.00 Foundations), and 32 (sections 32.10.10 Paving, 32.30.00 Site Improvements, and 32.90.00 Planting)".
• "Be sure that there are no active elements of the MEP systems in Divisions 11 and 21-28 or special equipment included in the numerator for Option 2".

Regarding the Credit Library - It is worth noting that Interpretation #10409 is listed in the Addenda for "Sourcing of Raw Materials" and for "EPDs", but I have not been able to locate an associated Ref Guide correction.  Also seems odd that is is NOT listed in the Addenda for "Material Ingredients" (but the same "tips" are listed for each). 

In the absence of a Reference Guide Correction (please direct me if you know where to find it), the first bullet above is in complete alignment with the MR Credit Overview in the V4 Reference Guide provided the included items were not "Active Equipment".  For example, piping or a sink in Div 22 could contribute.  The caveat here is that the Overview fully excludes Active Equipment from contributing to MR credits wheras Interpretation #10409 clearly allows Active Equipment .... however, the "tips" say they may not contribute to Option 2.

Does anyone see additonal guidance where the MR Credit Overview may have been updated?

@David
For some reason I get alerts when you comment (I'm a "follower" perhaps?) so thanks for alerting us to this!