MR credits- which divisions?

Hi Lucy,
LEED states that the product with an EPD must be "permanently installed" in the building. This typically includes Divisions 3-10, 31, and 32. In LEED v4 some specific products that are part of these permanently installed systems but are passive (meaning not part of the active portions of the system) may be included in the credit. For example, piping, pipe insulation, ducts, conduits, plumbing fixtures, faucets, lamp housings, etc. Specifically, items that cannot be included in this credit include elevators, escalators, process equipment, fire suppression systems, and formwork.

I hope this helps!

I'm reading pg 469 from the Reference Guide and they cover Div 3-10, 31 and 32 as the traditional sections and it acknowledges that the MR credits now can incorporate other sections. Then they list 11, 21-28 and other specialty divisions. I'm going to assume they meant Division 12 but I'm rather astounded it isn't listed specifically by this given the amount of permanently installed building materials specified in Div12. Division 14 is out but Division 13 is a crap shoot. What I'm getting out of this is that they've eliminated the division restriction and are trying to figure out a way to define 'passive' systems. Or rather, I get to define what 'passive' systems they are referring to for my projects since they do not.

The big items are easy to understand. AHU, Roof top units, and pumps are 'active.' In addition to the list above, I suppose you could include wiring but not thermostats or do you because they are kind of like faucets? Cable trays are passive. But what about switchgear, transformers, and panels? My engineers are going to ask for an extensive list. Who wants to add on?

The "permanently installed" definition really needs to be clarified. Has anyone come across a better definition or a clear line between what's in and what's out? I find the "official" definition very confusing - for example why is piping included but fire suppression systems are excluded? Most of a typical fire suppression system is piping! Or does it mean the parts of a fire suppression system with moving parts like a fire pump and.... well, that's about it.

I feel like we had a working definition of 'permanently installed' in v3 but this active versus passive equipment throws shade all over the definition in my opinion.

I'm diving back into this useful conversation, with a few more thoughts. I can't ensure that GBCI will think like me, of course, but here goes:

1. The rules are different for Option 1 than they are for Option 2. For Option 1, I believe that you can include anything that's part of the contract scope and stays with the building (e.g. not removable formwork). That includes thermostats and elevators and fire-suppression equipment. If it comes with a valid EPD, include it!
2. The issue with Option 1 isn't about the cost of a product, it's about how many distinct products with EPDs you can gather. That's why there are rules about how you can count paint from the same supplier as two products if it has different gloss levels, but not if it's just a different color.
3. For Option 2, because the calculation is cost-based, the rationale is to exclude stuff that's expensive in relation to the amount of stuff it contains. I believe that the distinction between "active" and "passive" mechanical equipment is USGBC's way of making that distinction. The cost of a pump or motor or elevator is driven more by the technology in it than by the cost of the stuff used to make it, so it could skew the results of the calculation to the point where big, cheap stuff (e.g. concrete) gets ignored, while a bunch of little electronic stuff is used to earn the point. 
4. The Reference Guide does specifically say that you can include things in Option 1 without having to include them in Option 2. 
5. Finally, when it comes to Option 2, furniture is different from other stuff. If you include any furniture, you have to include it all. But with MEP equipment or other items in the optional divisions, you can pick and choose: include pipes without including ducts, for example. But you do have to be consistent across the three BPDO credits: if you include pipes in the EPDs credit, you also have to include them in Sourcing of Raw Materials and Material Ingredients. 

Is this helpful? Or just more confusing? 

Hello Nadav,

How could we have confirmation from GBCI about this statement?

From the Reference Guide, I don't believe that Option 1 and Option 2 have different rules about what material is included and what is not. (The "Qualifying Products and Exclusions" is in the MR Overview section)

What is very unclear is the notion of "passive" electrical equipement. The reference guide also mentions "non-motorized". Does this mean that contactors, breakers, power meters... can contribute to the calculation?

Thank you for your reply!

I recommend emailing your question to LEED coach: leedcoach@usgbc.org

Did anyone get clarification on this from LEED coach?

See LEED interpretation 10409 - https://www.usgbc.org/content/10409