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

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Dave Hubka

Practice Leader - Sustainability

EUA

LEEDuser Expert

510 thumbs up

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 13:56

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 Ecology

WSP USA

LEEDuser Expert

6 thumbs up

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 14:52

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 Administrator

Dobco Group

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 16:26

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 Sustainability

LEEDuser Premium Member

1 thumbs up

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 17:39

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 Lead

CannonDesign

LEEDuser Expert

379 thumbs up

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 17:54

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 Administrator

Dobco Group

LEEDuser Basic Member

0 thumbs up

Tue, 01/02/2024 - 18:38

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!

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