added ID+C example tab and additional instructions.
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Credit achievement rate
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Credit language
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Use rapidly renewable construction and Division 12 (Furniture and Furnishings) materials and products for 5% of the total value of all materials and products used in the project, based on cost. Rapidly renewable building materials and products are made from agricultural products that are typically harvested within a 10-year or shorter cycle.
See all forum discussions about this credit »What does it cost?
Cost estimates for this credit
On each BD+C v4 credit, LEEDuser offers the wisdom of a team of architects, engineers, cost estimators, and LEED experts with hundreds of LEED projects between then. They analyzed the sustainable design strategies associated with each LEED credit, but also to assign actual costs to those strategies.
Our tab contains overall cost guidance, notes on what “soft costs” to expect, and a strategy-by-strategy breakdown of what to consider and what it might cost, in percentage premiums, actual costs, or both.
This information is also available in a full PDF download in The Cost of LEED v4 report.
Learn more about The Cost of LEED v4 »Frequently asked questions
How does this credit treat materials that come from animals such as wool or leather?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
What building components are typically purchased with renewable materials to reach the 2.5% credit threshold?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
A manufacturer is claiming that certain trees, e.g. balsa, acacia, mesquite, can be harvested within 10 years, and thus contribute to this credit. Is this acceptable?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
We are pursuing IEQc4.5 from LEED-CI as an ID credit. Are we then required to include the cost of furniture in MRc3–7?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
What building components are typically purchased with FSC content to earn this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
We’re having trouble getting FSC wood within our budget. Can we use products with another forestry certification?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Do I need to provide invoices for all of the new wood products purchased for the project, or just FSC wood products?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
I have supporting manufacturer documentation for the FSC wood used on our project. Is this enough to document this credit, or do I need invoices as well?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Can products labeled “FSC Recycled” or “FSC Recycled Credit” contribute towards MRc7? What about "FSC Mix" percentages that refer to recycled content?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Does FSC-certified wood automatically contribute to IEQc4.4 as a low-emitting material?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
We are using a lot of reclaimed wood. Should we include this in our MRc7 calculations? What about wood that is already installed on the project, in a renovation? What about wood products with recycled content?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Does FSC-certified bamboo products count towards this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
A product has FSC-certified veneer, but a non-certified core. Can we prorate the MRc7 contribution of this product based on the cost of the veneer?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Should wood used on site features such as benches or a gazebo be included here?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Is there a minimum quantity of wood that must be used on the project to qualify for this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Addenda
4/8/2016 – Updated: 5/4/2016
Form Update
Description of change:
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
1/15/2016 – Updated: 4/7/2016
Form Update
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/14/2010 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In the second line of the paragraph following "qualifies for," insert the text "MRc3.1, Materials Reuse and" so the text becomes "Also exclude reused furniture that qualifies for MRc3.1, Materials Reuse and MR Credit 3.2..."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/14/2010 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In the first line of the paragraph following "and Furnishings," insert the text "and building materials qualifying for MR Credit 3.1 - Materials Reuse" so that the paragraph reads " Reused furniture that qualifies for MR Credit 3.2, Materials Reuse - Furniture and Furnishings, and building materials qualifying for MR Credit 3.1 - Materials Reuse should be excluded from the credit calculations (numerator and denominator) for this credit."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
8/1/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
In the third line of the paragraph, replace "plants" with "agricultural products"
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/14/2010 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In the fifth line of the first paragraph, remove the text "... .2, Materials Reuse - Furniture and Furnishings." so the text becomes "...that qualifies for MR Credit 3."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
8/1/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In the third line of the paragraph, replace "plants" with "agricultural products"
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
10/9/2006
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
This CIR relates to the intersection of MR Credit 3.3 Resource Reuse, Furniture and Furnishings, and other MR credits - in particular, MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials. The LEED-CI Reference Guide (Version 2.0, December 2005) contains guidelines as to how reused / salvaged / refurbished furniture and furnishings can contribute to MR Credit 5, Regional Materials. However, reused furniture and furnishings are specifically excluded from the calculations for MR Credit 4, Recycled Content. Additionally, MR Credit 7 Certified Wood applies only to "new wood based products", therefore the value of reused furniture with wood-based components is excluded from calculations for this credit. The Reference Guide explanation for MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials, does not specifically address reused furniture. However, the Reference Guide explanation for MR Credit 3.3, Resource Reuse implies that the replacement values for reused furniture and furnishings are applied towards MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials. If this is the case, MR Credit 6 does not appear to follow the logic of the other MR credits with regard to reused furniture. If it is acceptable to exclude the value of reused furniture from MR Credit 4, Recycled Content, is it not also acceptable to exclude reused furniture from MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials?
Ruling:
Yes, reused furniture that qualifies for MR Credit 3.3, Resource Reuse, 30% Furniture and Furnishings, shall be excluded from the credit calculation (numerator and denominator) for MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials. The LEED-CI v2.0 Reference Guide (page 222) states, "Materials qualifying as reused for MR Credit 3.1 and 3.2 cannot be applied to MR Credits 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3, 4.1, 6 or 7." The logic behind these exclusions is that reuse is the motivation to purchase these products. The other environmental attributes may have been motivation for the initial purchase of the products Other MR credits reward the environmental attributes that influence new product purchases. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
8/28/2007
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
LEED-NC version 2.2 Rating System, MR Credit 7, Certified Wood, page 58 states: "Use a minimum of 50% of wood-based materials and products, which are certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council\'s (FSC) Principles and Criteria, for wood building components. These components include, but are not limited to, structural framing and general dimensional framing, flooring, sub-flooring, wood doors and finishes. --Only include materials permanently installed in the project." Is this regulation that narrows LEED credit achievement to permanently installed wood materials subject to any errata sheets, administrative rulings, interpretations, etc. that allow non-permanently installed wood materials to be included in the calculations of FSC certified wood for this credit? Also, assuming that the 50% required for credit achievement is met, please clarify 1. whether this point can be earned by including temporary wood products in the calculation of FSC certified wood products (in addition to the permanently installed wood products), and 2. whether this point can also be earned with achievement among the temporary wood products alone (without any FSC certified wood among the permanently installed wood products but by including the non-FSC-certified permanently installed wood products in the base amounts of wood products).
Ruling:
The inquiry is seeking clarification on whether temporary wood products may be included in the MRc7 calculation, and if so, whether the entire 50% of wood materials for the credit may be met by the temporary wood products. Per the LEED-NC v2.2 Reference Guide, First Edition October 2005, Errata Sheet posted November 17, 2005, as well as the LEED-NC v2.2 Reference Guide, Second Edition September 2006, "wood products purchased for temporary use on the project (e.g. formwork, bracing, scaffolding, sidewalk protection, and guardrails) may be included in the calculation at the project team\'s discretion. If any such materials are included, all such materials must be included in the calculation. If such materials are purchased for use on multiple projects, the applicant may include these materials for only one project, at its discretion." This credit is achievable through the temporary wood products alone, as long as all permanent wood products are also included in the wood total. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
4/17/2009
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
Our project is a hotel in Manhattan. The hotel is committed to using rapidly renewable materials in the form of wool carpeting and PLA fabrics. PLA (polylactic acid) fabrics are biodegradable polyesters derived from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugarcane. The hotel is also planning to use leather on the headboards in all guestrooms and would like to determine if leather products should be included in the calculations. The LEED-NCv2.2 reference guide defines rapidly renewable materials as an \'agricultural product, both fiber and animal, that takes 10 years or less to grow or raise, and to harvest in an ongoing fashion\'. Can the leather be considered a rapidly renewable material? How does the USGBC determine which animal agricultural products are included? Are there established standards or restrictions that must be met by the industry (i.e. humane treatment, use of by-products of other industries, etc.)?
Ruling:
The project team is seeking clarification on the use of leather as a compliant material under the guidelines set forth in MR credit 6 regarding rapidly renewable materials. On page 411 of the LEED NC v2.2 reference guide "rapidly renewable materials" are defined as material considered to be an agricultural product, both fiber and animal, that takes 10 years or less to grow or raise, and to harvest in an ongoing and sustainable fashion. Although leather is an animal product, it is not deemed to be rapidly renewable as the leather material or hide may not be collected until after the death of the animal. An example an acceptable renewable animal source would be sheep\'s fleece. The fleece can be sheered from the animal without presenting harm to it nor does it prevent the animal from regenerating the material. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
4/22/2009
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
We are seeking clarification on MR 7 as related to the use of FSC bamboo plywood and FSC bamboo flooring products. Similar to hardwoods, bamboo forests are most sustainable when only 20 percent of the bamboo is harvested in any given year, leaving the forest canopy uncompromised and the ecosystem intact. Poorly managed bamboo forests have detrimental effects on the local economy and the environment. With demand increasing for this natural resource, FSC certification of bamboo sources ensures proper harvesting to protect the local economy and the environment. Smith & Fong's bamboo resource was certified by the European FSC-certifier Institut für Marktökologie (IMO), who evaluated the company's forestry practices and determined that Smith & Fong met the same FSC standards as tree forests. IMO also certified Smith & Fong's Chinese bamboo plywood and flooring plant. Domestically, SmartWood provided chain-of-custody (COC) certification for Smith & Fong's North American operations, enabling the company's FSC-certified products to be designated FSC Pure, as they are 100-percent FSC material from an FSC-certified forest and have been sold and/or processed by an FSC chain-of-custody certified company. Smith & Fong's COC numbers are as follows: Bamboo forest: IMO-FM/COC-027679 Bamboo plywood and flooring plant: IMO-COC-027681 North American operations: SW-COC-003124 Will bamboo that has the appropriate FSC and CoC documentation qualify for MR 7? Can bamboo that has the appropriate FSC and CoC documentation qualify for MR7 and MR6 in the same project?
Ruling:
The project team is seeking clarification as to whether or not bamboo can be considered a compliant material under the guidelines set forth in MRc7. The bamboo products in question have been harvested and sourced by companies that possess the necessary and current certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This proposal is consistent with the credit intent to, “Encourage environmentally responsible forest management”. In addition, bamboo is often used in many of the same applications as wood products, and is considered by the FSC to be a forest product despite its technical classification as a grass. Therefore, bamboo may be included in the calculations for both MRc6 and MRc7. If bamboo is added to the MRc7 calculations, all bamboo on the project (FSC or otherwise) must be accounted for in the value for all new wood-based components for the project. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Requirements
Use rapidly renewable construction and Division 12 (Furniture and Furnishings) materials and products for 5% of the total value of all materials and products used in the project, based on cost. Rapidly renewable building materials and products are made from agricultural products that are typically harvested within a 10-year or shorter cycle.
XX%
Upgrade to LEEDuser Premium to see how many projects achieved this credit. Try it free »
Got the gist of MRc6 but not sure how to actually achieve it? LEEDuser gives step-by-step help. Premium members get:
- Checklists covering all the key action steps you'll need to earn the credit.
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- Cost tips to assess what a credit will actually cost, and how to make it affordable.
- Ideas for going beyond LEED with best practices.
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- On-the-fly suggestions of useful items from the Documentation Toolkit and Credit Language.
In the end, LEED is all about documentation. LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit, for premium members only, saves you time and helps you avoid mistakes with:
- Calculators to help assess credit compliance.
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- Spreadsheets and forms to give to subs and other team members.
- Guidance documents on arcane LEED issues.
- Sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions.
- Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.
How does this credit treat materials that come from animals such as wool or leather?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
What building components are typically purchased with renewable materials to reach the 2.5% credit threshold?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
A manufacturer is claiming that certain trees, e.g. balsa, acacia, mesquite, can be harvested within 10 years, and thus contribute to this credit. Is this acceptable?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
We are pursuing IEQc4.5 from LEED-CI as an ID credit. Are we then required to include the cost of furniture in MRc3–7?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
What building components are typically purchased with FSC content to earn this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
We’re having trouble getting FSC wood within our budget. Can we use products with another forestry certification?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Do I need to provide invoices for all of the new wood products purchased for the project, or just FSC wood products?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
I have supporting manufacturer documentation for the FSC wood used on our project. Is this enough to document this credit, or do I need invoices as well?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Can products labeled “FSC Recycled” or “FSC Recycled Credit” contribute towards MRc7? What about "FSC Mix" percentages that refer to recycled content?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Does FSC-certified wood automatically contribute to IEQc4.4 as a low-emitting material?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
We are using a lot of reclaimed wood. Should we include this in our MRc7 calculations? What about wood that is already installed on the project, in a renovation? What about wood products with recycled content?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Does FSC-certified bamboo products count towards this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
A product has FSC-certified veneer, but a non-certified core. Can we prorate the MRc7 contribution of this product based on the cost of the veneer?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Should wood used on site features such as benches or a gazebo be included here?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
Is there a minimum quantity of wood that must be used on the project to qualify for this credit?The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial » (If you're already a premium member, log in here.) |
4/8/2016 – Updated: 5/4/2016
Form Update
Description of change:
added ID+C example tab and additional instructions.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
1/15/2016 – Updated: 4/7/2016
Form Update
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/14/2010 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In the second line of the paragraph following "qualifies for," insert the text "MRc3.1, Materials Reuse and" so the text becomes "Also exclude reused furniture that qualifies for MRc3.1, Materials Reuse and MR Credit 3.2..."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/14/2010 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In the first line of the paragraph following "and Furnishings," insert the text "and building materials qualifying for MR Credit 3.1 - Materials Reuse" so that the paragraph reads " Reused furniture that qualifies for MR Credit 3.2, Materials Reuse - Furniture and Furnishings, and building materials qualifying for MR Credit 3.1 - Materials Reuse should be excluded from the credit calculations (numerator and denominator) for this credit."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
8/1/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Rating System Correction
Description of change:
In the third line of the paragraph, replace "plants" with "agricultural products"
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
4/14/2010 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In the fifth line of the first paragraph, remove the text "... .2, Materials Reuse - Furniture and Furnishings." so the text becomes "...that qualifies for MR Credit 3."
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
8/1/2011 – Updated: 2/14/2015
Reference Guide Correction
Description of change:
In the third line of the paragraph, replace "plants" with "agricultural products"
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
10/9/2006
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
This CIR relates to the intersection of MR Credit 3.3 Resource Reuse, Furniture and Furnishings, and other MR credits - in particular, MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials. The LEED-CI Reference Guide (Version 2.0, December 2005) contains guidelines as to how reused / salvaged / refurbished furniture and furnishings can contribute to MR Credit 5, Regional Materials. However, reused furniture and furnishings are specifically excluded from the calculations for MR Credit 4, Recycled Content. Additionally, MR Credit 7 Certified Wood applies only to "new wood based products", therefore the value of reused furniture with wood-based components is excluded from calculations for this credit. The Reference Guide explanation for MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials, does not specifically address reused furniture. However, the Reference Guide explanation for MR Credit 3.3, Resource Reuse implies that the replacement values for reused furniture and furnishings are applied towards MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials. If this is the case, MR Credit 6 does not appear to follow the logic of the other MR credits with regard to reused furniture. If it is acceptable to exclude the value of reused furniture from MR Credit 4, Recycled Content, is it not also acceptable to exclude reused furniture from MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials?
Ruling:
Yes, reused furniture that qualifies for MR Credit 3.3, Resource Reuse, 30% Furniture and Furnishings, shall be excluded from the credit calculation (numerator and denominator) for MR Credit 6, Rapidly Renewable Materials. The LEED-CI v2.0 Reference Guide (page 222) states, "Materials qualifying as reused for MR Credit 3.1 and 3.2 cannot be applied to MR Credits 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 3.3, 4.1, 6 or 7." The logic behind these exclusions is that reuse is the motivation to purchase these products. The other environmental attributes may have been motivation for the initial purchase of the products Other MR credits reward the environmental attributes that influence new product purchases. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
8/28/2007
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
LEED-NC version 2.2 Rating System, MR Credit 7, Certified Wood, page 58 states: "Use a minimum of 50% of wood-based materials and products, which are certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council\'s (FSC) Principles and Criteria, for wood building components. These components include, but are not limited to, structural framing and general dimensional framing, flooring, sub-flooring, wood doors and finishes. --Only include materials permanently installed in the project." Is this regulation that narrows LEED credit achievement to permanently installed wood materials subject to any errata sheets, administrative rulings, interpretations, etc. that allow non-permanently installed wood materials to be included in the calculations of FSC certified wood for this credit? Also, assuming that the 50% required for credit achievement is met, please clarify 1. whether this point can be earned by including temporary wood products in the calculation of FSC certified wood products (in addition to the permanently installed wood products), and 2. whether this point can also be earned with achievement among the temporary wood products alone (without any FSC certified wood among the permanently installed wood products but by including the non-FSC-certified permanently installed wood products in the base amounts of wood products).
Ruling:
The inquiry is seeking clarification on whether temporary wood products may be included in the MRc7 calculation, and if so, whether the entire 50% of wood materials for the credit may be met by the temporary wood products. Per the LEED-NC v2.2 Reference Guide, First Edition October 2005, Errata Sheet posted November 17, 2005, as well as the LEED-NC v2.2 Reference Guide, Second Edition September 2006, "wood products purchased for temporary use on the project (e.g. formwork, bracing, scaffolding, sidewalk protection, and guardrails) may be included in the calculation at the project team\'s discretion. If any such materials are included, all such materials must be included in the calculation. If such materials are purchased for use on multiple projects, the applicant may include these materials for only one project, at its discretion." This credit is achievable through the temporary wood products alone, as long as all permanent wood products are also included in the wood total. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
4/17/2009
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
Our project is a hotel in Manhattan. The hotel is committed to using rapidly renewable materials in the form of wool carpeting and PLA fabrics. PLA (polylactic acid) fabrics are biodegradable polyesters derived from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugarcane. The hotel is also planning to use leather on the headboards in all guestrooms and would like to determine if leather products should be included in the calculations. The LEED-NCv2.2 reference guide defines rapidly renewable materials as an \'agricultural product, both fiber and animal, that takes 10 years or less to grow or raise, and to harvest in an ongoing fashion\'. Can the leather be considered a rapidly renewable material? How does the USGBC determine which animal agricultural products are included? Are there established standards or restrictions that must be met by the industry (i.e. humane treatment, use of by-products of other industries, etc.)?
Ruling:
The project team is seeking clarification on the use of leather as a compliant material under the guidelines set forth in MR credit 6 regarding rapidly renewable materials. On page 411 of the LEED NC v2.2 reference guide "rapidly renewable materials" are defined as material considered to be an agricultural product, both fiber and animal, that takes 10 years or less to grow or raise, and to harvest in an ongoing and sustainable fashion. Although leather is an animal product, it is not deemed to be rapidly renewable as the leather material or hide may not be collected until after the death of the animal. An example an acceptable renewable animal source would be sheep\'s fleece. The fleece can be sheered from the animal without presenting harm to it nor does it prevent the animal from regenerating the material. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
4/22/2009
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:
We are seeking clarification on MR 7 as related to the use of FSC bamboo plywood and FSC bamboo flooring products. Similar to hardwoods, bamboo forests are most sustainable when only 20 percent of the bamboo is harvested in any given year, leaving the forest canopy uncompromised and the ecosystem intact. Poorly managed bamboo forests have detrimental effects on the local economy and the environment. With demand increasing for this natural resource, FSC certification of bamboo sources ensures proper harvesting to protect the local economy and the environment. Smith & Fong's bamboo resource was certified by the European FSC-certifier Institut für Marktökologie (IMO), who evaluated the company's forestry practices and determined that Smith & Fong met the same FSC standards as tree forests. IMO also certified Smith & Fong's Chinese bamboo plywood and flooring plant. Domestically, SmartWood provided chain-of-custody (COC) certification for Smith & Fong's North American operations, enabling the company's FSC-certified products to be designated FSC Pure, as they are 100-percent FSC material from an FSC-certified forest and have been sold and/or processed by an FSC chain-of-custody certified company. Smith & Fong's COC numbers are as follows: Bamboo forest: IMO-FM/COC-027679 Bamboo plywood and flooring plant: IMO-COC-027681 North American operations: SW-COC-003124 Will bamboo that has the appropriate FSC and CoC documentation qualify for MR 7? Can bamboo that has the appropriate FSC and CoC documentation qualify for MR7 and MR6 in the same project?
Ruling:
The project team is seeking clarification as to whether or not bamboo can be considered a compliant material under the guidelines set forth in MRc7. The bamboo products in question have been harvested and sourced by companies that possess the necessary and current certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This proposal is consistent with the credit intent to, “Encourage environmentally responsible forest management”. In addition, bamboo is often used in many of the same applications as wood products, and is considered by the FSC to be a forest product despite its technical classification as a grass. Therefore, bamboo may be included in the calculations for both MRc6 and MRc7. If bamboo is added to the MRc7 calculations, all bamboo on the project (FSC or otherwise) must be accounted for in the value for all new wood-based components for the project. Applicable Internationally.
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
Yes
