Codes and Standards

USGBC answers Congressional critics over LEED 2012 credits on building materials

After over 70 Congressman wrote to the General Services Administration criticizing proposed LEED 2012 credits on building materials, the US Green Building Council has started to fight back. The criticism pertains to proposed credits that may encourage alternatives to certain building materials now used in energy efficient buildings. USGBC’s response said that “some industry trade associations have deployed false rhetoric about job losses, chemical bans, and high costs to the taxpayer.”
June 26, 2012

After over 70 Congressman wrote to the General Services Administration criticizing proposed LEED 2012 credits on building materials, the US Green Building Council has started to fight back. The criticism pertains to proposed credits that may encourage alternatives to certain building materials now used in energy efficient buildings. USGBC’s response said that “some industry trade associations have deployed false rhetoric about job losses, chemical bans, and high costs to the taxpayer.”

“LEED v4 [previously known as LEED 2012] will not ban any chemicals or products,” the USGBC says. “LEED v4 utilizes private?market incentives to reward companies that produce more transparent, well-documented building materials. There is no ‘red list’ of banned chemicals. Furthermore, the materials credits contemplated for LEED v4 are completely voluntary.”

GSA is not currently evaluating LEED v4 since it has not been issued. Instead, the agency is evaluating LEED 2009—the latest version of the standards—and two other certification systems as part of its regular review of building standards. The review could lead to replacing LEED with another sustainability standard.

(http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/233637-chemical-industry-bristles-at-green-building-standards)

NOTE:This information is the opinion of the author/blogger and not the official position of IAPMO.

About the Author

Dwight Perkins

Dwight Perkins is the Senior Director of Field Operations for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and orchestrates the code adoption efforts of 11 other IAPMO Field Service regions as well as directly working with the state code agencies in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Oregon. Mr. Perkins has more than 35 years experience in the plumbing industry starting as an Apprentice in Alaska moving through the ranks to become a Journeyman Plumber and Business Manager of with UA Local 262. Prior to joining IAPMO, Perkins served in the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly while worked as Deputy Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. He is extremely familiar with the demands jurisdictions face on a daily basis and he is particularly well suited to address those needs. Mr. Perkins may be contacted at IAPMO at 503-982-1193 or email [email protected]
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