Learn how to determine which materials qualify as local for LEED Green Associate certification. Discover the distance requirements for extraction, manufacturing, and purchasing to gain credits in Materials and Resources.
Table of Contents
Question
The general contractor for a project located in a dense urban area attempts to gain a credit in Materials and Resources. Which of the following is considered a local material?
A. Quarry tile that is extracted 370 mi (595 km) away and manufactured in a city 1.600 mi (2 575 km) away
B. Stone that is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site and purchased 75 mi. (121 km) away
C. Vinyl flooring manufactured 500 mi (805 km) away but is sold at a warehouse 2 mi (3.2 km) from the project site
D. Bamboo flooring that is harvested 2.350 mi. (3 782 km) away and manufactured 200 mi. (322 km) away from the project site
Answer
The correct answer is B. Stone that is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site and purchased 75 mi. (121 km) away.
Explanation
Stone that is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site and purchased 75 mi (121 km) away is considered a local material because it meets the criteria of being extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within 100 mi (160 km) of the project site.
Local materials can help reduce environmental impacts associated with transportation, such as greenhouse gasemissions, air pollution, and energy consumption. Local materials can also support the local economy and community. LEED projects can earn credits for using local materials under the Materials and Resources category.
In the LEED Green Associate certification, local materials are defined as those that have been extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured, within a certain distance of the project site. The specific distance requirements vary depending on the LEED rating system and version being used.
For most LEED rating systems, including LEED v4 and LEED v4.1, the distance requirement for local materials is as follows:
- Extraction, harvest, or recovery: The raw materials must be sourced within a 100-mile (160-kilometer) radius of the project site.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing process must occur within a 100-mile (160-kilometer) radius of the project site.
In this question, only option B meets both criteria. The stone is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site, which falls within the 100-mile radius for extraction and manufacturing. The purchase location is not a factor in determining whether a material is considered local.
Options A, C, and D do not meet the local material requirements because either the extraction or manufacturing distance exceeds the 100-mile radius. The purchase location or distance from the project site to the warehouse or store where the material is sold is not relevant in this context.
By using local materials, project teams can support the local economy, reduce transportation emissions, and potentially gain points towards LEED certification in the Materials and Resources category.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.