Learn about the focus of LEED Materials & Resources credits on reducing life-cycle environmental impacts of building materials. Prepare for the LEED GA exam.
Table of Contents
Question
What do the credits in the Materials and Resources category focus on?
A. Reducing the quantity of materials used on a project
B. Selecting materials that are more energy efficient than traditional building materials
C. Minimizing the embodied impacts associated With the entire life-cycle of building materials
D. Helping project teams select materials that have the most environmental benefits at the least cost
Answer
The credits in the Materials and Resources category of LEED focus on minimizing the embodied impacts associated with the entire life-cycle of building materials (Option C).
Explanation
The Materials and Resources (MR) category focuses on reducing the environmental, economic, and social impacts of building materials from extraction to disposal. It encourages the use of materials that have lower embodied energy, less waste, more recycled content, and better life-cycle performance.
These credits encourage project teams to select materials that reduce negative environmental impacts across the material’s life-cycle, including:
- Extraction and processing of raw materials
- Manufacturing and transportation
- Installation, use, and maintenance
- End of life (reuse, recycling, disposal)
Specific strategies promoted include using salvaged, recycled-content, regionally-sourced, and rapidly renewable materials, as well as materials that are reusable, recyclable and durable. Waste reduction is also a key focus.
The goal is to comprehensively reduce embodied energy, greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and ecosystem degradation from materials, rather than simply reducing quantities (A) or direct costs (D). Energy efficiency of materials in the use phase (B) is addressed more directly in the Energy & Atmosphere category.
In summary, LEED Materials & Resources credits take a holistic, life-cycle approach to minimizing the wide-ranging environmental footprint of building materials and products. Understanding this overarching focus is key for the LEED GA exam.
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