Technical, science-based discipline applied to LEED rating system

Sources: U.S. Green Building Council, Washington, D.C.; American Chemistry Council, New York; CP staff

A new U.S. Green Building Council and American Chemistry Council initiative aims to ensure the use of sustainable and environmentally protective products in buildings by applying technical and science-based approaches to USGBC’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building program.

“By combining USGBC, a leader of the green building movement, with the scientific know-how of ACC, we can develop a path to stronger, science-based standards that achieve measurable progress in sustainability,” says ACC CEO Cal Dooley. “Modern energy efficiency gains, building safety advances and carbon footprint reductions would not be possible without the products of chemistry. From windows to insulation, adhesives to flooring, chemistry provides solutions that enable the energy efficient and sustainable buildings consumers expect.”

LEED is regularly updated through a rigorous development process that includes public comments, technical review and balloting. USGBC and ACC will work within that framework to incorporate advanced safety, sustainability and life-cycle based approaches to the rating system. Their initiative follows an ACC-spearheaded campaign by the American High Performance Buildings Coalition questioning aspects of the recently unveiled LEED v4, notably a pilot point provision for avoidance of “chemicals of concern.”

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