LEED Associate's Role in Calculating Materials and Resources Credits (USGBC)

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Materials and Resources (MR) credit category is a crucial aspect of sustainable building design, focusing on the evaluation of materials used in construction. This category addresses permanently installed building products, such as insulation, doors, windows, flooring, and ceilings, as well as structural elements like framing.

However, it's essential to understand which building products are not included in this calculation. For instance, elevators, being transportation equipment, are not considered permanently installed building products. Similarly, formwork for concrete, process equipment, and temporary construction materials are also excluded.

The LEED Green Associate exam, a recognised certification in the field, offers an excellent opportunity to boost one's score by learning about which building products are included in the Materials and Resources Credit category calculation. Structural framing, drywall and interior sheathing, roofing materials, cabinetry and countertops, electrical wiring and lighting fixtures, and HVAC ductwork and equipment are examples of such products.

The materials and resources in the LEED rating category refer to the evaluation of the use of materials in construction based on factors such as CO₂-reduced steel, resource efficiency, life cycle transparency through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), recyclability, and sustainable material procurement, all aiming to minimise environmental impact throughout the building’s lifecycle.

By understanding the scope of the LEED Materials and Resources Credit category, architects, builders, and LEED Green Associates can make more informed decisions about the materials they use, contributing to a more sustainable future for the built environment.