R o o f i n g S y s t e m S u s t a i n a b i l i t y
605
Figure 3: Points distribution into the different credit categories of LEED Italia 2009 and US LEED v.4
The comparative matrix applied to the case study highlighted relevant differences into
the credit categories
Material & Resources
(MR)
and
Indoor Environmental Quality
(EQ).
In
MR section
, LEED Italia has no prerequisite, while LEED v.4 establishes a new one,
which requires a mandatory
Construction and Demolition Debris Management Planning
aimed to divert debris from disposal in landfills for at least 20% of total C&D waste. The
General Contractor is awarded if he increases the diversion level or if the waste
production generated per square meter is lower that a threshold established in LEED
reference guide.
Concerning the building materials, if LEED Italia prizes the environmental attributes
(recycled content and recyclability, local production, renewability of raw materials, etc),
instead, LEED v.4 introduces a higher level of environmental quality and transparency of
products, which is rigorously life-cycle-based.
Structural and non-structural materials are split with specific credits. The current MR
credits are downgraded and their use becomes the less qualifying path for pursuing
points for the project. Instead, materials with life cycle analysis are more awarded.
LCA becomes a comparative and supporting tool for design choices in terms of structural
materials. These materials shall be less impacting than a benchmark level established
by USGBC, demonstrating their reduced impact through the data supplied by
manufacturers.
Furthermore, the use of non-structural materials with Environmental Product
Declarations (EPDs) or with a manufacturer-declared LCA is required. The main intent of
this credit is to promote the use of transparent and non-pollutant materials, with a known
life cycle. The concept of “certified materials” comes from the previous Pilot Credit 43
“Certified products”
of US LEED v.3 (2009), also applicable with LEED Italia.
0
0
26
10
35
14
15
0
3
16
12
11
26
10
15
7
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
IP
LT
SS
WE
EA
MR
EQ
PF
LEED Italia 2009 vs US LEED v.4
US LEED v.4
LEED Italia 2009
