The following is an update on where USGBC stands on recognizing multi-attribute product sustainability standards and certification programs, such as Green Squared^®, for point contributions in LEED^®.

Formerly, the use of products which were certified to meet their respective industry multi-attribute sustainability standards contributed towards LEED^® points through Pilot Credit 43. Back on March 1st, 2012, LEED^® Pilot Credit 43 was retired, and its provisions were split into two new Pilot Credits, 52 (Material Multi-Attribute Assessment) and 61 (Material Disclosure and Assessment). Right now, Pilot Credit 52 contains a “placeholder” for the acknowledgement of third party multi-attribute certification programs, but no criteria for such programs are established:

“Multi-Attribute Assessment: This option is not yet operational. USGBC is developing a set of criteria to assess third party product certifications and recognize standards that demonstrate robust development processes as well as improved environmental performance of certified product. This pilot credit will be updated when these criteria are ready for pilot test.”

What this implies is that USGBC fully intends to reincorporate programs such as Green Squared under the LEED^® Pilot Credit system.

A couple of weeks ago, the 4th and final public draft version of LEED^® 2012 was released for comment. While most of the provisions of Pilot Credits 52 and 61 were rolled directly into the Materials and Resources chapter of the rating system, criteria for multi-attribute sustainability standards and certification programs were not included since they are still being developed. Even though such criteria may not yet be developed by the time LEED^® 2012 goes to ballot, TCNA expects that a finalized Pilot Credit 52 and, perhaps, an addendum to LEED^® 2012 are on the horizon. This means Green Squared Certified products will most likely be recognized by LEED^® in the not-so-distant future.

LEED^® 2012 is still out for comment until next Monday, May 28th. Visit www.usgbc.org to comment on the importance of establishing LEED^® criteria for products which are truly sustainable, those which meet multi-attribute sustainability standards.