What percentage of a material must make up a building component for it to earn credit for EPP?

To earn credit for Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) under the LEED Green Building Rating System, a material must make up at least 90% of a building component. This threshold is established to ensure that the majority of the component is composed of materials that meet stringent criteria for sustainability, which enhances the overall environmental performance of the building.

Choosing this percentage helps to maximize the benefits of using environmentally friendly materials, as it encourages the use of products that are not only sourced responsibly but also have lower impacts on human health and the environment. When a component consists predominantly of these higher-quality materials, it is more likely to contribute positively to the overall sustainability goals of the building.

In contrast, lower percentages such as 75%, 80%, or 95% do not align with the established criterion for EPP, thus making them ineligible for credit under this specific aspect of the LEED framework. The 90% threshold is a vital benchmark that promotes a significant commitment to environmentally sound practices in construction and helps drive innovation in material sourcing and product design.