What role do life-cycle impacts play in LEED's Materials and Resources credits?

Life-cycle impacts play a critical role in LEED's Materials and Resources credits by focusing on the comprehensive assessment of a material's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle—from production, through use, and all the way to disposal. This holistic approach enables project teams to understand and minimize the overall environmental footprint of their materials. By evaluating factors such as resource extraction, manufacturing processes, transportation, installation, maintenance, and end-of-life treatment, LEED encourages more sustainable choices that can lead to reduced waste and energy consumption.

This emphasis on the complete life cycle of materials supports informed decision-making, fostering a shift towards more sustainable practices that consider the long-term implications of material selections. It is an integral part of the sustainable building strategy as it helps to enhance resource efficiency and reduce the overall environmental impact of construction projects.