Clarification from USGBC to PCI
When calculating material costs for Materials and Resources (MR) 4 and 5 for LEED credits, PCI (Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute) was recently asked to clarify what was included as it relates to precast concrete. The clarification request was due to two sentences on p. 372 of the 2009 LEED reference manual, which states, "Materials costs include all expenses to deliver the material to the project site. Materials costs should account for all taxes and transportation costs incurred by the contractor but exclude any cost for labor and LEED Reference Guideequipment once (emphasis added) the material has been delivered to the project site."
In the past, PCI instructed Coreslab Structures and other precast producers to use the FOB costs of materials delivered to the plant (and excluding labor costs) in determining these costs. However, the implication of the previously quoted sentence is that labor and equipment prior to the material being delivered should be included.
For clarification, PCI contacted an individual who served on the USGBC task group for the MR section. He confirmed that, for precast, all expenses (taxes, labor, equipment, etc.) incurred by the precaster prior to arriving at the project site should be included in precast's material cost. He drew the parallel to a cabinet manufacturer, who wouldn't supply the cost of the wood and glue, but rather the cost of the finished product.
If you would like to use the standard PCI LEED submission templates for MR4 and MR5 simply click on the link for each.
Sustainable Design Guide
Sustainability is often defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Worldwide, people are currently using 20% more resources than can be regenerated. In particular, the U.S. population consumes more resources on a per capita basis than any other nation.
The environmental impact of constructing and operating buildings in most countries is significant. Consider that buildings consume 65% of the electricity generated in the U.S. and more than 36% of the primary energy (such as natural gas); produce 30% of the national output of greenhouse gas emissions; use 12% of the potable water in the U.S.; and employ 40% of raw materials (3 billion tons annually) for construction and operation worldwide.
Building materials can have a significant effect on the environmental impact of the construction and operation of a building. Some materials may have to be used in special configurations, or employ different combinations, to achieve sustainability; the inherent properties of precast concrete, however, make it a natural choice for achieving sustainability in buildings. Precast concrete contributes to sustainable practices by incorporating integrated design, using materials efficiently, and reducing construction waste, site disturbance, and noise.
Although most consumers are concerned with the present and future health of the natural environment, few are willing to pay more for a building, product, process, or innovation that minimizes environmental burdens. The concept of sustainability, however, balances sustainable design with cost effectiveness. Using integrated design (also called holistic or whole building approach), a building's materials, systems, and design are examined from the perspective of all project team members and tenants. Energy efficiency, cost, durability (or service life), space flexibility, environmental impact, and quality of life are all considered when decisions are made regarding the selection of a building design.
From initial consultation to engineering, from plant production to jobsite erection, and finally
project closeout and certification, we at Coreslab Structures will continue to provide dependability
and quality service.
Coreslab Structures (TAMPA) Inc.
6301 N. 56th Street
Tampa, 33610
813-616-1141
fax: 813-623-6406
