A contractor is pursuing LEED points for regional materials. The project is located in Miami, and a supplier offers materials manufactured 450 miles away in Atlanta. Do these materials qualify for LEED regional materials credit?
Correct Answer
C) Yes, because they are within the 500-mile radius requirement
LEED regional materials credit requires materials to be extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. At 450 miles, these materials qualify.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
LEED regional materials credit requires that materials be extracted, harvested, or recovered AND manufactured within a 500-mile radius of the project site. Since the materials from Atlanta are manufactured 450 miles from Miami, they fall within the 500-mile requirement. This distance criterion helps reduce transportation impacts and supports the local economy, which are key goals of the LEED regional materials credit.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Yes, because they are from the same region
While Atlanta and Miami could be considered part of the same southeastern region geographically, LEED doesn't use vague regional boundaries for this credit. The requirement is specifically distance-based (500-mile radius), not based on general geographic regions or cultural areas.
Option B: No, because they exceed the 500-mile radius requirement
This option incorrectly states that 450 miles exceeds the 500-mile requirement. Since 450 is less than 500, the materials actually meet the distance requirement and would qualify for the credit.
Option D: No, because they must be manufactured within the same state
LEED regional materials credit is not restricted to materials from the same state. The requirement is based on distance (500-mile radius), not political boundaries. Materials can come from different states, or even different countries, as long as they're within the 500-mile radius.
Memory Technique
Remember '500 and GO' - if materials are within 500 miles for both extraction and manufacturing, you're good to GO for LEED regional credit
Reference Hint
Look up LEED v4 Building Design and Construction reference guide, Materials and Resources section, or Florida Building Code Chapter on Green Building Standards
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