Vinyl Institute Takes Issue With New LEED

Alexandria, VA, July 10, 2013 -- The Vinyl Institute has objected to language in the new version of the LEED program, specifically in the Materials and Resources area.

U"nfortunately, the language...disadvantages or eliminates the use of many modern materials, like PVC, based on simplistic, non-consensus programs and certifications that fail to account for comparative life cycle and risk/exposure assessments," the institute said in a press release.

"The credits disregard past input of many stakeholders, including The Vinyl Institute (Environmental Product Declarations, Raw Material Sourcing, Material Disclosure and Optimization), on issues related to the parameters of the credits and could lead architects and designers to make less desirable decisions."

In addition, the institute said, USGBC has made it difficult for industry to be a part of the development process.
 
“The credits will make it difficult, if not impossible, for manufacturers and suppliers of nearly any building product to provide substantive data to guide architects and designers in the selection of truly sustainable materials,” said institute CEO Dick Doyle.