USGBC Seeks Comments on Proposed Wood Changes

Washington, DC, Aug. 8, 2008 – The U.S. Green Building Council has opened the first 30-day public comment period for proposed changes in how the LEED Green Building Rating System awards points for the use of certified wood.

The focus of the proposed LEED credit language changes is on creating a clear set of metrics that any forest certification system must meet in order to be recognized within LEED. Currently, only wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council are eligible for LEED points.

Under the newly proposed credit language, wood certification systems would be evaluated for eligibility to earn points towards LEED certification against a measurable benchmark that includes:
•    Governance
•    Technical/Standards Substance
•    Accreditation and Auditing
•    Chain of Custody and Labeling

“The proposed evolution of the certified wood credit in LEED will help focus the forest certification conversation on outcomes and performance,” said Brendan Owens, vice president of LEED Technical Development.

“It was clear from our extensive research that the increasing internationalization of the wood supply chain, the changing ownership structure of American forests, and the increasing diversity of wood certification programs globally demanded a more holistic, transparent approach.”

The public comment period will be open until Sunday, Sept. 7..