Natural wood claddings represent a strategic opportunity to earn significant points in major sustainable building certification systems. Proper technical specification of these materials can decisively contribute to achieving LEED and BREEAM certifications, providing competitive advantages and positioning in the contemporary architectural market.
Specific Contribution to LEED v4.1
In the LEED system, certified wood claddings can contribute points across multiple categories. In Materials and Resources, the MR Building Product Disclosure and Optimization credit awards up to 2 points for products with verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Parklex Prodema’s fire-resistant GRCLAD panels, with EPDs in the process of finalization, exemplify this opportunity.
The MR Sourced Raw Materials credit recognizes materials extracted and manufactured within a 100-mile (160 km) radius of the project, particularly valuing products with certified chain of custody. Wood with FSC or PEFC certification can significantly contribute to this credit, especially for projects located in regions with certified forestry production.
Technical Strategies to Maximize LEED Scores
Optimizing LEED contributions requires a systematic approach. Wood claddings can contribute to Indoor Environmental Quality by reducing VOC emissions and improving thermal comfort. Natural wood panels have near-zero volatile organic compound emissions, meeting the most stringent indoor air quality standards.
In Energy and Atmosphere, ventilated facades with wood cladding enhance energy efficiency by improving the building’s overall thermal insulation. The ability of these systems to reduce thermal loads can provide additional points in energy optimization credits.
Assessment in BREEAM International
BREEAM places special emphasis on the durability and lifespan of materials. High-performance natural wood claddings, with a lifespan exceeding 25 years without significant maintenance, score favorably in the Materials section. The Green Guide to Specification, a BREEAM reference tool, favors materials with low environmental impact throughout their life cycle.
The Materials Sourcing credit in BREEAM specifically values materials with responsible forestry certification. PEFC-certified NATURSOFFIT-W suspended ceiling panels contribute directly to this credit, especially when combined with regional sourcing strategies.
Required Technical Documentation
Documentary verification is critical for earning points. Specifiers must ensure the availability of third-party verified EPDs, up-to-date chain of custody certificates, and recycled content declarations when applicable. Parklex Prodema facilitates this through its comprehensive traceability system.
Environmental technical data sheets should include specific information on carbon footprint, manufacturing energy consumption, and end-of-life recyclability potential. This technical information is essential for the Life Cycle Assessment calculations required by both certification systems.
Considerations for Health and Well-being
Both LEED and BREEAM recognize the biophilic benefits of natural materials. Wood claddings contribute to occupant wellbeing, an aspect valued in indoor environmental quality sections. Selecting wood species with natural grain and texture variations enhances these benefits, particularly in spaces with prolonged occupancy.
Integrated Specification Strategies
Maximizing points requires a holistic approach that considers interactions between different credits. The specification of wood claddings should be coordinated with energy efficiency strategies, construction waste management, and indoor environmental quality to optimize overall certification contributions.
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