Sustainable Product and Building Life Cycle Assessments

Increasing LEED Building Certifications in Georgia and Beyond

At Epsten Group, we help our clients look beyond the present day impacts of their building projects and the products used in those buildings. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods we examine environmental impacts in all stages of the design of a product or construction of a building. With the LCA results, we can show manufacturers, owners, architects and designers where the greatest opportunities are to improve the environmental impacts of their product or building, which has contributed to many LEED building certifications in Georgia, the nation and around the globe. Epsten Group has on-staff expertise in both Whole Building LCA and Product LCA, and our skilled team members will work with you closely throughout the certification process.

Why do an LCA? The reasons for conducting an LCA vary slightly depending on whether you are aiming for a product or building certification.

As a manufacturer, an LCA allows you to optimize the environmental impacts of your supply chain because the LCA produces data on the impacts of all of the materials and processes. Pinpointing the source of the major contributors to environmental impacts can significantly reduce those impacts and lead to potential cost savings. Additionally, you may be able to gain a competitive advantage with an LCA or Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as clients begin to seek more sustainable products or those that comply with the new LEED v4 requirements, or keep pace with competitors who have qualifying LCAs or EPDs.

As an owner, architect or other member of a building project team, a compliant whole building LCA will help you achieve a LEED credit in LEED v2009 or LEED v4. When integrated into the design process, a comprehensive whole building LCA can inform not only which materials are best environmentally, but also which materials are most energy-efficient and resilient, saving the owner and tenants energy and maintenance costs over time. Though some environmentally preferable materials may come with an initial premium, there are often short payback periods or government incentives that can make these alternatives more viable.

Demand for more sustainable products and buildings is continuing to increase with increasing public awareness of the environmental and human health impacts of the buildings we live and work in. Epsten Group can use life cycle techniques to ensure your products and buildings are leaders in sustainability, and that you have the tools necessary to continually improve your efforts.

Whether you are interested in an LCA in order to help achieve LEED building certifications, to improve your process or building, or both, Epsten Group has the expertise to assist with your project. Our multi-disciplinary team includes:

• An LCA Expert
• Over 30 LEED Accredited Professionals
• WELL Accredited Professionals
• Registered Architects
• A Green Globes Professional
• Energy Modelers
• Certified Energy Managers
• Professional Engineers

For more information, visit our Building Certifications or EPDs pages.