LEED points for wool carpets

As we all know it can be challenging to navigate the requirements for the USGBC rating system. I’ve heard people in my industry (flooring) say, “Our product will get you LEED points” or “This is a LEED-certified product.” Well, it’s just not that easy.

In fact, the US Green Building Council does not endorse any product. It is the attributes of products, how they are made, and where they are made, among other factors, that can contribute to the achievement of points under the different paths available to building owners and tenants (Certified = 21-26 points; Silver = 27-31 points, Gold = 32-41 points, Platinum = 42-57 points). With such a low number of points, so much to gain in their achievement, and so many variables in the achievement of each, it’s understandable why mis-guided novices are confused.

The nice thing about wool is that it is a renewable resource and can be counted under MR6 Rapidly Renewable Materials along with linoleum, bamboo, and cork.

As far as I understand there is really 1 point that is dependant on carpet- 4.3 below.


LEED Indoor Environmental Quality Credit 4.3: Low-emitting Materials – Carpet

While it's true that this is the only LEED point completely dependent on carpet and supporting products like adhesives and cushions, a project cannot obtain a point under this credit unless all carpet products in the entire project meet the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Indoor Air Quality Test requirements for VOC content.



LEED Innovation Credits

As a single component of built facilities, it is typically impossible for carpet alone to obtain an Innovation credit under LEED. However, carpet can contribute to other innovation credits being sought by the project team, including educational programs and interpretive displays, innovative maintenance programs, and others.