PCR Committee Process & Resources: Part B

The initiative to create a core Product Category Rule (PCR) Part A and B framework in the public domain was developed with input from a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) comprised of LCA experts, product manufacturers, USGBC staff and UL Environment. The program is intended to build on existing standards and best practices for the establishment of PCRs to: - Provide a more consistent and tailored PCR framework for manufacturers of building products - Establish PCRs used to produce Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that are more aligned with USGBCs market transformation goals. Specifically around reporting pertinent methodology information, benchmarking, and better enabling the design community to leverage EPDs towards decision making around sustainability goals. The Part B template is intended to be used in tandem with the publically available core Part A. The Part A outlines the core methodology which must be used when conducting and reporting the LCA and certain core information in an EPD. The Part B template outlines the process for the PCR committee and key questions/topics that must be addressed throughout the product-specific PCR creation process. The Part A and B approach provides the core consistency in methodology across all PCR’s (Part A) while including sector-specific reporting flexibility across the building products industry (Part B). This document includes an optional EPD template which was developed for convenience to include all required reporting in one place. This does not preclude other programs from using their own EPD formats, aesthetics, or providing additional information beyond what is required in Parts A and B. Additional guidance is provided around benchmarking and ensuring that for PCRs which choose to address industry wide EPDs. Key questions are answered which enable clearer pathways for participation, representativeness, and are more in line with the market transformation goals in LEED. EPDs conforming to the benchmarking guidance found in this document and in the Part B template may produce EPDs which are eligible for conformance with both options 1 and 2 of the LEED credit Building product disclosure and optimization - environmental product declarations.