The United Stated Green Building Council (USGBC) strives to evolve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard so the design and construction of buildings are environmentally and equitably just. A recently launched Social Equity within the Supply Chain pilot credit is intended to create more equitable, healthier environments for those affected by and involved in the production of materials and products, including the stages of raw materials extraction, processing, manufacturing and assembly of components and products. Specifically, the credit wants to drive material suppliers to demonstrate compliance with the Fundamental Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and basic human rights at work, including Freedom of Association, Abolition of Forced Labor, Elimination of Child Labor and Equality. More details can be on the USGBC pilot credit website.
The Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC) is referenced as an approved program to meet the pilot credit. The CSC offers compliance due to criteria such as Human Rights and Labor Practices within its certification. Also, the CSC framework guides a producer to enhance and elevate environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices so that they can meet ongoing trends of supply chain sustainability and responsibility. In addition to this USGBC pilot credit, the CSC has already been acknowledged in the world’s largest green building rating system BREEAM, as well as in the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure’s ENVISON rating system.
The trend in reporting ESG practices is growing; and with similar criteria being discovered in green building construction documents and specifications, procurement decisions are evolving beyond price and performance. Where material suppliers demonstrate ESG practices, increased business opportunities can be realized.
CSC is integral to Strength Through Transparency, the Build With Strength campaign and for member and industry competitiveness in the green building marketplace.
For more information, contact James Bogdan at jbogdan@nrmca.org or 412-420-4138.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association