How do LEED credits encourage thinking about the entire lifecycle of materials?

LEED credits encourage thinking about the entire lifecycle of materials by promoting practices that assess environmental impact at every lifecycle stage. This holistic approach requires project teams to consider not only the sourcing and manufacturing of materials but also their use, maintenance, and eventual disposal or recycling. By taking into account the full lifecycle, LEED fosters decisions that minimize negative environmental effects, promote sustainability, and enhance resource efficiency. This comprehensive evaluation helps teams understand how choices made during the design and construction phases can influence the sustainability of a building throughout its entire operational life. This lifecycle perspective is vital for achieving long-term sustainability goals within the LEED framework.