22-0214 Living Product Challenge for NZ Infrastructure Typology

QUESTION

The Windsor Substation (L40C-2000000003) project team is requesting a Core Certification (Standard v09) exception for C6 Responsible Materials. The intent of this Imperative is to set a baseline for transparency, sustainable extraction, support of local industry, and waste diversion for all projects.

We would like to propose an exception for the Living Product Challenge requirement. Windsor Substation is a small electrical substation (infrastructure typology) whose interior will rarely be viewed or used. With just 53 sqm to work with, we have implemented 8 Declare Products from 5 different manufacturers, along with a fair amount of salvaged material.

1. Evcco Recycled Halogen-Free Conduit & Adaptable Box - Sydney, Australia
2. Firth Enviroblend Concrete Mix - Napier, New Zealand
3. ProClima Solitex Extasana Adhero Membrane & Adhesive - Germany
4. Nuralite Everguard TPO Membrane System & TPO Scupper- Texas
5. Laminex Strandsarking- Northland, New Zealand

However, there are no Living Products in production in New Zealand or Australia yet. If we were to have a Living Product ordered from the USA, this would go against the intent of supporting local industry and minimising waste. Furthermore, none of the Living Products currently on the market are fit for the purposes of an electrical substation, which will only be entered for maintenance purposes.

We would like to request an exception for our typology and location, with the hopes that the Living Product market in New Zealand will expand and offer a larger variety of products. We would like to propose, in replacement, an increased use of Declare Label products, as well as LPC advocacy here in New Zealand. Our hope is that through advocacy to local manufacturers who would be a good fit, we could open up the LPC market here in NZ for future LBC projects. 

ANSWER

The Institute finds that advocacy to manufacturers along with use of the proposed Declare products (8 times more than is required) better meets the intent of C06 Responsible Materials than would purchasing an LPC product that has no application in the project.

The project team may comply with the LPC requirement through installation of the proposed additional Declare products and by means of advocacy to at least five manufacturers who make products that would likely be specified on future facilities. At a minimum, the advocacy must consist of an overview of the LPC program and encouragement to engage with ILFI to find out more. Documentation of the project team's advocacy and any response from the manufacturers must be included as part of the submission for the Ready Audit.