New LEED Video Provides Valuable Insights into Credits for Cold-Formed Steel Framing

Framing material selection is an important decision for designers when building owners include a green rating system compliance requirement in their specifications. The most widely recognized rating system in North America is the US Green Building Council’s LEED program, and while cold-formed steel is eligible for a number of credits, not many know what these are and how to apply them.

The SFIA posted a special video presentation called “Cold-Formed Steel and LEED” that provides a detailed explanation of the credits and points that apply to cold-formed steel, as well as available resources where applicable.

This presentation is focused on LEED Version 4. The presentation is presented by Brandie Sebastian, Director of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for the Steel Recycling institute (SRI) a unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute. She is responsible for overseeing the collection of scientific evidence through LCA activities and advancing LCA practices in all markets of the steel industry. Ms. Sebastian is an LCA Certified Professional, serves as the Vice Chair/Secretary of the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment, and is a Board member of the Athena Sustainable Materials Institute.

Understanding these systems and how they relate to cold-formed steel will influence the competitive position of CFS as more and more buildings are covered under a rating system.